Abstract: A method of forming a burner for a gaseous mixture of fuel and an oxidant mixes a random mix of refactory fibers, the fibers being predominantly alumina and silica, and then forms a burner body from the fiber mix. Passageways are then formed in the burner body by perforating the burner body with pins. This is achieved by providing comb assemblies each having a plurality of pins, which are pressed into the body from either side and then removed, and the body is then indexed for further sets of holes to be formed. The burner body can be treated with colloidal silica and subsequently baked to bond and preshrink the fibers, both before and after the forming of ports or passageways.