...I recommend you go buy a 30" bar of 3/4" diameter mild steel, which should cost about the price of a meal at McDonalds, and try to hand file .010" off the diameter the full length. I'll check back with you in August. Oh, and keep it round too.
Not saying I could or would want to, but this is just machining and probably very doable with careful layout. I do see your point about the time involved. It's just that it might still require more time and much more skill to strike the new diameter rod well.
