How to Adjust Your Tattoo Machine Gun
Body tattooing is an art form in its own right. Tattoos can range from a simple butterfly to an intricate piece that spans across the body. Tattoo artists may have their own personal techniques and methods they like to adopt -- to add their personal touch -- but for the most part, the tattoo gun itself is relatively simple and straight forward to use.
Instructions
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1
Plug in your tattoo gun machine to an electrical outlet. Plug the foot pedal in as well. Turn the power on.
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2
Depress the pedal to activate the machine. You should hear a buzzing noise. Take your foot off the pedal. If it's a traditional pedal, it will stop once you do this. If you have a sustained pedal, you will have to raise your foot off the pedal and then depress it again, to stop it.
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3
Look at your tattoo gun. On the top section towards the back you will see a contact screw. If there is a retaining bar with a screw holding it in place, remove this with an Alan wrench, Torx wrench or the special key that came with the gun. Remove the bar and put it to the side.
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4
Turn the screw clockwise to increase the speed of the gun. Turn it counterclockwise to reduce the speed. Depress the foot pedal to activate the gun, so you can hear the speed.
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5
Look at the end of the tattoo gun. You want to see the needle extending out from the tip of the gun about 1 mm -- or the thickness of a dime for line work -- or 2 mm -- the thickness of a nickel for shading. Adjust the retaining screw clockwise and counterclockwise, until you get to that point.
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6
Put the retaining bar and screw back in place when you have achieved the appropriate speed and needle position.
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Adjust the amps that flow to the gun by rotating the knob on the amp box. There will be a dial and a gauge with numbers. Turn the knob, until you reach the amps you are looking for.
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References
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