Hi from a newbie in Wiltshire

[hlnoob]

Hi, Used to work in a tool room years ago on an HCT but moved away from engineering things some 20 odd years ago. The Hardinge was so good i could not think of having any other lathe.

Just got an hlv to play with. unfortunately its a 440v 3 phase and i only have 240v single phase uk.

I am looking for a cheap way to get it up and running. I don't want to re-configure any of the internal wiring as i want to eventually restore it and want to keep it in an much of an “as built condition” if possible.
I was thinking about making a rpc with a step up transformer from Airlink, They do a 240v to 415v from stock but i am waiting for a quote on a 240v to 440v custom one, It also seems i need a neutral to run the feed control?

Ii was thinking if i wired the idler motor in a star config this may provide what i am looking for. I already have the idler motor which says its a 2.5Kw 440v to 480v Y. Am I on the right track or am i talking rubbish?

I could do with it running asap as i need to make some bits for a biodiesel processor i am making , I was just going to put the transformer output on the idler motor and connect to the lathe, when i have a bit more time I want to refine the rpc design to get it a bit more balanced, I only need to make a few small items from brass so no big cutting loads, I don’t even need the feed to be working for these bits but if possible it would be nice.
Seems I have rambled on enough for my first post and if anyone is still awake and can offer any input on what I am trying to do it would be appreciated.

Cheers

Vince