These are my thoughts
The VL300 has a 2 kw motor the VL 240 has a 1.5 kw motor is the additional 25% (0.5 kw) a deal breaker
VL300 fixed head VL240 swivel head
My understanding is the swivel head mechanism on the VL 240 is a good example of a swivel head My question is can dust and debris cause an issue with the lathe
Stuart Batty recommends a fixed head because of the issue with dust and debris becoming trapped beneath the headstock but is this an issue with some lathes but not the Vicmac Vl240
Does the option of the swivel headstock outweigh any disadvantage
Cost
United kingdom VL300 £5450 VL240 £5250 a difference of £250