Hozzie,
The electronic braking with the VFD can stop the chuck in about 1 second, which is really nice for close work in near the chuck. If you end up with either GT model and need some help with the VFD install, let me know and I will give you a hand. I previously owned the 1340GT and also worked on a couple of 1440GT lathes, both are very fine lathes and one can do very accurate work with either. Having a bit more heft and having a foot brake to lock the chuck for hand tapping is a plus for the 1440GT. The 1440TL is a beast, but mighty nice. If I wasn't already tooled up for a 1340 lathe, I would have gone for the 1440TL, but I purchased my ERL1340 from QMT and it does everything I need. The ERL/TL are about 4" wider in the the headstock, so that may be a factor.
Mark
Well, I will probably take you up on that. Just told Matt to go ahead with the 3 Phase 1440GT. The good news with the wait is I have plenty of time to read the plethora of info out there and plan well (hopefully). I have read some of the VFD threads before so I will go back to those and re-read. I am sure there will be questions upon questions coming so thanks in advance! The good news is that I am pretty good with the search function so I'll try not to wear out your generosity.