Hi Frank,

> On May 15, 2022, at 20:29 , Frank Filippone  wrote:
> 
> but I am not so sure I have an answer yet.... how SHOULD I hold the plane?  is
the plane gripped with the fingers of the right hand?  Or is it shoved into the
palm?


For what it's worth, I grip the upper part with my thumb and first finger in the
fork of the hand, and use the heel of your hand to push forward (parallel to the
work surface). Try getting your grip a bit lower, although a wooden fillester is
kind of chunky to grip. I vaguely recall getting a blister from one, pushing on
the rear corner with my palm. You might also try taking a lighter cut, if you're
really pushing hard.

The photo "Method of ploughing" in Ellis' "Modern Practical Joinery" (p. 55)
might help. That was the one that I found in a quick flip through my hardcopy,
anyway.

https://www.woodworkersuk.co.uk/books/modern-practical-joinery-g-ellis-1908.pdf

happy planing,
Adam