Morninghere,
The French have a tool called a Bedan which is simply made from tool steel in various shapes and sizes, take one variation I use for breaking down or simply the first cuts to round, it is square 3/8 inch tool steel ground one face 45 degrees. Step cut slowly no excessive pushing in then even the whole using the same tool then normal chisels.
Another real handy similar tool is round tool steel ground 45 degrees from opposite sides I use both handled tools for reducing cast material initially as well with outstanding results.
Before any one comments think deeply about this tools use in France it is used for coves and so many other uses. a complete demo few times here in Australia by a world expert in offset turning Jean Paul ? some years ago demistified so many demons for me. I know the cult following that develops or wanes using any tool, do we not all have lots of impulse bought tools on our shelves.
A friend who died of advanced cancer in the last few years used simply a large Skew Chisel for everything up to one foot square timber up to fourteen feet long verandah posts, he was a Journeyman trained as a Woodturner who qualified in that trade in Western Australia. His cancer was unrelated to woodworking.
Almost all the timber I use for pens that is cut by me is turned right angle cross cut and no I dont have failures in turning them and at 76 yrs of age have seen trends come and go for twenty five yrs. We here in Canberra have been blessed with visiting experts from all over the world, one such has lived in Canberra for years now Richard Raffan one of the greats IMHO who incidentally said to me he will pass away never having made a Pen. Have a look at the intricate shapes and grain of his work from the ultra thin Fiddlesticks to huge bowls etc.
Caution in giving and receiving advice it only succeeds following real experiences and investigation. I trust you will get fulfilment your best way as well.
Have a look at Ratties demo of Cue Jointing not for the fainthearted, if you dont follow such techniques work up to them and trust you have success.
Kind regards Peter.