what i often do for my shelf cutouts, thinning the handle/riser and the like is to use a coping saw with cheap blades. if they only last for one use [e.g. glas/wood lamination] then i'm out less than 50 cents, and i like the fine control they give me.
for tapering the limbs, i would agree, grinding is great. the bulk of removal can be done on a good sanding belt, and a rotary disk is good at fairing it up afterward.