From the variety of responses, you can see that it is an 'each to his own' regarding techniques. What works for you is best. Randy's post summed things up very well. Personally, I am always puzzle and amused when folks start looking for ways to avoid using a lathe when the project is lathe orientated. e.g. making round things. A lathe is quick and efficient. If you want to make dowels, that's different than making pens. BTW, I have tried making dowels, it isn't easy. I sold an antique dowel making machine. It worked but was labor intensive. I still have several hand cutting devices for dowel making. But, when I need dowels, of any size, I find myself going to the lumber yard to buy them. FWIW, I knock off corners with a 1/2" spindle gouge then skew to finish.