step down transformer rod?

[KCW]

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?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

No, it would be a really poor transformer.

 

[KCW]

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

 

[audioguru]

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.

 

[Hero999]

You need a laminated transformer.

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