third project that I completed was my 4kW phase convertor. Originally I had a small static one but with the larger mill it would not cut it. This design wasw based on the info from the workshop practice series 'three phase conversion'.
The step up transformer is a modified cytringan 180A stick welder, that also still serves as my AC stick welder(£30 ebay)

The idler motor is a 4kW unit from ebay (£40). This picture shows it running unloaded, the voltages are better matched with some load:

Gubbins - main contactor, idler thermal trip, driven equipment thermal trip, start capacitors and relay as well as run capacitors:

Works well, runs larger equipment than the static machine does and smaller equipment more smoothly that the old static. At about £120 all in was much cheaper than putting an invertor on all mu machines, although clearly you have no ability to change speed.