running 3 phase motor on 1 phase 220 to generat 3 phase

about 12 years ago a freind of mine and i wired up a woodshop with three phase motors, we used 1 20hp 3 phase motor witch we started spinning with a 1/2hp motor via a belt around the shaft, then apllied single phase 220, and the motor ran. we then wired 3 phase on to the rest of the motors from the 20 hp. the 20 hp acted as a 3 phase generator to start the rest up to about a total of 18 hp. i want to do the same thing agan and can't remember just how we did it. i don't have acess to the origninal setup (500 mi away and freind is dead). i know it works we used it for three years making rocking chairs.

can anyone helpe me would be much appreciative

A Google search yielded this.
SINGLE to 3 PHASE CONVERTER

I've got a 'how to' thread on this in the renewable energy section.

thanks that got me in the right ballpark. i must have been using the wrong terminalagy.

jim

Here's the best and most information in one place on the web for 3 phase from single phase; **broken link removed**

Cary