Three to Single-phase Transformer Conversion

[shanes]

I'm trying to use a three phase figure 8-shaped (one phase coil per horizontal part) transformer from an ark welder on single phase supply, at its rated voltage & freq.(60h.z.,220v,250A.) Initially with all three coils in parallell with line, buzzed & drew 50A no load. I inverted the middle coil so as to not force the fluxes against one another and it drew 25A no load and much quieter. I FIND THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL COIL, OR ANY END ONE PLUS CENTER WILL "BEHAVE" AND DRAW 2-3A. IF ALL THREE OR BOTH ENDS ARE ENERGISED 25A.

Would anyone see how to, or why it may not be possible to,
CONNECT ALL THREE COILS IN A WAY THAT THEY WOULD COOPERATE?