Pig-Tails
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About Pig-Tails
Pig-tails, also known as taper spindles or profiling spindles, are essential woodworking accessories designed to extend the reach and versatility of spindle moulders and routers. These precision-engineered tools feature a tapered design that allows woodworkers to create decorative profiles, mouldings, and intricate shapes on furniture components, architectural woodwork, and joinery projects. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade pig-tails from trusted manufacturers like Zenith, ensuring tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts have access to reliable equipment for demanding applications.
The pig-tail's unique tapered configuration enables the mounting of various cutters and profile tools at different positions along the spindle, providing exceptional flexibility for creating custom profiles and decorative edges. Whether you're producing bespoke furniture, restoration work, or architectural mouldings, these spindles deliver the precision and consistency required for professional results.
Applications
- Joiners and cabinet makers - creating furniture profiles, door frames, and decorative mouldings
- Architectural woodworkers - producing skirting boards, architraves, and period features
- Restoration specialists - replicating historical profiles and matching existing mouldings
- Shopfitters - custom trim work and display unit detailing
- Staircasing professionals - handrail profiles and newel post decoration
- Window and door manufacturers - creating rebates, beads, and decorative edges
- Timber merchants - producing stock mouldings and profiled timber products
Choosing The Right Pig-Tails
When selecting pig-tails for your workshop, consider the taper angle and dimensions to ensure compatibility with your spindle moulder or router setup. Check the maximum cutter diameter the spindle can safely accommodate and verify the thread specifications match your existing equipment.
The material quality and precision are crucial factors - MyToolShed.co.uk supplies professional-grade spindles manufactured to exacting tolerances for accurate, vibration-free operation. Look for hardened steel construction that withstands the demands of commercial use.
Consider the range of profiles you'll be producing and whether you need multiple pig-tails of different sizes to cover various applications. For 240v powered machinery, ensure your spindle moulder has adequate power output to handle the cutting loads, particularly when working with hardwoods or creating deep profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a pig-tail and a standard spindle?
A pig-tail features a tapered design that allows cutters to be positioned at various points along its length, providing greater versatility for profile work. Standard spindles typically have a uniform diameter and fixed cutter positions, limiting the range of profiles achievable.
Can I use pig-tails with any spindle moulder?
Pig-tails must be compatible with your specific spindle moulder's taper angle, thread specification, and arbor configuration. Always verify these specifications before purchasing to ensure proper fit and safe operation.
What maintenance do pig-tail spindles require?
Keep the tapered surfaces clean and free from resin buildup, inspect regularly for wear or damage, and store in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. Apply a light coating of protective oil when not in use for extended periods.