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I know 3 phase is more efficient but is efficiency lost when you use a phase converter of some sort? I would think a 3 phase motor ran by a converter would actually be more inefficient than if you just used a single phase motor but I'm not sure.

Could you explain this statement more? I'm not understanding why you would loose torque at low RPMs. The motor always runs a constant speed on the lathe.

I've built several phase converters for other people. I've always been told to go at least a few hp over the motor you're trying to run. I've recently added a 3 phase lathe to my home shop and have all the stuff to build a rotary converter. I'm thinking I may just go with a static unit though...

The heck with a replica! I've got some plans around here somewhere for a real M2 (semi-auto of course).

If you don't know how to build a phase converter out of a old 3-phase motor let me know. Just cross chain around the base. You can mess it up chaining around the head or something. That's how we haul them and haven't had a problem. We aren't in the habit of laying trucks on their side though...

I've got a nice Bridgeport about that size with DRO. I know just enough about it to tear stuff up. If nothing else they make a heck of a nice drill press. :) All I seem to do with my lathe is eat tools. I suspect it's operator error.