Have you always wanted to get tattoos on yourself and friends? Tattoo art thrives outside of tattoo shops. In some cases "home" studios are the starting point for many artists. The machines used to "draw" on the skin are simple to assemble. When you decide to assemble your machine, make sure the environment is clean.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Pieces
Step 1. Purchase a basic kit
These products are perfect for getting started, as they offer everything you need to start tattooing. Of course they are not of great quality, but they are more than suitable for a beginner who wants to learn how to use and maintain a tattoo machine.
Before using it on someone, always consider the quality of your instrument, as a model that is too cheap could create pain and potentially transmit infections
Step 2. Buy the pieces individually
For artists who prefer better quality elements, this should be done. It is also an excellent opportunity to update any basic kit. Most tattoo artists, over time, try to switch to more and more advanced machines that represent the most complex tool of all the equipment. The machines come into contact with the skin, so it is essential to use a good one.
Step 3. Get professional advice
If you know a tattoo artist you turn to on a regular basis, talk openly with them about these home kits. All tattoo artists have worked in-house at some point in their careers, and they could give you some suggestions if they wanted to.
Part 2 of 4: Assemble the Machine
Step 1. Sanitize your hands
Tattoo machines must be treated with the utmost respect. Take every precaution when you touch them. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wear latex gloves.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the tool
The shell is the element that unites all the pieces. You will also notice two electromagnetic coils that supply the energy. These coils quickly move the metal linear bar on which the needle is attached. The source of electricity connects directly to the electromagnetic coils.
Each piece can be disassembled and replaced if necessary
Step 3. Mount the bar
Check the handle, it should have two sides: one for the tube and the other for the tip. Set these two items to the length you want and then tighten the locking screws you find on the handle. On average, the needle should come out of the tip no more than 2mm and no less than 1mm.
If you notice too much blood leaking during the tattoo session, then the needle is too long
Step 4. Mount the needle
Look at the ones that came with the machine. They should be of various sizes, for example RL, RS, M1, M2, RM, or F; these abbreviations all indicate the size of the needles. Fit one by inserting it through the tube towards the tip. Be careful not to blunt the needle during this procedure, or you will create a lot of pain for your client.
Step 5. Secure the sealing ring
The sealing cap is the element that secures the needle and the handle to the base of the machine. Lock the blunt end of the needle (ring) to the cap.
Step 6. Adjust the needle
Once the handle is mounted, you need to adjust the length of the exposed part of the needle. You can proceed with this operation by acting on the hose clamp. In reality, the clamp is an adjustable screw that is located between the needle and the shell.
Part 3 of 4: Mount the Power Supply
Step 1. Choose the power supply
There are many types that have different voltages and specifications. When you buy a starter kit, you are also provided with a power supply with a few adjustment options. A new power supply shouldn't cost more than the machine.
Step 2. Inspect the power supply
Check the fuse and make sure it is set to the current voltage for your machine. Most tattoo machine power supplies have a fuse and power regulator. Economic models, on the other hand, do not have this function.
Step 3. Buy a foot control
If it's not included in the kit, you need to buy one. This is not a very expensive item and does not need to be specially adjusted.
Part 4 of 4: Connecting the Parts
Step 1. Connect the footswitch
Connect it to the power supply so that it can activate and regulate the electrical energy that moves the needle.
Step 2. Connect the machine to the power supply with clip cables
At the base of the machine you will see some slots that are clearly intended for the cable plugs; there should be two. Be careful to connect the cables correctly.
Step 3. Give it a try
Once all the pieces have been assembled and connected, you are ready to try the machine. If you don't want to test it on yourself, just turn it on and inspect it. The needle should vibrate at high speed according to the pressure you apply on the foot control.
Start tattooing
Step 4. Practice on fruit
To practice tattoo art you should train on apples or pears. The peel of these fruits is quite similar to human skin. If you damage the pulp, it means that you are applying too much pressure on the needle.
