Help! Cant find soft iron rods

[vk2cjc]

Hi all. I am building a magentic motor and need to find some soft iron rods. I thought this would be easy, but I cant find any anywhere. There are a few physics lab supply companies in the US who supply 1/2 inch diameter by 6 inch long rods for about $25 a pack of 10, which would be a perfect size. BUT... they dont supply to Australia where I live.
Can anyone suggest a supplier or suggest how I can get my hands on some soft iron cores?

Thanks
Jack
PS, sorry if this has been covered before, I'm a newbie )

[Paul-R]

I believe welding rods are the right material.
Any car body welding shop should have three
inch stubs discarded in a bin somewhere which
they may give you for free or a packet of biscuits.

Is it also called Swedish iron?
Paul.

[vk2cjc]

Thanks Paul. If I knew exactly what kind to get, I'd buy a pack of new rods. Anyone know what type of welding rods are right?

Jack

[Paul-R]

I think this sort of thing should do:
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100333&ts=34191&id=15688
But instead of spending the money, if you go to a big supplier, they might well
give you one for appraisal. Ring them up and ask for one to be put in the post
and then try it out.

You will need to chip off the flux coating.