3 Phase - worth the effort??

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Hi Guys;Have just built my new work shed.  Power to be connected soon.  Should I go for 3 phase power?My shed will be used for a variety of functions, including w**d working, mechanical repairs/restoration, a distillery and a place to drink copious amounts of beer/moonshine and tell outrageous lies to my mates.And, of course, to practice my new found knowledge (I would not be so presumptious as to call it a "skill" in your presence) of welding.  I have found that our 240v supply seems to power up everything that I previously used.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Global warming = rising sea levels = more fishing spotsBring it on...
Reply:I don't know about where you live but I would take 3 phase if I could AND it didn't cost me too much to have it installed. I often see used 3 phase machinery at super prices because no one wants them. I just looked a a nice ironworker thats dirt cheep, I'd love to have it but it's 3 phase. It's also huge and weighs a ton but thats another matter. That said it would cost me a fortune to get 3 phase at my house. Not worth it for the posible tools. I will keep it in mind when looking for a shop in the future.
Reply:If 240 single phase powered every thing you got to ask yourself if you will be upgrading to any three phase equipment in the future? If not why pay the price? Of course if you're planning on running motors over 10 hp, reversing motors and of course 3 phase welders jump on it.
Reply:3 phase is awesome, you can get some really large ( both physically and amperage wise ) welders for dirt cheap, I would love to find a nice 5-600 amp machine for carbon arc gouging.That being said you can run almost any 3 phase machine with a VFD from ebay very reasonably. If you can get a 3 phase machine for cheap get it.insert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:I like the idea, too, for the availability of surplus large equipment.  What is the market for such in Oz?Is there an extra charge for the service?
Reply:I am about to fnd out what the cost will be when the electrician gives me his quote.  I am pretty sure that there will be a lot of heavy gear going cheaply.  When my father in law died last year, he had three large metal production lathes (all 3 phase) that we could not even give away.  Apparently the effort to come and pick them up in a western town was not worth effort or transport costs[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Global warming = rising sea levels = more fishing spotsBring it on...
Reply:3 phase isn't really necessary unless you are running some serious machinery.The Welder Shop has great deals and reviews on Hobart, Miller and Lincoln Welders.
Reply:I have no idea what you kangaroo herder's (joke) power situation is. In the US unless you are running some serious machinery 3 phase isn't needed. You will be spending money on equipment that you can't get anything for when you go to trade it in or sell it.I used 3 phase welding equipment in a shop for years. When the company I worked for decided to do away with company welders and laid my job down they had a devil of a time selling the shop equipment and got very little for it. I just stood back and laughed.If it makes economic sense, go for it. You will have to be the one to figure that one out.
Reply:I would love to have 3-phase (and a bigger shop).  There has been  alot of smokin deals on used equipment I have had to pass up on cause I dont have 3-phase power to run them (or a big enough space to use them).   If you can get the 3-phase put in for at all a reasonable price, I say GO FOR IT!   Then you can get the Big One!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:at least in my area you have to have an actual reason to have 3 phase before the power company will give it to you I had it at my old place and I really miss it
Reply:If you can get it without having to pay a bunch, get it.  it opens up a lot of doors for equip. and you can get full power from inverters...Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I reckon if its inside your budget go for it, If you consider your shed an investment certainly. It gives you options .Its true what the others are saying about 3 phase gear you'll pick it up for peanuts.(Remember "He who dies with the most toys wins!").Where were you born ? It cant be FNQ ! (They cant count up to 3!)Your Cockroach mate BrettA good guess is better than a bad measurement