I'm looking to upgrade some of my shop equipment, and I'm tired of the lousy quality control and metal casting coming out of Chaiwan. I'd love to buy American/Canadian, but the remaining manufacturers are priced so high they're out of my ball park.
In looking at much of the used Oliver/Northfield/Yates equipment for sale out there used, the vast majority seem to be three-phase motors. Working out of my home, that would mean either replacing the motors or getting a phase converter. I could get into a static converter for about $200 - $250, but then I'm looking at 70% max power.
I'd prefer to go the rotary route, but of course, then I'm looking at $600 - $700 for even a small unit.
Can anyone tell me about their experience with such a beast? I know the "quality" of the power coming out of a rotary is still not as good as true three phase, but does this cause any damage to the motors over the long haul? Are there any other headaches they present?
Thanks in advance.