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i would go with sigle phase motor.get right h.p. with same frame it will direct interchange .might have to rewire control wiring depending on whats used to start it.most three phase equipment have step down transformers for the control wiring.

 

About 8yrs ago I searched phase convertors for my 10HP Speedaire. By the time I would have the full 10HP it was pretty heavy amperage and about $1700. I thought about selling it. Got a jumbo deal and I'd see a bit of profit, but then what would a spoiled brat like me do for air? A big enough unit would have cost me the same or more than what I could have peddled mine for and I'd get less CFMs for free! Time to visit the Graiger catalog. 10HP Farm Duty Single PH, same frame, 10 less RPM. Out the door, $648 give or take a few bucks, but less than $650. I asked the counter man to discount it as far as he could and it went from $749 to $599. So now I have 205gal, 36CFM @ 175PSI, and it cycles in 1min 20sec from 125 to 150. Fills from empty in just under 7min. Considering all factors including energy cost, it's a win because it runs so little compared to a lesser CFM unit at 2/3 the amperage. Think about all of it before you try the convertor. They usually operate at a percentage of HP loss. Not too critical on a Brigeport or a lathe but I don't think you'd like your electric bill with a convertor. Just sayin. Ask for a deal wherever you shop for a motor and run it at full capacity. You'll also have a way more valuable compressor that's already converted to single phase...valuable for a long, long time.

 

After giving it some thought , The down side is your using more electricity to run a piece of equipment. My homemade converter works well if your running a lath or machine shop equipment. With an air compressor once it reaches top pressure it shuts off, but the pony motor would still be running using electricity even when not needed. The most cost effective way would be to just change out the motor to single phase 220 volts. I would hunt around to find one.