I have. 1/4 HP 3 phase gear motor on my smaller bead roller 98:1 ratio with 698 lbs of torque. I'm using a 1/4hp 110 volt VFD it is a great combo.
http://allmetalshaping.com/album.php?albumid=125
I have a 1/3 HP DC gear motor on my deep throat bead roller it also works great! Both have variable speed forward and reverse
http://allmetalshaping.com/album.php?albumid=33
If I only had one choice it would be the 3 phase with 110 volt VFD.