ArtMetal

Your fireplace doors look great. They have the hand crafted look to them. I think your last method of using a "friction fit" is the easiest and best way for placing framed fireplace inserts. I use the same method except I only use two 1/2" diameter bolts on each end. The angle iron frame is thick enough to overlap the fireplace opening so that I can get a tight fit.

I also want to recommend the use of self-standing fireplace grilles as an alternative. If done properly, they can give you as tight a fit as the inserts, and you don't have to do an installation at all. Here's a picture of the end of one of my self-standing fireplace grilles. I incorporated the handle and the foot rest into one forged element. This particular piece went to a client in New Zealand. No way I could have done an installation on this one, and the client liked the idea of a removable fireplace screen because he said when he sold his house, he was planning on taking the screen with him.

Keep up the good work Gerald! It's really nice to see some traditional hand forged metalwork.