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Motor and power problems are typically caused by one of three things: insufficient lubrication, a worn power cord, or a faulty adapter. Work through the diagnostic steps below in order. Most issues are resolved at Step 1 or 2.
AK-5 speed adjustment dial (circled): it controls machine RPM, so don't confuse it with the power switch.
The AK-5 uses a unique power adapter that can't be swapped with adapters from other Tuft the World machines, because they aren't rated for it. A different adapter (for example, a DUO adapter on an AK-5) doesn't supply consistent power and can cause slowdowns, stuttering, a machine that stops working, or one that starts and then stops. This is the most common AK-5 issue. If your AK-5 is running slowly, stuttering or won't run at all, check these first:
If you're using the original adapter and the machine has been oiled regularly but it still slows down, stutters or won't run, it may be a trigger or electrical issue. Contact support to arrange sending it in for repair. We'll test it with working adapters and inspect it thoroughly.
If the machine powers on (the LCD shows numbers) but stops shortly after you pull the trigger:
If your machine cuts in and out, turns off and on when you hold it at certain angles, or has its power light on but does nothing when you pull the trigger, the most common cause is a worn power cord at the base of the handle. Repeated bending as you tuft wears the cord out over time, and the wires break on the inside. This is normal wear and tear after long use, much like a phone charging cable, and it usually shows up after a year or two of regular tufting. Adapters, on the other hand, rarely fail. We still use adapters in our own studio that are many years old.
Run these checks before ordering a new adapter:
A wiggle test doesn't always show the fault, so check the motor wires and the power switch even if wiggling the cord doesn't seem to affect the power. Both can get damaged if the machine isn't stored properly. Store it carefully, and don't let the cord get kinked or pinched.
If the cord is the problem, it's an easy fix, and a repaired cord should last several more years. You can replace it at home using the repair videos in your machine's support video showcase (see the DIY steps below), or send the machine in and we'll replace the cord for you. If none of these checks turns up an issue, there may be a deeper electrical fault. Contact us and we can look at it. See Sending Your Machine In for Repair for packing and shipping instructions.
If the wiggle test confirms the cord is cutting in and out, the damage is usually inside the cord near the handle, even if the cord looks fine from the outside. To fix it:
Don't solder? Use solder-seal heat-shrink wire connectors: slide one over the joined wires, make sure the wires meet in the middle, and heat it with a lighter or small torch. If you use a torch, shield the other wires and the machine so nothing melts. In a pinch, you can twist the wires together and cover the ends with hot glue, since the wires inside the handle don't move around.
The black power adapter converts wall power to low voltage, so the machine runs on low-voltage power. That makes this a beginner-friendly repair with little risk of an electrical short.
If you'd rather not do it yourself, you can send the machine in. A worn cord is a quick repair for our team. See Sending Your Machine In for Repair for packing steps and the shipping address.
If the black wire comes loose from the motor tab (for example, after bumping your frame), you can fix it yourself or send the machine to us. We'll repair it free of charge; you only pay shipping to us.
To fix it yourself:
To send it in instead, see Sending Your Machine In for Repair.
If your power adapter (power supply) is lost, damaged or stops working, we sell replacements, including for the AK-I. Replacement adapters are typically $30 each, plus shipping.
If your adapter sparks, shuts down, or the machine stops working entirely, stop using it right away and unplug it. If an adapter has sparked or been damaged, replace both the adapter and the wall cord to be safe.
Tell us which machine you have before ordering. Replacement adapters and wall cords may not be listed on the website, so email support@tufttheworld.com with your machine model, a photo of your tufting machine and your current adapter (or the adapter's model number and output rating, if you have them), and your shipping address. We'll send you an invoice. Once you enter your shipping address you'll see the exact shipping cost before any payment is required.
If new adapters are temporarily out of stock, we may have tested used units that work without issue. New stock can also be ordered, which usually takes about 30 days.
Your machine's power setup has two parts: the power adapter and the cord that runs from the adapter to the wall outlet. They are separate pieces, and the wall cord is sold separately by Tuft the World. If you need both, mention it when you order. The wall cord is a very common, standard cord used by many devices like printers and chargers, so you may already have one at home that fits. You can also buy one online, or we can mail you one. If you're missing either part and can't find a replacement, send us a photo of what you have.
Replacement power cords are available from Tuft the World. There are two styles: one with a locking connector and one without. To make sure you get the right one, email support@tufttheworld.com with a photo of the end of your machine's cord, and we'll identify which style you need and send an invoice.
If your motor slows down or the machine stops working, and you hear a single pop (a small 'explosion' sound), see a puff of smoke from the back of the machine above the handle, or notice a burning smell, the capacitor on the circuit board has most likely failed. Stop using the machine and unplug it. This is fixed by replacing the circuit board. Replacement circuit boards are available from us at support@tufttheworld.com.
If your DUO keeps running after you release the trigger, or starts up without you pressing it, the most likely cause is that the grounding bars on the back of the machine have slid out of position. Stop using the machine until it's fixed. To check:
Also check the yellow ground wire where it meets the grounding bars. It should still be attached to its small metal ring under the bolt. Photos from a couple of angles help, since a break can be hard to see from one side. Make sure the machine is oiled too.
If it still misbehaves, email support@tufttheworld.com with a video, photos, and your order number (or the email you ordered with). If the machine needs to come in for repair, we'll walk you through the send-in process. See Sending Your Machine In for Repair.
If your machine starts running at top speed without the trigger being pressed, and turning it off or unplugging it doesn't fix it, this is an electrical problem. The usual cause is a failed circuit board. Adjusting mechanical screws won't fix it. Contact support and send the machine in for repair (see Sending Your Machine In for Repair). If you have a DUO, check the grounding bars first, as described above.
A failed main power switch is a common reason a machine stops turning on. To help your switch last for many years, store your machine so that nothing is resting on or pressing against the switch (for example, don't stack items on it or store it with the switch side down under weight).
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