I have a couple of scrapers. I quite like using the scraper. Not keen on the Skew.
I agree that the Skew is a pain to get right but once you have got it you will never go back to anything else. It’s what I use on a lot of my turnings.
Like Alsadair
@akirk said, TCT tipped tools are really simple to use free hand. The round ones are good for segmented as they put less pressure on the segmented sections, however I would recommend the square radius tipped TCT’s as they are better than the square as have a rounded edge and easier than the round as they reduce the radial lines that the round one outs on.
You can get planner TCT radius tips for a lot less than paying out for the so called “pen turning” tips, as actually that’s what they are 9 times out of 10.
I recommend the 6” as they have a better feel being close to square, there is a 4” but the younger ones I taught didn’t really get on with them.
As others have said, it’s a learning curve.
I call it
“the curve of pistoffiness” because you do get pi$$ed off before you start on the uphill side and mastering your techniques.
Keep up the free hand work and you will well and truly master it.