Getting 3-phase power

[border-rider]

I'm making the rash assumption that something that looks like a small gray dustbin with big insulator thingies on top is in fact a transformer. 

If it has 2 insulators on top, it's a single-phase transformer.  I just went for a wander, and we also have one of those, serving a different bit of the farm.  2 overhead wires in, three conductors out.

[LEE]

I sense we have a thread full of people who drooled over Fred Dibnah's self-built steam workshop here.

[David Martin]

I sense we have a thread full of people who drooled over Fred Dibnah's self-built steam workshop here.

rats! spotted!

[Valiant]

A diesel genny all the way. The power companies would charge an arm and a leg, not just for the power but also the installations outlay.

I'd recommend a HushGen made by I think it's FG Wilson. Very reliable, quiet (almost silent) and seems quite efficient too. A lotta metal for the money, last time I brought one (2006) t'was £2.5k for an ex-rental, fully serviced and maintained and re-engined in 2003, so practically brand new where it mattered for a 30kVA 120amp (40a/phase) beastie.

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

Move to France.  EDF came to provide me with a supply, assumed my unconverted barn would be used for industrial purposes and provided 3-phase cabling, all-in cost €1000.  My near neighbour is 3-phase all the way and is moaning because his water heaters is knackered and 3-phase are a lot dearer than 2-phase.

[Cudzoziemiec]

FiL has 3-phase. He just asked for it when the house was connected to the mains. But that was 1975, and he's an electrician by profession (or should that be trade?). There's a separate meter, but no horrendous extra charges. But that's in Poland.

He's talking of moving, so you could save a bunch in installation and power charges, not to mention the asking price of the house, but your commute might take a bit longer. 

[rae]

Hmmm.  Poland.   That is indeed quite a hike to work, but at least you have proper winters there!