Paring

When working wood, Paring is the process of taking off fine shavings with a Chisel.

The Chisel is held with two hands : one gripping the blade and one pushing the handle.

The knuckles of the hand gripping the blade should be pressed against the work-piece which, together with the thumb and fingers gripping the blade and acting as a 'brake', serves to give greater control to the process.

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Safety Point! When using sharp Chisels always either grip the Chisel with two hands or with one handle on the chisel and one on a Mallet for example. NEVER hold work with one hand and the chisel with the other!

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Vertical Paring

This is the process of using a wood Chisel to taking off fine shavings usually from the End Grain. It is a useful process for finishing the shaped ends of work-pieces.

The Chisel is held with two hands : one gripping the blade and one, with the shoulder pressed behind it for extra force, pushing down on the handle. The outside of the palm of the the hand gripping the blade should be pressed against the work-piece. This can help hold it down and , together with the thumb and fingers gripping the blade and acting as a 'brake', serves to give greater control to the process.

Although Paring can be done with most Chisels, a Paring Chisel is longer and thinner than others and this facilitates the process.