step down transformer rod?

Hello,

I am in the passions of making my own step down transformer. I want to make it from scratch, I know ...crazy. At any rate, I am aiming to use it in a welder, which I also plan to make from scrath. My question, and I hope I can get some advice, is this, can I simply use a thick iron bar as the core? Meaning I would wind the primary coil at one end of the bar and the secondary coil at the other (actually so they almost meet in the middle). Would this actually work?

No, it would be a really poor transformer.

I'm interested to know what your thinking is on that. theory...

The core of a transformer is a continuous circle (or a square), not a rod.
The core of a transformer is laminated and the laminations are insulated from each other to prevent eddy currents.

You need a laminated transformer.

See the following thread.
**broken link removed**
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/arc-welding-safety-first.31825/