Shopsmith Forums

Hi,
I am not quite sure what type of turning I will do, but it will range from long spindle medium size bowls, to smaller pieces.
I am thinking of getting the Stronghold, but is the Talon better?
Any advice is appreciated.
Is the Stronghold a safer chuck to use?

Consider 'bigger and heavier' also means more stress on the quill bearing(s) and cylinder. May not be much, but it is real.

I use a talon and it works just fine. I have turned a 14" segmented bowl with it.

I use the talon as well. Like it has already been said, the stronghold is heavier and will possibly put additional stress on the quill. The talon has met all my needs thus far.

When I asked a professional turner that question his answer was similar to many of the above. The Stronghold is quite a bit heavier which can lead to increased wear and tear on your bearings. If you are turning large objects then you need it but from your post it sounds like the Talon will be fine. I would start with the Talon and then if you need something larger you can always buy the Stronghold. Having multiple chucks is handy.

Troy

I started off with the talon chuck and also use it with the jumbo jaws.

I also wanted to turn larger plates & bowls and found out that the mega jumbo jaws only worked with the stronghold chuck. I waited until Rockler
had a 20% off sale and ordered both pieces. Nice savings. Now I am happy
I have both chucks.

I have jumbo jaws for my talon chuck?? That was how I was able to turn the 14inch segmented bowl. I need to get another set of rubber holders though I am finding that stacking them will really be helpful on some bowls.