Marking of wood

Tommy,

I’ve been watching your show for years here in the Boston area. Thank you!

You always mark up your projects with those black sharpie-type markers. I’ve always assumed that was for the TV audience to be able to see what you’re doing. Most of your work is in clear finish work, where those black marks would not add to the appearance of the work. However, I’ve noticed those markers used elsewhere and I wonder if people are really using them for real woodworking projects? They sell packages of those markers at the big box stores and it seems like they expect people to use them that way as well. I’ve always used marking gauges and other such devices to keep the lines invisible.

Am I missing something?

Thanks

Bill Delphenich
Harrison, Maine