205, p.113.Or the surface may be tested with the plane itself by tilting the plane on its long corner edge, and resting it on the board, while the worker looks between the board and the plane toward the light.

It is evident that the plane must be turned in various directions to test for wind, and that a board only as long or as wide as the plane is long can be tested in this way.

The try-square or any straight edge may be used for the same purpose, Fig.105.If there be any wind in the board, this should at once be taken out of one face by planing down the high corners.
[Illustration: Fig.105.Testing from Edge to Edge.] In starting to plane, the worker should bear down on the knob at the front end of the plane.

When the plane is well on the board, he should bear down equally on both knob and handle, and as the plane begins to pass off the board he should put all the pressure on the handle end, Fig.106.By taking pains thus, a convex surface will be avoided, the making of which is a common error of beginners.

On the return stroke, the plane should be lifted or tilted so that the cutting edge will not be dulled by rubbing on the wood.