About Tattoo Power Supplies

One of the most important tools a tattooist uses is the power supply. A tattoo artist must learn which brand and type to get as well as how to properly use and care for it to prevent harm to his clients.

History

Tattoo machines were originally an invention of Thomas Edison, and they were patented in 1876 in the United States. The first machine was designed for engraving, but once it was discovered that it could be used to inject ink into the skin that became a more common usage. At that point there were no power supplies for tattoos and they had to be created manually, usually with sharpened sticks or needles dipped in ink. The more modern tattoo power supplies use electromagnets to control the depth of the needle, the speed at which it moves and the strength of the overall application.

Function

A tattoo power supply is designed to drive a needle that will inject ink into the dermis (the second layer) of a person's skin. If the ink does not go deep enough the tattoo will fade easily and the end result will be poor. If the ink is injected too deeply it will be inflict pain on the client. Knowing how to set the power supply so that it drives the needle just deep enough is a vital skill for the tattooist, as is being able to adjust the power supply so that the needle moves quickly enough to avoid dragging across the skin as the tattoo artist is working.

Types

There are several different tattoo power supplies on the market today. They can cost as little as $40 or as much as several hundred, depending on the brand of power supply and the options available. If a tattooist wants to have more control over the movement of the needle, he will need to get a power supply that allows for controlling the voltage, generally with a knob. Voltage, speed, follow-through and duty are all options that can be controlled on the more expensive tattoo power supplies, and they are designed to be used in any country without worry over the voltage changes that can plague other appliances. Some power supplies also come with foot pedals and clip cords, but these often have to be purchased separately.

Misconceptions

It is commonly believed by those who are just getting into tattooing as a business that most power supplies are the same and that the cheaper ones will do just fine. This is not necessarily the case, however, as the less expensive machines generally offer fewer options for control of the depth and speed of the needle. This can result in too much pain for the client and ink that is not deep enough and therefore fades quickly. The skin can also be torn by tattooists who overwork the tattoo, and that usually comes from going back over the tattoo too many times, which can be a product of a power supply that does not adjust well and drags across the skin.

Warning

If a person plans to be a respected tattoo artist, buying the least expensive power supply and trying to make it work is generally a poor choice. The less expensive power supplies can wear out quickly and cause the needle they power to sink too deeply or not sink deeply enough. Tattoo artists should take the time to research power supplies, make sure what they need and want in the way of controls and only purchase from a reputable dealer.