How to Use a Tattoo Gun

Giving tattoos is a legitimate field that can be very profitable. Tattoos have come a long way since the days when they were mainly associated with sailors and the underground society, and the demand for this form of body art has skyrocketed. The most important thing that you will need to know when you are breaking into the field is how to set up a tattoo gun. Here are a few steps that you need to follow to set up and use your tattoo gun.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A power cord
• A foot pedal
• Sterilized needles
• Tattoo gun
• Tattoo ink

1. Plug the power cord into the wall.

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into the foot pedal. The foot pedal is a device that you will keep at your feet when giving a tattoo. This device supplies the tattoo gun with power when the pedal is depressed, and conversely, cuts the power when you let off of the pedal. There will be another cord running out from the pedal; this is the cord that you will plug into your tattoo gun when you are ready to give tattoos. Don't plug it in until you are ready to give a tattoo, just in case you accidentally hit the pedal.

3. Attach a needle to the tattoo machine. The way this is attached varies by machine. Usually, the needle will be attached to a tightening screw on top of the gun and tightened down.

4. Ready the ink. Most tattoo ink will come in a little plastic tub with a lid. Usually, the easiest method is just to pour a little bit of the ink into the plastic lid and set it on the work bench to use as needed.

5. Plug the pedal into the tattoo gun. Usually, this will just be a metal tab that plugs into the side of the tattoo gun. However, this can differ depending on the tattoo gun that you have.

6. Dip the needle that is in the tattoo gun into the ink.

7. Press down on the pedal to get the needle moving.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not plug the tattoo gun into the foot pedal until you are ready to tattoo. The tattoo gun can be dangerous, and the needle is very sharp. It is always better to be overly cautious.
• Never use an unsterilized needle. Tattoo needles will come in plastic wrappers that keep the needles sterile, and should be disposed of after you are finished with them. The only acceptable way to re-use a tattoo needle is with an autoclave sterilization system, but unless you put the needle in and take it out yourself, this isn't safe either.

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[hellcatmolly]

on 10/29/2009 >>Ready the ink. Most tattoo ink will come in a little plastic tub with a lid. Usually, the easiest method is just to pour a little bit of the ink into the plastic lid and set it on the work bench to use as needed.<<

What the hell? That's absoulutely disgusting. Ink should be poured out into a separate, disposable cup, and disposed of after the tattoo is complete. The ink should not be used straight out of the bottle or poured into the bottle's cap, and definitely do not pour unused ink back into the bottle.

It makes me so mad that articles are out there like this, with no regards to sanitation and awareness of blood-borne pathogens.