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.
