hello!
i was going to purchase a x2 mill and a micro-mark 7x14" lathe. The micro-mark mill could not cut copper, and fried all the electronics while trying. i returned the lathe and got my $ back. I knew the same thing would happen with the x2, so i was going to buy the grizzly x3 mill. However, here is what i have found looking:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bfs/506179370.html
Is that a no-brainer? i talked to my mom and she said we could get a 220v outlet in our house. Is 3 phase any different? I need something reliable and likely to work for a long time. Advice is really appreciated. I am mostly cutting copper stock and aluminum. I am bidding on a rotary table: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=330198613283&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI
Which is big enough for what i am doing. General advice greatly appreciated.

Regards

There is no way you will have 3 phase power in your house, mega $$$ to get that added.

Many people run 3 phase machines using either an VFD (variable frequency drive) inverter ($200-500 depending on HP) or a rotary phase converter ($300-1000+).

The VFD gives you the advantage of precise speed control down to low rpms, with decent torque. The disadvantage is that they usually give something other then a true sine wave output, which can shorten the life of the motor that it drives. Many people intentionally buy 3 phase mills so they can get this type of precise electronic control (e.g. the Grizzly G0519).

VFD is something like this 2HP version for $230:
http://item.express.ebay.com/2-HP-VFD-VARIABLE-FREQUENCY-AC-MOTOR-SPEED-DRIVE_W0QQitemZ140192704246/

The rotary phase converter is actually a motor coupled to a generator, and delivers true sine wave output, but doesn't give you the same speed control (at least on the cheap versions).

Rotary converter looks like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3HP-Soft-Start-GENTEC-BALDOR-Rotary-Phase-Converter_W0QQitemZ250198379915

There are some "static converters" that are really cheap (like $80). Don't buy them; they deliver a bastardized output derived by running one of the legs through a capacitor or inductor to make it lag the other phase by 90 degrees... so you don't end up with three phases 120 degrees apart... which means your motor will overheat and not last long at all.

alright thanks for reply. I ordered the grizzly x3, with a rotary table.

Regards :D

p.s. sorry for wrong section, but i cannot find out the difference between a 1 and a 2 phase vice... can someone elaborate?

thanks so much.
happy new years