So, how do you power a 12kw three phase power supply on single phase in a home garage? Answer: You dont.

Three options available.

1. VFD: Well, we saw how well that worked out
2. Phase Perfect, it is a device that electronically creates the third phase. They work very well and can give you power better than utility quality. But one that can run this power supply is about $5k. And draws at least 100A at 240 single phase.
3. Rotary Phase Converter. For this supply I would need about a 40HP phase converter to run at 12kw, that draws up to 150 amps.

I have a 100A service.

Answer: You dont.

So, how do you run the power supply? A generator. A lot of military generators out there have three phase output as standard. I found a old (1956) military generator that will supply 12.5kw at 208 or 240 three phase. Just what I need and the price is not bad. It is not terribly efficient but it is my cheapest option. This one used a Willys jeep engine as the engine and has been modified to run off of propane which is nice since I dont have to worry about gas going bad in it while it sits. I also dont need to worry about the fumes killing me.

Yeah, my neighbors are going to LOVE me!