I am totally new at this, and could use some advice about tools. My husband got me a set of Benjamins' Best HSS tools, which seem to have a good variety. He also got me a book and videos by Richard Raffan. In my reading, watching, and lurking, I have gained the impression that the gouge is easiest to work with and the skew is hard to work with. So far (my extensive experience includes a rolling pin, a pen, and a wood stove handle), I have had more consistent success with the skew. The shallow gouge I have is 7/8". Is it the wrong size? I have very limited success using it and always go back to the skew -- with which I can also make a pretty good mess, but it just seems to cooperate with me better. I also have a couple gouges that are deeper (made from a round bar), but I think those would be bowl gouges. Is that correct? So far, all my turning has been with the grain, spindle-type turning. Thanks in advance for any help.