A friend had an entire shop of 3 phase machines, and only single phase coming into the house.
He had one motor that was larger than any of the 6 or 8 machines.
That 3 phase motor created the 3 phase that would run any of the machines.
He simply had a switch that could connect the 2 wires of 220 to the extra motor.
He had a pulley on the extra motor, and would wrap a rope around the pulley.
He would give the rope a good pull, like starting a gas engine.
With the motor spinning, the single phase 220 switch was turned on.
The motor would then run.
While the motor was running, it was inducing the needed voltage into the third leg.
Three wires were connected to the same terminals as the incoming 220.
These three wires would have the 3 phase that ran any of his machines.
What I just described is the poor mans rotary phase converter.
It works.
One cool feature,, wrap the rope on the motor pulley in reverse, then pull.
Once started, the 3 phase output would run the wired equipment backward.
Sometimes, reverse is needed,, cheap, too. (actually, free!!)
This is exactly how a rotary phase converter works,,
instead of a rope, it uses the "kick" of some capacitors to get the extra motor spinning.
One other negative,, it uses a little extra electricity,,
Who cares, this is a one man show,, not a production shop.
When you get to the point that the machines are producing a $6.5 million income per year, get the power company to bring you real 3 phase.
Until then, enjoy the 3 phase that will cost as little as $100 to get you up and running.
