Welding cables?

I would love to get detailed information on one or two of these old machines to see what the yelling is all about. It might be that it is not as bad as people think to convert to single phase. The internet, and particularly google, is no help at all Here is what I think

1...The control board/ controls are almost never 3 phase. They are normally operated off 1 of the three and often low voltage like 24V or so

2....The power supply is often 3 separate transformers, in a 3 phase lashup. Ignoring the fact that you need more amperage on a single phase line, you can wire all three in a single phase and that should work. If the main supply is actually a single 3 phase transformer, then you are sunk. Unless of course, you happen to be able to get a single phase transformer "cheap."

3...If the welder has any 3 phase motors, such as a cooling fan, then that/ they would have to be replaced by the appropriate component, either 120V or 240V AC

4....On that note be CAREFUL trying to haywire any 120V components into a 240V equipment. Years ago, some of these were (single phase) 2 wire (hot) + ground. 3 phase were 3 wire (hot) + ground. The ground is green/ safety/ GROUND and NOT neutral. Connecting a 120v fan to the case/ grounding conductor is NOT code nor is it safe. You need ---for single phase-- 2 hots + neutral + ground.