can decorate an edge with a custom profile that is unique to your work. FINE WOODWORKING has published this article with a fine 7 minute video about how to make a scratch stock. Nothing super technical with precise tempering and picky detail. Just plain "this is how it's done". Of course the profile on the stock is your design and product of your curiosity and imagination. Using one seems a WHOLE lot easier than setting up a router to make a fine detail (once you have your particular unique profile).
http://www.finewoodworking.com/2008/07/ ... atch-stockThe scratch stock doesn't have to be used only on an edge, they can size fine details, with guidance they can work the face of a work piece. With no experience, I believe that a scratch stock could be used to form a particular detail on a turning.