Hi everyone. A very simple question (but perhaps one with a complicated answer). I've been enjoying turning pens and small objects on my mini lathe for a while now but have decided to take the plunge and start bowls. Along those lines, I am in the process of putting together a budget to outfit my humble shop with a larger lathe and the necessary basics for bowl (and perhaps someday hollow vessel) turning. I am planning to purchase a heavy duty lathe (probably a Powermatic 3520B). I like the powermatic since I don't want to have to go bigger later and I'm not prepared to shell out the scratch for one of the premium monsters (i.e. a oneway, robust, etc).
My question relates to the chuck requirements. What would you bowl gurus consider the appropriate chuck to purchase for bowl turning? I'll admit, I'm pretty uninformed at the moment. Seems like some use a 4 jaw chuck while others favor a vacuum chuck, etc. I can see the attraction of the vacuum chuck if I graduate into hollow vessels. Since I'd rather do it right from the beginning, can you give me some guidelines on what I should acquire at the start to attach "stuff" to the lathe? Specifics on brands would be helpful. Much appreciated. Sorry if this is a well worn topic.
Rick