I realize this is just a personal pursuit, so if this gets too difficult, I suggest you give up. Learn how to use a skewer properly, and you won't have an accident. Millions of people have been using them for decades. I ground the lawyer lips off my bike, because I already have an ingrained habit of using the skewer properly, and I don't like unscrewing the skewer after flipping the lever. I feel safe.

If you do find an axle onto which your cones fit, then fine. I don't have any reason to advise against a solid axle. They work just as well. I have solid axles and nuts on some of my bikes. I have to remember to carry a wrench in my tool kit when I ride one of them.