Mine comes stock with a 4 jaw 8". I'm going mostly from my brothers recommendation here, he's been a machinist for 25 plus years. Literally his first comment upon seeing the lathe was you need an 8 inch chuck. Followed by, "why's it on a lift kit" followed by, "why is the spindle forward/reverse wired backwards. :lmao:
I have had a four jaw chuck as well as a three jaw for 15 years. I also have two collet sets for this lathe. I think I've used the 4 jaw once in all that time. It weighs about 140 lbs and is a PITA to mount. Pretty much anything I would use the 4 jaw for, I do in the mill. I think every shop is different so what ever works for you is the way to go. Good luck.