On an earlier thread I posted that I use paring/pattern maker chisels on almost every joint. A couple of folks asked for a post on the use paring chisels.
One of the most common uses is setting up a first class saw cut of the tenon shoulder. Of all the ways I've tried, a long flexible paring chisel is both the easiest and gives the best result. Here are a couple or three photos of paring the shoulder line (thanks MsBubba for the camera work).
paringChiselA.jpg
The length of the blade helps the accuracy placing the blade and once in the cut it is very easy to control both because of the length and flexibility.
paringChiselB.jpg
At about this point I will usually bring my off hand up near the cutting edge to press down on the blade.
paringChiselC.jpg
Finishing off the cut. It is ready to saw.
After sawing the shoulder I will usually use a wider paring chisel to finish cleaning up the end shoulders of the tenons because of how much control the length and flexibility gives you. These tenons will not have end shoulders to clean up because they are going to be slats. I'll try to remember to make photos when I do have some shoulders to clean up.
Long paring chisels also excel at final clean up of pins and tails.
ken