Make sure no chips in the way
Tim, Here is a little bit more to add. When you cut the tenon it should fit the profile of the jaws as close as you can get. I have a tool made that it cut to fit the profile of the dovetail jaws and it is foolproof. It the depth is a little shallow that creates some trouble but the at the bottom of the dovetail cut make sure it is completly flat and the jaws make good contact with the wood. So what I do is take the bowl off the lathe and mount the chuck to the bowl while bowl is on the bench. This way you can see if there are any chips or obstructions stopping you from getting complete contact with the wood and jaws. Also don't make the dovetail cut to big around, meaning if the jaws are completly expanded they will grip less than if they are open about 1/8" -1/4" between the jaws. The closer the jaws are to a complete circle the better the grip as the pressure will be equal around the jaws. Hope this helps.
Jeff