So I've been trying to use pattern cloth, and the cloth I own is clearly insufficient for the task.  I also have a dusting of glass fiber on pretty much every surface which I am constantly cleaning up.  That crap makes me paranoid I'll develop some lung ailment.   

The bending cloth for neon production is known as transbestos, or non-bestos, and typically is purchased from the the sign supply distributor in your area. However, I haven't bought any in a while so I have no idea if they tend to keep it in stock. West Coast Custom Designs sells rolls of it. They are 75' rolls so it will last a while. Or, if you know of another neon shop/maker near you maybe they would go in on a roll with you to split, since it's a little pricey. Here's a link: https://www.wccdusa.com/high-temp-fabric-pattern-paper

Hmmm.  That's where my roll came from.  Perhaps I'm just expecting it to last longer than it does, or maybe I'm too rough with it.  I was thinking maybe other folks were using something more robust like a welding blanket or something, but then those probably are not meant to withstand the extreme heat.

I know some who have used a screen in between to help lengthen the life span of the cloth, cause it is pretty pricy

Transbestos is what I currently have in my studio and it is actually a different material from the more glass cloth type of thing that WCCD sells.  I have used both and actually like the stuff they have, but it is different than the Transbestos.  Both materials will leave your arms itchy after a while of having them resting on the table, and both will eventually burn through, given enough use.  If you want a sampling of the Transbestos, get a hold of me directly and I could cut some off of the roll.