EO,
After I had written the above reply, I realized that you did get a variable speed machine, and thus the advantages of the VFD over the phase converter are questionable. Truely I do not know the fine points of this comparison. By now you have probably received your phase converter, and I'd like to hear what you think of it while operating the BP. A few guys I know dislike the sound of the running rotary phase converters, so they have located them in a remote location. One fellow located his in the attic of his garage/shop, another guy located his in the loft/haymow of his shop/ barn. I would guess that different brands and sizes create different amounts of noise, and of course we each have quite different individual tolerances for noise and frequencies. I know that my Baldor brand VFD does create a high frequency pitch when connected to my BP. I haven't determined whether the noise is generated by the VFD box or maybe the BP motor windings (but probably both??).
Hey, you grew up on a farm, my youth was spent in crowded cities, but 45 years ago wife and I bought a place in the country, but close enough to work in the suburban schools. I began part time small time farming with a Ford 8N tractor, and the farming bug bit hard. My oldest son and I are still farming together, and facing the many challenges of the equipment maintainence, marketing, and climate change. I enjoy the challenges, but they sure can be frustrating at times. 2 of my kids have degrees in ag engineering, so the farming bug bit them too.
Best wishes for a good Labor Day weekend!
Paul in MN