Mac,
I use the above method without the face plate, using the
wood worm screw in the chuck...
The hole needs to be about 3/4" deep but sometimes I'll make it up to 3" deep to
use as a depth guide when hollowing..

I thought this person 'wanted' to use a face plate. I rarely use a face
plate for anything. I start my bowls between centers as I mentioned in
an earlier post. I feel that I can get the wood balanced better than I
could by just eyeballing center. I don't use a bandsaw either. Just
knock the corners off with a chain saw.

I do like the idea of drilling a deep hole as a depth guide. I really
hate making funnels.

Harry