So I'm making a DIY Firepit as a gift and local by-laws require I have a Fire Screen.. (Such As). However, all the ones I've seen in store are crazy expensive. I figured I could make one but I'm running out of time and options, so far we've considered:
Cover the entire pit with metal and then cut slits or drill holes in the top. I hate this option because you would lose the actual view of the fire. Not to mention the amount of holes/slits we'd need to make. Also weakening the metal left in between the cuts.
Make a frame and weld a wire mesh onto it. Simple right? Not. I haven't been able to find a decent mesh in stores, online neither or shipping is way too long. I wanted to use at least 16 gauge wire but the mesh openings need to be quite small to actually work as a fire screen..
Which brings me to my latest idea. Grab some 16 gauge wire and weld the mesh manually however I like. Now.. This means lots of welds, lots of wire. Would it hold up with constant heat from the fire?
Any ideas? Opinions? Screen needs to be ~28" x 36". Have access to home welding machine and pro welder.
**Online links for Canada (QC) only. Shipped by this weekend at latest preferably**