Convert Lincoln AC-225 to DC Welder

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Can anyone help me find or build a dc welder reactor? I have a Lincoln AC-225 welder that I converted to DC. I made a full-wave rectifier using some surplus military diodes that are more than adequate for DC welding. I made a "reactor" using 1-inch steel rod (insulated) and some coated rectangular copper wire wound around the rod. The welder works pretty well in DC mode, but I wonder if using a "real" welder reactor would make the welder work better. Also, would adding a large capacitor across the DC output help significantly? I have searched the internet for information on this, but haven't found anything satisfactory, short of buying a reactor for $110 to $150.  Thanks very much for your help and suggestions!
Reply:Years ago I converted mine, and had a neighbor who happened to be a electrical engineer help me with it, He had a oscilloscope on it and he wasn't happy until I found two large capacitors to put into it. I used what I think was called a wave form transformer and the diode bank out of a junk welding power supply. When I was done it worked excellent but 1/8 7018 was all I could do on DC. And it was about 75# heavier. Maybe check out your local welding supply house, you might get luckyI always tried to work with the oldest hand on the job to gain knowlege but now I can't find any.
Reply:Nevermind read the the title only.FelonLast edited by Felonyass Monk; 03-16-2010 at 08:14 PM.Caution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:I made a "reactor" using 1-inch steel rod (insulated) and some coated rectangular copper wire wound around the rod.
Reply:http://www.proto-power.com/dc_cheater.htmlThere are no small projects
Reply:Thank you for the replies.  However, I think I have solved my own problem.  I have a Harbor Freight Mig-171 welder that has an internal 'reactor'.  I called HF and ordered a replacement reactor for about $40, including shipping.  This appears to be a fairly heavy duty, COPPER WOUND, reactor that seems like it will do the job perfectly.  Granted, the delivery time is 6+ weeks, but, I can't seem to find a more reasonable, higher quality, reactor anywhere.  Everyone says HF items are junk, but this copper wound inductor has a higher quality appearance than the ALUMINUM wound transformer in the Lincoln welder.  What can I say.  If it works well, I'll post the results. BTW, the HF Mig 171 is great, and I am about to do the "capacitor modification" described elsewhere in Welding Web.  Thanks again for the replies.
Reply:you ever get this done?
Reply:i know its old but you could try emailing this fella for infohttp://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ255324087He must think its really special,i never paid that much for my idealarcFelonLast edited by Felonyass Monk; 01-21-2011 at 01:49 PM.Caution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Surplus center has a reactor for 50 bucks.You reactor is small,wound mine on a 2 1/2 8 inch piece of tractor axle.The core should be in a frame.A capacitor will raise the open circuit volts to 96 an smooth the output.It improve the arc strike.A laminated steel core would be better.Make sure your wiring is heavy enough to handle welding current.