Air Compressor Guide for the AK-III

October 03, 2026

The AK-III is a pneumatic (air-powered) machine, meaning it requires both an electrical outlet and an air compressor to operate.

What to Look For in a Compressor

You need an air compressor compatible with spray guns or sanders, with an output of 5–7 CFM at 90 psi. Compressors with lower CFM at 90 psi won't supply enough air to support continuous tufting.

Connecting the Compressor

The AK-III connects to an air compressor the same way any air-driven tool does — through a standard air hose fitting. Your local hardware store, auto parts store, or air compressor specialist can help you find the right fitting for your region, since hose connections vary by country.

A Note for International Buyers

Because fitting standards differ worldwide, TTW is unable to specify which fitting you'll need. The manufacturer of your local compressor, or a hardware professional, will be your best resource here.

Connecting the AK-III to an Air Hose

The silver male hose adapter that comes in the AK-III box fits a standard 1/4" air hose from any hardware store. Cut off the fitting already on the end of the hose and attach the adapter that came with your machine. You can also buy replacement fittings and hose at most hardware stores that sell pneumatic supplies.

Your AK-III should also come with a pair of pliers for switching between cut and loop pile. If yours is missing, contact support. The user manual and videos on changing the pile height are emailed to you automatically when you place your order.

AK-III Knife Sharpening and Air Valve Timing

Sharpen the knife regularly. Most professionals sharpen the AK-III blade before each use, or at least every few rugs. A dull knife is the most common reason an AK-III stops tufting correctly. Sharpen it or replace it before trying other fixes.

Check the air hose. Make sure the hose near the needle isn't bent. A bent hose restricts airflow.

Knife position. If you replace or reposition the blade, follow the setup steps in the video that came with your machine.

Leave the air cam alone. The cam that controls the air valve is timed at the factory. Even one tooth off will stop the machine from tufting correctly. If it has been moved, the correct timing is:

• With the needle at its forward-most position, the cam should push the air valve fully down. This blows the yarn forward.
• With the needle at its back-most position, the air valve should be fully closed.

Shipping Time for the AK-III

The AK-III ships directly from our manufacturer by FedEx. Delivery takes about 12 business days.

You'll get a shipping confirmation email with tracking when it ships, so check your spam folder if you don't see it. Because the machine comes from the manufacturer, tracking may not show any updates for about 7 days after shipment. This is normal.

Replacing a Damaged Air Hose or Fitting

If the hose that connects your AK-III to the air compressor is damaged or has come off, the fix depends on whether you still have the nut that holds the hose on.

• If you have the nut: Only the hose needs replacing. This is an inexpensive part.
• If the nut is missing: The whole Airtac valve usually needs replacing. It's an easy swap that takes a few minutes. Contact support to order one.
• DIY option: Take the valve off and bring it to a local hardware store to find a matching brass hose fitting. Then remove the old fitting and install the new one. It's cheaper but takes more work.

Air Filtration, Hose, and Buying Tips

Buy big and quiet: Get the largest air compressor you can afford, and look for a quiet model.

Filter the moisture: We recommend a 2-stage air filter/regulator so as much moisture as possible is removed before air reaches the machine. These are sold wherever compressors are sold.

Hose: A standard 1/4" air hose works fine. Nothing special is needed.

Yarn: The AK-III handles a variety of yarn types. As with any tufting machine, test your yarns to find what works best.

Also in Knowledge Base