On my old table I used 1/4" X 2 amgle iron for the burn slats & bolted them in. After they were burned up beyond use I tack welded new 1/4" X 2 strap to them for a second life. After that toss them out & start over. On the new machine I am building I plan on using 1/4" X 3 HR strap placed on edge in the "combs" mentioned by others. What ever you decide, price first. I had planned on using 3/16" X 3 HR for the slats but when I priced material I found the 1/4" to be cheaper than 3/16 or 11 gauge sheared. May be different from your supplier.
If it works.....Don't fix it!