i am just about to order my tools, and was considering a oval chisel,
instead of a flat.any opinions for a newbie?
-ed c.

A flat skew is easier to work with. Especially when trying to straighten a line on a plug. They even things out more uniformaly.

Flat.
For the stuff we do you'll probably never need an oval skew. Not to mention it's a lot easier to slip and gouge the work with an oval.

I've both and I use whatever is sharp. If you buy a flat bladed skew be sure to soften the sharp side edges with a file to make it easier to roll. Also, don't buy one too small. You only cut with the bottom half of the edge. 3/4 " is the minimum I use and it dulls quickly because of the short useable blade length. Finally, if you are new to turning, consider trying a "spindle gouge" which is a very flat wide gouge (different than a roughing gouge). They have a much larger margin for error than a skew and although they leave a slightly ribbed surface, you can sand it off very quickly. Good luck.

I use em both. The oval is better for some work.