steel vs. clay fixture

[jerry keller]

I'd like to make a fixture for putting glass onto that would have a post about 1-2" tall coming off the base. If it were done from steel rods welded onto a base plate, I'd probably have to use fibre paper to protect the glass from the steel, and I'd like to stay away from this component. If it were from clay, I'd assume I could put kiln wash on it, and fire away....
Any thoughts on this, or other suggestions?