Steve, I have built two phase converters by using 1-1/2hp electric motors and large capacitors. Both motors were given to me by the local electric motor rebuilder/retailer. One was brand new, but had arrived with the base broken and was replaced, the other one had its shaft broken (?) off flush with the front bell housing. Ran perfectly. One capacitor came from my worn out 5 ton central air conditioner and other one was given to me by the motor company that gave me the motors. Therefore I have no money tied up in the convertors at all unless you count the cost of replacing that air conditioner!! I know where there is a large home made (40 hp I think) phase converter running a backwoods sawmill near here. No capacitor was used on that one, but they have a small electric motor that they belt to it to get it spinning and after that it continues to run so they throw the starting belt off of it. I say build your own converter. Scrounge around and see what you can find. Wiring is so simple it is hardly worth mentioning. Jesse in somewhat wet West Tennessee USA > Chaps > > My first post and it's a question for any and all to answer :- Has > anybody out there got, or used, phase converters ?. I'm just on the verge > of > building the new workshop for an attempt at a 41/2" Burrell but will need > bigger > machinery than I have at the moment, which really means going to 3 phase. > I > have heard good and bad things abut these bits of kit but would rather > hear > from people in the know (as it were). I have definately been told that a > rotary > will be better than a solid state. ALL replies, good or bad, will be most > welcome. > > Steve > Bodgers Retreat, Burwell > > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, > modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject > line. MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.