How many more conflicting opinions do you want? I bought that Penn
State chuck about a year ago and have put 20 # chunks of wood (trued up
first) and never had a problem. The only way it will let go of a piece
of wood is if the spigot isn't properly turned in the first place--no
different than any chuck. I just use the tailstock for the third hand
when mounting wood and then leave the tailstock there until I get
everything lined up, solid, and the outside trued up. I'd say buy one
if you don't want to put alot of $ into turning right now. Sure it's
not as nice and it's clunky, but it works fine. You can buy that same
chuck at Packard now for a few dollars more. They may have them in
stock--I don't know.

Earl