The AK-1N Duo lets you set the pile height of your rug from 8 mm to 16 mm. To change the height you move a few parts, then check that the scissors still open and close. This is a precise job. If you are not yet comfortable with how the machine moves, start with the first-use setup guide and practise on the factory setting first.
Before you change anything, write down your current measurements so you can return to them.
Always unplug the AK-1N Duo before you make adjustments.
Settings table
Use this table to find the measurements for the pile height you want.
| Pile height | Gear hole | Scissor to needle hole | Scissor to pusher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 8 mm | 16 mm | 9 mm |
| 9 mm | 9 mm | 17 mm | 10 mm |
| 10 mm | 10 mm | 17 mm | 11 mm |
| 11 mm | 11 mm | 18 mm | 12 mm |
| 12 mm | 12 mm | 19 mm | 12 mm |
| 13 mm | 13 mm | 20 mm | 14 mm |
| 14 mm | 14 mm | 21 mm | 15 mm |
| 15 mm | 15 mm | 22 mm | 19 mm |
| 16 mm | 16 mm | 25 mm | 20 mm |
Step-by-step
1. Set the pile height on the gearwheel
Turn the machine upside down so you can see the gearwheel. Each hole is marked with a pile-height number in millimetres. Choose the hole that matches your target height, insert the rod, and tighten it firmly.
If you switch to a hole on the opposite side of the gear, reposition the top rod so it remains counter-clockwise to the gearwheel.
2. Adjust the scissor-to-needle distance
Rotate the gearwheel until the scissors are fully retracted into the machine: the 6 o’clock position. Measure from the mouth of the scissors to the edge of the needle hole. This is the scissor-to-needle distance.
To change it, loosen the screw on the upper bearing rod and remove the rod. Turn the threaded adjustment rod:
- Clockwise = larger distance (higher pile)
- Counter-clockwise = smaller distance (lower pile)
Refit the bearing rod and tighten the screw when you reach the length in the table.
3. Adjust the pusher-to-scissor distance
The pusher is the small metal plate just below the scissors. It stops the scissors going too far into the tufting cloth.
- Rotate the gearwheel to the 12 o’clock position so the scissors are fully extended.
- Measure the gap between the pusher and the start of the scissor mouth, and set it to the value in the table.
- To move the pusher, loosen the screw on the bottom of the white slider block slightly, slide the pusher, and retighten.
4. Check the fabric presser
The fabric presser sits on either side of the needle. The gap from the presser to the needle hole should be 3 to 4 mm at every pile height.
- With the scissors retracted (gearwheel at 6 o’clock), confirm the 3 to 4 mm gap.
- Then rotate the gearwheel to 12 o’clock so the scissors are fully forward. The needle tip must not stick out beyond the fabric presser. If it does, loosen the presser’s screw, slide the presser until the needle sits just behind it, and tighten the screw.
5. Test that the scissors open and close
Still unplugged, turn the gearwheel through a full cycle by hand. The scissors should open and close smoothly, with no snagging.
After a height change you will often need to reset the scissor closer and opener so the scissors actually hit them at each end of the stroke. That setup is in how to set up the scissor closer and opener. If the yarn still will not cut, use the cutting troubleshooting guide.
6. Test on scrap cloth
Before you go back to your project, tuft a few test lines on a scrap of tufting cloth. You may still want to nudge a measurement by a millimetre. If something feels wrong and you would rather not continue on your own, contact us with your target height and a photo of the front of the machine.