The AK-DUO, also known as the AK-PRO, is an electric tufting machine for cut pile and loop pile. It uses scissors for cut pile and a dedicated loop-pile head for loops. This guide covers the standard AK-DUO, its adjustment references, video tutorials and routine care.

View the AK-DUO in the Canadian shop or compare EFFY tufting machines. If you are choosing your first machine, the comparison also explains why EFFY recommends the AK-V for beginners.

Standard AK-DUO specifications

These ranges apply to the standard AK-DUO. The mid-pile AK-DUO and high-pile AK-DUO are separate setups. Use the pile-height and machine setup guide to compare them. The standard machine does not require an air compressor.

For the maximum 20 mm cut-pile setting, see the advanced adjustment tutorial and warranty warning below.

Tools and accessories

The original AK-DUO guide lists a heavy-duty threader, a ruler, a dedicated loop-pile head, a spring-balancer hook and a spare-parts kit. Check the current product listing for the contents supplied with your order.

Before changing pile height or pile type

Changing pile height and switching between cut and loop pile require different adjustments. Watch the complete tutorial that matches your machine and the result you want before changing any settings. Take clear photographs and record the existing measurements so you have a reference for the original setup.

Switch off and unplug the machine before inspecting it, cleaning it or making mechanical adjustments. If a part feels jammed, looks misaligned or does not match the tutorial, stop and contact EFFY for help.

Warranty note: If the machine is damaged while making adjustments, the warranty may be voided. Read the EFFY tufting-machine warranty and contact hello@allthingseffy.com if you are unsure.

AK-DUO adjustment reference photographs

Use these photographs alongside the matching tutorial. They show the relevant parts and measurement positions; they do not replace instructions for your particular machine and target pile height.

AK-DUO video tutorials

Choose the tutorial for the adjustment you want to make. The general method and Parts 1–4 cover the usual adjustments. The final video covers the difficult 20 mm maximum-height adjustment.

AK-PRO / AK-DUO: general pile-height adjustment method

Watch: AK-PRO / AK-DUO: general pile-height adjustment method

Part 1: changing cut-pile height

Watch: Part 1: changing cut-pile height

Part 2: changing from cut pile to loop pile at 11 mm

Watch: Part 2: changing from cut pile to loop pile at 11 mm

Part 3: changing cut pile from 11 mm to 13 mm

Watch: Part 3: changing cut pile from 11 mm to 13 mm

Part 4: changing from 13 mm cut pile to 13 mm loop pile

Watch: Part 4: changing from 13 mm cut pile to 13 mm loop pile

Advanced adjustment: maximum 20 mm cut-pile height

This tutorial shows how to set the standard AK-DUO to its maximum cut-pile height of 20 mm. This is a particularly difficult adjustment.

Making this 20 mm maximum-height adjustment voids your machine’s warranty. Watch the complete tutorial before attempting it.

Watch: adjusting the AK-DUO to its maximum 20 mm cut-pile height

Browse more tutorials on the All Things EFFY YouTube channel.

Routine care and troubleshooting

• With the machine switched off and unplugged, use a soft brush to remove lint and yarn dust.
• Follow the machine's care instructions for lubrication and check that screws and fittings have not shifted.
• Check that yarn can feed freely and compare your setup with the appropriate tutorial before making further adjustments.

Stop and ask for help if something looks wrong

Stop using the machine if the adapter or machine indicator does not light up, the mechanism jams, the scissors stop cutting or appear misaligned, or a component becomes loose or falls out of place. Do not force a jammed mechanism.

For help, email hello@allthingseffy.com with your machine model, a description of the issue and clear photographs of the current setup. You can also visit the Canadian store FAQ.