The point I'm trying to make is, that while using a pen to make a fine line and not leave a permanent mark is okay.

But you would have to be careful, some inks may not be as easily removed and could cause you to leave a mark that was difficult to remove or permanent.

Which was what you were trying to avoid in the first place by using a pen.

I've yet to not have acetone clean off a ball...

slow day at work has me pondering, if grease pencil markings are left over on ball is said ball legal in USBC competition?

Any way is the best when done properly
Center cuts (again done correctly) is the most accurate

^^^^B I N G O^^^^

I don't drill many balls myself.  I draw some layout lines and hand it to someone who does it faster and better.  Can I drill accurately?  Yes.  I'm just slower.

I'm not trying to defend mediocrity.  I've seen some horrible work done by people who shouldn't be in the pro shop business at all.  The Ric Hamlin's (there's only one) can do things instinctively that many people have to take time to learn and try to perfect.   

On a message board like this it's easy to pick apart words and criticize others.  I know Ric and respect him very much.  His knowledge has taken decades to acquire.  (I'll never forget the time he gave us layout advice on a guy who actually tracked ACROSS the finger holes (sideways) and it was spot on.)

The discussions here CAN be enlightening at times.  I don't hold any ill feelings towards guys who disagree with my statements at all.  We're all coming from different paths, but hopefully trying to help our sport.   

I do need to get a microscope for 1/128 of an inch, but my eyes are getting as old as the rest of me.

It's like buying a new car, u know eventually it will get a scratch, but u don't expect it to come with them. I think it looks stupid especially on the Melee because of the color of the ball.

It's a personal thing - no right or wrong answer.

Personally, I bought a used ball once that had scribe marks. Had to have the ball plugged and redrilled and the scribe marks were nowhere near the new holes so a bit distracting.