some decade...

[Ralph Lindberg]

.... I'm going to actually learn the difference between tool-marks and grain.

Twice today I tried to sand out grain thinking it was a tool-mark.
;)

[John K Jordan]

You might try this: wipe on a little fast-drying solvent which tends to temporarily accentuate the figure and subdue the tool marks a bit. I use denatured alcohol for this but I think some use naphtha or other liquids.

Great lighting also helps. I find the worst is even, diffuse light such as from long ceiling-mounted fluorescents. I prefer using several smaller bright sources (I like a mix of CFL, LED, and incandescent), some on swing arms. These "point" sources not only let me see tool marks better but are FAR better at letting me see and judge the compound curves on turnings.

JKJ