Question for the group: Fireplace Screens: What is a good screen material to use? Any special tips as to how to attach the screen to the frame? And finally, where is a good place to get the screen material.
Thanks for your time and help with my simple question. Jim C.

Jim C.,

Check Mcmaster-Carr for all types of metal screening. Just do a search for "screen" on their homepage. www.mcmaster.com

For the screen, you may try some light guage expanded steel, which should be available at a steel yard or at a hardware store in small quantitys.

McNichols Wire sells fireplace screen and a 6 or 8 mesh is a good size. However, it is somewhat expensive so you may want to contact a local smith who has some if you only want to do one or two. McNichols has a $100 minimum - I was able to talk them into giving me a piece 17' long x 36" wide. They can also sell you other material types such as brass, copper, stainless, etc.

Dona Meilach has a book called "Fireplace Accessories" which is a good source of both design and some degree of technique. You will probably need to make a set of stretching tongs to get the wire taut and that is covered in the book.

I used some 1/4" hardware cloth from Lowes and MIG welded it to the screen I made. Kind of a PITA to "stitch" on there (you learn very fine control doing this, I assure you ) but the effect is nice IMO and it does keep the sparks and cinders off the hardwoods.

Check it out here http://www.alchemyforge.net/even-more.html

gone

You might also check here they have: copper, S.S. bronze, plain steel and more in lots of sizes!
http://www.twpinc.com/twp/jsp/product.jsp?type=33
hope this helps

did I mention that the harware cloth was only $8 after tax? Just thought I'd add that after seeing the websites with $100 min order and min 18sq ft order @ $4.17/sq ft.

Thanks for the information all.
Kristopher -- nice work at your site.
Jim C.

Thanks! (and my inlaws live in Perry, too)
To be fair, I can't really afford the more expensive screening materials.... If I could, I would have used something different but it's economics meets immediate need. Post pics when you're done

Jim,
Mike George had a nice looking screen in the gallery at our last conference. He obviously has a source for mesh.

Don't get hung up on screen or mesh for a fireplace screen. Try etched glass, or stained glass, or hammered and punched copper sheets.