AK-1N Duo and AK-1H: Set Up the Scissor Closer and Opener

On the AK-1N Duo, two small parts time the cut: the scissor opener and the scissor closer. Setting them correctly is part of first use, and again after you change the pile height.

This page is the first-use setup for the AK-1N Duo. The AK-1H has the same scissor closer and opener and is set the same way; the AK-V is different. If the yarn is still not cutting after these steps, go to why your tufting machine is not cutting yarn.

Unplug the machine before you start. You will need the Allen keys from the parts bag that came with the gun.

What each part does

The opener opens the scissors after a cut, as they retract into the machine. When the mechanism is retracted to 6 o’clock, the scissors hit the opener.

The closer is the metal element on the right of the machine. At 12 o’clock the needle is fully extended and the scissors hit the scissor closer, which forces them to close and cut the yarn.

Set the opener and closer

1. Loosen the opener. Use an Allen key and loosen it just enough that the part can slide on its bar, without the screw falling out.
2. Loosen the closer. Use an Allen key and loosen it just enough that you can move the metal block inside it. Do not take it off the machine.
3. Set the big gear to 6 o’clock. Turn it so the mechanism is fully retracted: the position where the scissors hit the opener.
4. Set the opener. With the gear at 6 o’clock, slide the opener forward until it just touches the metal wing on the scissors. Tighten it there. This is what will open the scissors on every cycle.
5. Set the closer. Now turn the big gear to 12 o’clock, so the needle is fully extended and the scissors can hit the closer. Close the scissors with your fingers, then move the closer block inward until it touches the scissor wing. Tighten it there.
6. Test by hand. Still unplugged, turn the gears through a full cycle. The scissors should open as they move back into the machine, and close (and cut) as they move forward. If they do not, loosen the relevant part and try the alignment once more.

After the setup

If the scissors still will not cut, or one of the blades looks bent or dull, leave this page and follow the cutting troubleshooting checklist. Replacing the scissors themselves is covered in AK-1N DUO scissors replacement.

When the test cycle looks right, tuft a short line on scrap cloth before you go back to your project. If you later change pile height, check this setup again. The pile-height guide will remind you.