On Oct 8, 2013, at 11:56 AM, Bert Thomas <bthomas at brothom.nl> wrote:
  Op 2013-10-07 21:35, Paul Koning schreef:
  It's worth pointing out that 3-phase power
isn't as big a problem as
 it used to be.  You can get a 3 HP (3.5 kW) "variable frequency motor
 drive" for not a lot over $100.  That will convert 1 phase 220 volt
 power to 3 phase 220, at the frequency of your choice.  So if the
 issue is not the current but the need for 3 phases, this will do it.
  
 Paul, where can I get those for that kind of money?
 Overhere I have never seen anything below EUR100,- and even then it is mostly 1 HP max.
 Regards,
 Bert 
The one I have (for my lathe) is a Teco Westinghouse FM50-203-C.  I just looked it up on
the website of the company where I bought it before (FactoryMation); it now shows up as
$196.  It's been maybe 3 years since I got mine, but I'm pretty sure it was just
around $100 back then.
        paul