This is somewhat redundant, but I have the stronghold and use it on both the SS and my mini lathe - you can purchase both size adapters.
I used a chuck in a Woodcraft class (Nova midi chuck?) that tighten by squezing two rods together. I found it very difficult to get it tight enough and it didn't have near the holding power of my stronghold.
If I were buying again, I'd probably buy the talon. It's really all I need and it's smaller, lighter and cheaper than the stronghold.
I also have both the SS lathe chisel sharping jig and the Wolverine jig. Since buying the Wolverine, I've abondoned the SS jig.
I also purchased the SS bowl turning set on an email special and I've been very pleased. I reground the gouges into fingernail grinds and they work great. I also have some Sorby gouges and the SS seem comparable to me.
One more thing, make sure you get a wood worm screw with the chuck. I use the worm screw on every bowl to hold the blank bottom out so I can turn a spigot or dovetail on the bottom -- turn it around and mount in the chuck. Having the worm screw mount in the chuck allows the chuck to stay on the lathe.
Finally, let me just say that whatever decisions you make will be fine, just get to turning. I find turning a box, a bowl, a toy top, a weedpot or whatever to be very relaxing and very enjoyable. I use alot of green wood so the material is free. That is good because I've used alot of wood blanks learning this part of woodworking.
Lathe Chuck Question
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Thanks Greenville Guy.
I ended up getting the Teknatool Supernova2 at Woodcraft. It works pretty much the same as the Talon, although I think it is more comparable in size and weight to the Stronghold. It was much cheaper than the Stronghold and a bit cheaper than the Talon. I made the long drive to Woodcraft so that I could look at both and compare the machining and operation. They seem pretty much equal in all respects.
I did order the SS bown turning set, and can't wait to get started on some bowls. I think I am going to Wolverine sharpening kit that you mentioned. I should have bought it when I was at the store.
JeffG
I ended up getting the Teknatool Supernova2 at Woodcraft. It works pretty much the same as the Talon, although I think it is more comparable in size and weight to the Stronghold. It was much cheaper than the Stronghold and a bit cheaper than the Talon. I made the long drive to Woodcraft so that I could look at both and compare the machining and operation. They seem pretty much equal in all respects.
I did order the SS bown turning set, and can't wait to get started on some bowls. I think I am going to Wolverine sharpening kit that you mentioned. I should have bought it when I was at the store.
JeffG