Three Phase Power

Hi All,
Has anyone ever used a single phase to three phase rotary phase
converter to power a variable frequency drive VFD(which itself runs a
three phase motor)? Is it a good/bad idea?

Anything I should be aware of, plan or prepare for?

Has anyone built their own such converter or have suggestions on
this? (I've already read http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/ph-conv/ph-
conv.html)

Thanks,
Jeff