How to choose and types of tufting guns
*Updated in January 2024
Hello. We are Tufting studio & shop RUGMATAG, which operates a tufting workshop and a specialty store for equipment and materials in Morinomiya, Osaka .
For those who are thinking about starting tufting, there are many different types of tufting guns and they are sold on various sites, so I think there are many people who are confused about which one to buy. This time, for those who are thinking of starting tufting, we will introduce how to choose a tufting gun and the key points regarding its type.
How to choose a tufting gun
When choosing a tufting gun, there are three points to keep in mind:
① Is it possible to consult with the seller?
A tufting gun is a machine that is powered by a motor. Even though they are made to be sturdy, they can still break down or cause problems. If something breaks down, it is often difficult to fix it on your own. It is very important to be able to consult with the seller in case of an emergency. In general, with products that are directly imported and sold at major online shopping malls, even if you consult the seller, they are not experts and may not be able to resolve the issue, or may not be able to provide consultation at all. Additionally, when it comes to second-hand products sold on auction sites, the sellers rarely take care of troubleshooting problems, and most of the time they are not experts. Therefore, if you are purchasing a tufting gun for the first time, we recommend purchasing it at a specialty store where you can consult with us even after purchase. In Japan, you can consult RUGMATAG (our store) or tufting studio KEKE for troubleshooting after purchase. (As of January 2024)
② Appearance preference
First of all, do you prefer cut pile or loop pile for the surface of the final rug? Check out the rugs that are actually on sale and the rugs that are used to see which look you prefer. If you have a clear idea of the expression you like, choose a dedicated cut pile model or loop pile model (AK-1 or AK-2 at our store). If you want to try it out, we recommend the 2-in-One model (AK-DUO at our store).
③How to make/use
Cut piles often require surface treatment using clippers or scissors (although this is not always necessary), but loop piles generally do not require surface treatment. The loop pile type tufting gun does not require any surface treatment and may seem easier, but with the loop pile type tufting gun, you have to cut the yarn with your own scissors every time you pull the gun out of the fabric. You can also use this ease of use (how much time is required) as a guideline when choosing your first tufting gun.
Types of tufting guns
There are three main types of tufting guns that are commonly sold.
Cut pile model ( AK-1 in our store)
When threading the yarn into the fabric, use the scissors attached to the tip to cut the yarn as you thread it. The finished product is one where the yarn is cut on the surface of the rug. In most cases, the surface is trimmed with clippers. (There is also an expression that does not dare to arrange it.)
Loop pile model ( AK-2 in our store)
This model does not come with scissors, so you can cut the yarn in a loop without cutting it. There is no need to trim the surface with clippers, etc., but since the yarn is not cut automatically during production (when typing), you will need to cut the yarn yourself with scissors on hand when removing the needle.
Cut loop 2-in-One model ( AK-DUO in our store)
By changing the settings, both cut pile and loop pile can be expressed. At first glance, this may seem like a better deal, but it is not an all-purpose machine that can do everything, and each specialized machine is better in terms of how the hair is evenly aligned and the length of the hair can be adjusted. Masu.
summary
The thickness of the yarn depends on the material, but if you are looking for detailed expression and a fluffy feel, cut pile is recommended. If you are looking for a design with clearly defined boundaries, a firm footing, and durability of the rug, we recommend loop pile.
For those who want to try making both first, we recommend the 2-in-One AK-DUO.
The most important thing to remember is that tufting guns can sometimes break down. If you are concerned, we recommend purchasing one that comes with a warranty or from a vendor that will maintain it.
This time, we have summarized "How to choose and types of tufting guns." If you are about to start tufting, we hope that you will find this helpful in choosing your first machine and enjoy your tufting life with peace of mind.
Until the end Thank you for reading. RUGMATAG plans to continue posting various articles about tufting in the future. We plan to regularly notify you of the latest information on Instagram , Twitter , LINE official account , email newsletter (see below), etc. If you are interested, please follow us on social media, add friends to our official LINE account, and sign up for our email newsletter.
