DIY AC Cable advice

Williwonka- Great information and very timely for me. 

I have two questions, if you will. 

1. What stud size on the spades?
2. Do you have additional sourcing information? I can only find tin plated or really expensive spades, e.g. Cardas. 

Thank you. 

1. They would be #8 or #10 - 10 gauge spades
2. There are a number of electronics retailers online - like this one

https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-12-to-10-AWG-Standard-Fork-WP5825290/_/N-qe7?EndecaKeyword=spade...

I have not tried this company because I have a local supply company

The plating is immaterial since the crimping and the clamping plates in the connectors punch right through the very thin plating layer

Any more questions - ask away :-)

Thanks, I was looking for bare copper, and having a hard time.