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Best Cut Pile Tufting Guns for Rug Making

Cut pile tufting guns trim each yarn loop as it enters the backing cloth, creating the soft, velvety surface you see on most handmade rugs and wall hangings. This is the default pile type for beginners and the majority of Etsy tufted rugs.

Cut pile guns typically reach 8,000–12,000 SPM with pile heights from 10–20 mm. Dedicated cut-pile models cost less than 2-in-1 guns but cannot produce loop pile textures. For a side-by-side comparison, see our cut pile vs loop pile guide and Top 3 picks.

#1 ⭐ Premium pick

Clawlab

Clawlab Tufting Gun

2-in-1

Editorial pick · prices checked with US retailers

Premium build quality for serious rug makers

The Clawlab tufting gun targets makers who tuft weekly and need equipment that keeps pace. At 12,000 SPM it is noticeably faster than entry-level guns, and the 20 mm pile ceiling opens thick shag and high-loop…

Max pile height 20 mm
Speed up to 12000 SPM
110 V — US ready
Pile mode: 2-in-1

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#2 🏆 Best overall

AK-V

AK-V Tufting Gun

2-in-1

Editorial pick · prices checked with US retailers

The versatile 2-in-1 pick for most US rug makers

The AK-V tufting gun balances speed, pile flexibility, and price better than almost any single-purpose alternative on the US market. Its 2-in-1 scissor mechanism lets you switch between cut pile (soft, carpet-like texture) and loop pile…

Max pile height 18 mm
Speed up to 10000 SPM
110 V — US ready
Pile mode: 2-in-1

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Affiliate link · Final price set by the retailer · No extra cost to you