Cheap cloning options - any ideas????? (Sep/30/2009 )

Hey,

I'm about to start cloning, but due to lack of funds I need to avoid kits. My main use of cloning will be basic PCR product sequencing, nothing fancy. I already have the resources to create competent cells, so the biggest problem is the plasmids. Does anyone have any advice on;
1) best sources of plasmids (ones that can be mass cultivated and harvested),
2) methods for harvesting plasmids, or
3) any other advice on cheap methods for cloning, including your favourite (cheap) enzymes.

Cheers M

Micro on Sep 30 2009, 01:50 AM said:

Do you need to clone the PCR products? Direct sequencing of the PCR products avoids the need to clone them...

Direct sequencing is my normal course of action.... but this gene has multiple copies and there will be variations within the PCR products, so cloning is going to be needed.