Ky Jon,
I'm pretty sure I know how you know.In addition to that, I got my first full size lathe from a scrapyard, took it all apart, replaced everything that needed replacing, cleaned, repainted,reassembled and readjusted it.I don't think there is a way I could have learned more about how and why a lathe works, than this.By 220 service, I guess you mean volts.My first lathes and milling machime used 120v, but now half my machines are 220 3phase.I had to show my house electrician how convert to 3phase, but now it works like a charm.Anyway, when you make something yourself and mess it up-so what? Make another. The messed up one might be materisl to start another project someday.
Mike
