Handy rod rest
 

In case it helps anyone, I used expanded metal to make a pair of rod rests. Bought a 5"x7" piece on Ebay for US$8, sliced it in half with a grinder then bent it in a vise (persuaded it with a hammer). Lastly, used a file to smooth out rough tips. Not much work.

It's stainless so will not conduct heat away from glass as well as soft steel.

Good idea!

That's great! Thanks for sharing!

Very Smart.