EFFY / CHOOSE YOUR TUFTING MACHINE
Find the tufting gun for your next rug.
Start with the kind of rug you want to make. Compare the machines, see what each one offers, and open the specifications when you need the details.
Compare the machines01 / BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
What to consider.
Cut pile or loop pile
Choose cut pile, loop pile, or a machine that can do both.
Pile height
Pile height is how tall your yarn stands above the backing cloth. For example: The AK-V comes preset to create ½-inch (14 mm) cut pile rugs.
Machine setup
Electric tufting guns plug into power. Pneumatic models also need an air compressor and additional equipment.
A close-up of the AK-V tufting lines into the cloth.
Video by @redbackrugs
EFFY’S TOP RECOMMENDATION
The AK-V (AK-5) — Cut Pile
Watch on YouTube: AK-V beginner tutorial
Watch on YouTube: making loop pile with the AK-V
The AK-V is our most advanced cut-pile machine. It is ultra-quiet, low vibration, and fully internally wired (no exposed cables), making it safer and more durable.
It includes a quiet brushless motor, RPM display (1,000–6,000 RPM), LED needle light, and ergonomic grip. It can also make loop pile using a simple hack.
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | AK-V (AK-5) |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) |
| Ease of Use | Easy |
| Pile Height Range | ¼–¾ in (7–18 mm) |
| Default Pile Height | ½ in (14 mm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 1,000–6,000 RPM |
| Weight | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
| Additional Notes | Ultra-quiet, low vibration, internal wiring |
02 / SIDE BY SIDE
Compare the machines.
Choose a model below to see its photos, tutorials and full specifications.
| Machine | Cut pile or loop pile | Ease of use | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-V (AK-5) | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) | Easy | No |
| AK-I | Cut Pile | Easy | No |
| AK-II | Loop Pile | Easy | No |
| AK Pro (AK Duo) | Cut & Loop | Medium | No |
| Mid Pile AK Duo | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) | Medium | No |
| High Pile AK Duo | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) | Easy | No |
| KRD-I | Cut & Loop | Medium–Hard | No |
| ZQ-II | Cut & Loop | Hard | No |
| AK-III | Cut & Loop | Medium–Hard | Yes |
| ZQ-III | Cut & Loop | Medium–Hard | Yes |
WATCH THE DIFFERENCE
One design. Five machines.
See AK-II loop pile, AK-I cut pile, and the longer pile made with the Mid Pile Duo, High Pile Duo and AK-III. Choose a machine to jump to its example.
03 / ELECTRIC MACHINES
Find your fit.
The AK-I — Cut Pile
A reliable, smooth, durable cut-pile machine perfect for beginners.
Compare the AK-I pile in the five-machine reel
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | AK-I |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut Pile |
| Ease of Use | Easy |
| Pile Height Range | ¼–¾ in (7–18 mm) |
| Default Pile Height | ½ in (14 mm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
The AK-II — Loop Pile
The highest-quality loop-pile tufting machine available today.
Compare the AK-II pile in the five-machine reel
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | AK-II |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Loop Pile |
| Ease of Use | Easy |
| Pile Height Range | ⅛–½ in (4–14 mm) |
| Default Loop Height | ~⅜ in (10 mm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
The AK Pro (AK Duo) — 2-in-1 Cut & Loop
Switches between cut and loop in 2–3 minutes. Very beginner-friendly for a 2-in-1 machine.
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | AK Pro (AK Duo) |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut & Loop |
| Ease of Use | Medium |
| Cut Pile Range | ¼–¾ in (7–18 mm) |
| Loop Pile Range | ⅛–½ in (4–13 mm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
MORE PILE HEIGHT
Build a taller pile.
See the machine and the taller cut pile it creates.
Video by @rya_revival
Mid Pile AK Duo — 1–1¼ in (2.5–3 cm)
Shop the Mid-Pile AK-DUO in the USA
Watch on YouTube: High-Pile AK-DUO loop-pile conversion and return to cut pile
The tutorial demonstrates the high-pile model. Confirm that the steps match your mid-pile setup before making adjustments.
Modified to create medium pile heights. Comes preset to 1 inch (2.5 cm) cut pile. Loop pile is possible with a hack.
Do not adjust the pile height unless highly experienced and confident.
Compare the Mid Pile Duo pile in the five-machine reel
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Mid Pile AK Duo |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) |
| Ease of Use | Medium |
| Cut Pile Range | 1–1¼ in (2.5–3 cm) |
| Default Cut Height | 1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Loop Pile Range | ½–⅝ in (1.25–1.5 cm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
From unboxing to tufting, with a close-up of the long pile.
Video by @jesscovell.creative
High Pile AK Duo — 1¼–1¾ in (3–4.5 cm)
Shop the High-Pile AK-DUO in the USA
Watch on YouTube: High-Pile AK-DUO loop-pile conversion and return to cut pile
Professionally engineered for long pile heights. Comes preset to 1.38 in (3.5 cm) cut pile. Loop pile is possible with a hack.
Do not adjust the pile height unless highly experienced.
Watch on YouTube: Welcome to your High Pile AK DUO
Compare the High Pile Duo pile in the five-machine reel
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | High Pile AK Duo |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut Pile (loop possible with a hack) |
| Ease of Use | Easy |
| Cut Pile Range | 1¼–1¾ in (3–4.5 cm) |
| Default Cut Height | 1.38 in (3.5 cm) |
| Loop Pile Range | ⅝–⅞ in (1.5–2.25 cm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 4.4 lb (2 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
OTHER ELECTRIC MODELS
Heavy Duty AC-Powered Tufting Guns (KRD-I & ZQ-II)
These machines are durable but heavier, harder to adjust, and lack modern refinements. Not recommended for beginners.
KRD-I — 110V or 220V
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | KRD-I |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut & Loop |
| Ease of Use | Medium–Hard |
| Loop Pile Range | ⅛–½ in (4–13 mm) |
| Cut Pile Range | ¼–¾ in (7–18 mm) |
| Voltage | 110V or 220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 4.4 lb (2 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
ZQ-II (Older, Outdated Model)
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | ZQ-II |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut & Loop |
| Ease of Use | Hard |
| Cut Pile Range | ¼–¾ in (7–18 mm) |
| Loop Pile Range | ⅛–½ in (4–13 mm) |
| Voltage | 110V or 220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | No |
04 / COMPRESSED-AIR SETUPS
For longer, sculptural pile.
What you need for a pneumatic machine
You will need:
- 15.9 US gal (60 litre) air compressor
- 7.06 CFM (200 L/min) airflow
- 90–120 PSI
- Oil-free compressor preferred
- Correct hose fittings
- An air lubricator/oiler
For a US setup, budget separately for a compatible compressor, hose and fittings. Ask your local supplier to confirm airflow at the required working pressure before ordering.
Watch the AK-III tuft a colourful portrait, then see the finished textured surface.
Video by @andiesolar
The AK-III — Pneumatic (up to 2⅜ in / 60 mm)
Shop the AK-III in the USA AK-III setup and tutorial guide
Compare the AK-III pile in the five-machine reel
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | AK-III |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut & Loop |
| Ease of Use | Medium–Hard |
| Pile Height Range | ¾–2⅜ in (18–60 mm) |
| Voltage | 110–220V |
| Speed Range | 5–40 stitches/sec |
| Weight | 4.4 lb (2 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | Yes |
| Minimum Airflow | 7.06 CFM (200 L/min) |
The ZQ-III — Pneumatic (up to 2¾ in / 70 mm)
Full specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | ZQ-III |
| Cut pile or loop pile | Cut & Loop |
| Ease of Use | Medium–Hard |
| Pile Height Range | ¾–2¾ in (18–70 mm) |
| Voltage | 220V only |
| Speed Range | Single speed |
| Weight | 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) |
| Air Compressor Required? | Yes |
Why You Can Trust All Things EFFY’s Tufting Machines
At All Things EFFY, we personally and thoroughly test every tufting machine model available on the market — not just the models we sell. Our team has spent years comparing different manufacturers, variations, generations, and machine types to understand exactly how they perform in real tufting conditions.
Through this extensive testing, we only choose to stock the machines that meet our strict standards for:
- build quality
- motor and circuitry reliability
- mechanical durability
- safety and stability
- smoothness and ease of use
- overall tufting experience
While we don’t manufacture tufting guns ourselves, we work closely with our suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that the machines we sell use higher-quality components and are not generic factory defaults.
There is a significant amount of care, testing, and refinement behind every machine we choose to offer. We only stock tufting guns that we truly believe deliver the best results and the best experience for our customers.
