This week I pulled the trigger and ordered the PM-1440GT with a Hitachi WJ200-022SF 3HP, 230V,1PH Frequency Inverter. This is my first and I guess only lathe I will ever own so I figured go big and send it or don't even try. Any suggestions for a newbe for reference material? I have a few months wait ahead of me and have some ideas as to some projects but I want to be smart about it so I don't break it. This has been a life long dream and I'm setting myself up for my retirement years to keep busy. Thanks for all the input on the other threads. Great bunch of folks here.