How to Use a Tattoo Gun Power Supply

Contributor

By Krissi Maarx
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

Tattoo power supply

Understanding the use of a power supply is essential to the process of modern tattooing. The power supply determines the speed of the needle moving through the gun and allows the tattoo artist to control the pace of inking. Learning how to connect the various parts to the supply will assist you with beginning the process. Once the parts are connected, you can experiment with speed settings and find a pace at which you are comfortable performing. This will provide you background knowledge and experience for working as an apprentice with a professional artist; do not attempt tattooing without professional training.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Electrical outlet Power supply Clip cord Tattoo gun Foot switch

Step 1

Clip cord attached to power supply

Plug the clip cord into the specified area on the face of the tattoo power supply.
Step 2

Clip cord prongs attached to gun posts

Attach the clip cord to the tattoo gun by inserting one prong into the upper binding post and one into the lower binding post.
Step 3

Foot switch attached to power supply

Plug the foot switch into the specified area of the tattoo power supply, and place the pedal on the floor.
Step 4

Set the speed of the power supply. For line work, use a slower speed; for shading, use a faster speed.
Step 5

Press the foot switch while dipping the gun needle into the ink, and before/during tattooing the skin.

Tips & Warnings

To practice use of supply power and speed, you can tattoo a grapefruit or fake skin. Use a slower speed for a less powerful gun. Set the power supply speed to whatever pace you can manage while tattooing. If there is no electrical outlet, you can attach the power supply to a car battery.
Do not attempt to tattoo a person without proper training through apprenticeship and completion of universal health precaution coursework. Improper methods can spread HIV and hepatitis, or result in staph infection. If you run the tattoo gun faster than the set power speed, the needle may stick in the skin, causing excessive pain and scarring. Conversely, running it too slow may keep ink from setting into the skin.