Okay, here's a question that's been bothering me for some time now.

Everyone seems to love the pen tool, but I never use it. If i have to cut an image for example, i use the polygonial lasso tool, then when i close the selection create a new layer, or select inverse if i have to.

I know I'm doing this the hard way, but I don't know what the hell the pen tool is good foor. It frankly confuses me. If anyone could link me to a tut or just explain why I do things so stupidly then feel free.

two words for you dude: fine selection

You can infinitely refine your selection, using the pen, before committing.

Er, like Arc said.

If I may suggest:

http://photoshopcontest.com/tutorials/15/pen-tool-as-mask-selector.html

thank you sirs and maddams for the great link!

That one tutorial helped me immensely framed, I hope it does the same for you.

Cheers and welcome.

http://www.arraich.com/ref/aatool_pen6.htm

http://www.arraich.com/ref/aatoolbar6.htm