Ingmar Krause asks about converting 115 volts to 230 volts.

In Canada, as in the US, the usual wiring for dwellings includes both
voltages.  It is relatively simple to install, or have an electrician
install, an outlet that delivers 230 volts.  (The electrician will say,
"You mean 240 volts?" and he'll be right.  That's what the power
company thinks they're selling you.  It's anywhere from 220 to 240
by the time it gets to your house.)

It is generally legal to do your own wiring except in certain cities
and in the Province of Quebec.  Make sure to follow the standards
required in your area, which are usually the wiring code put forth
by the NFPA [National Fire Protection Association].

Here are some situations where this solution won't work:

 - You expect to use the equipment at some place other than your home.

For outdoor use, simply buy a generator that supplies 240 volts.
They are not hard to find.

 - Your equipment has a synchronous motor, instead of a "universal"
   motor.  You'll then need 50 Hz, not 60 Hz.

There are frequency converters commercially available.  For a bit
of information see  http://www.50hz.com/unitsize.htm#design

Remember that any converter you use must be rated to handle the
_starting_ current that the motor will draw.  If the motor's shaft is
jammed or stuck, you could be drawing the starting current for several
seconds or even several minutes.

Peter Neilson