Paul,
Just do an internet search for Orthodontic bands, and the world will open onto you for a huge variety of sizes, colors, shapes and prices. But, these items are generally very inexpensive and are easy to use.
I will just put on the appropriate sized bands to handle the size of the blank where a guide will be placed. Slid them down from the tip top - arranging them in the correct order. When doing this I will always put on two or three extra bands in case you need one more.
Put the guide in your desired location and slip the bank over the guide foot up to the middle or so of the guide foot.
I modified a pair of diagonal pliers to give a very sharp fine tipped cutters to cut the bands when needed. By having the pliers handy, it is easy to do about 4 or 5 wraps on the guide, then nip the band and finish the wrap. By using nippers, there is no chance of scratching or marking the blank as would be the case if you used a razor blade or razor knife to cut the band.
A pair of Cuticle nippers work extremely well to nip the bands when needed. Close cut nipping and extremely sharp.
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Best wishes.
