Originally Posted By: JeffMc
Have you taken a look at http://zenstoves.net/ ? Lots of interesting ideas there.
Unfortunately this site has a lot of dead links.

For the TC - there are 2 ways the mesh is usually attached to the frame - soldering and welding. The later could be of different types as well (i.e. point weld, bead weld). So, definitely try pre-burning it gently. If it will survive - it's usable. And I doubt it may emit any fumes after pre-burning.