I am a new wood turner. So far I have turned a few bowls and some bottle stoppers. Today I was turning a bottle stopper from a piece of bacote and I had a slight catch. The drill chuck (#2 MT holding a mandrel with the blank on it) came loose from the headstock and I was able to stop the lathe before it completely flew out and off the lathe. I put the chuck back in and twisted while pushing in to help ensure a more positive lock. This did not help as it happened two more times.
Keep in mind that I had already done all of the major turning and was cleaning up the end where the tail stock's live center was supporting the other end. Is there a better option than having a drill chuck in the headstock? It seems that the slightest chatter/vibration will send this thing flying. I do have a Oneway Talon with various jaws, including the smooth spigot jaws. Would it be a bad idea to use a 1/2" steel mandrel in the Oneway, or is there a better drill chuck solution for the headstock?