That's what I'll do if I get one of these.I'll just mark the wood with chalk or something so that i don't cut it at that point or run that wood through a planer. My goal is to detect any hidden metal in the boards, and then decide if it's worth my time to remove the item or use that wood for a different project.
What made me think I'd like one is some old barn wood that was built into something that has served its purpose. It's dry, dry rotted, and would make great kindling for the wood stove. I just don't want nails/screw pieces in the ashes. We sometimes use ashes on the driveway for traction in the winter.