How a Tattoo Machine Works: The mechanics of the tattoo gun.

The modern tattoo gun is amazing in its simplicity. It has evolved from a simple needle to a machine that distributes the artistry and colour to your skin. Its operation and function work together to make the tattooing process cleaning, quicker and less painful.

Simply put a tattoo machine is simply a doorbell circuit. You know the kind where you push the button outside the kitchen door and a bell rings. It is really that simplistic. In more technical terms it is a DC coil and spring points. The tattoo machine works with regular household current and it consists of 3 basic components, the base, the mechanism, and the sanitary tube.

The base is the largest component and is the bulk of the metal. A rabbit ear with a screw in it, bent at 90 degrees holds the coils. In the front there is a round hole, to hold the sanitary tube. The base houses two coils of wire wrapped around an iron core. Some people feel that this area looks like the handle of a gun.

At the top of the mechanism is a set of silver contact points. One contact point is on a spring mechanism, and the other contact point is on a screw. The spring connects to the base and a bar. The bar is then connected to the needle arm. The needle is then connected to the needles, which move up and down inside the sanitary tube.

A spring coiled U-cable is used to connect to the 6-12 volt power supply. This is called a clip-cord. The clip-cord is designed to move easily between tattoo machines, but also to stay in place and not fall out causing sparks.

Through the points, the current flows via the coils and the base of the machine. This causes the coils to become electromagnetic. The electro-magnet pulls down the bar, which does two things: pulls down the needles, and opens the points. The points being open turn off the magnet. The spring assembly brings back the bar, which causes the needles to move up and make contact with the points. This causes the whole cycle to happen again making the needles go up and down.

This action causes the ink to be drawn into the sanitary tube, so the needles can load up. The reason the tube is call sanitary is because of the cut out at the bottom of the tube that allows for it to be rinsed clean.

This is the mechanics of the tattooing equipment, that is required to make that beautiful and long lasting work of art that will adorn your body.

The copyright of the article How a Tattoo Machine Works in Tattoos/Body Art is owned by Joel Nash. Permission to republish How a Tattoo Machine Works in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Aug 19, 2008 8:53 AM

Guest :

Whats the difference in 10 an 12 wrap?

Aug 19, 2008 10:27 AM

Joel Nash :

10 wrap and 12 wrap is a reference to the tattoo machines coil size. It basically identifies the number of layers of wire are wrapped around the core of the coil. I’ll touch on the 8 wrap coil machines as here to better clarify the differences in machines.

Tattoo machines are specialized there are outline and shading machines that are specifically designed. 8 wrap coils are primarily used for outlines when using a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 needle outliner. 10 wrap coils are recommended for any outline work requiring 8 to 14 needle outliners. The 8 wrap is typically unable to dissipate the heat created during this process.

You can also find 10 wrap shaders which are ideal when using a 4, 5 or 6 needle shader. In the event you require a 11 through 17 magnum tattoo needle then you’ll require a little more power so you’ll want to use a 12 wrap machine.

Oct 3, 2008 9:44 AM

Guest :

can you add some pictures for a better understanding of the process please?

Oct 8, 2008 3:16 PM

Joel Nash :

Here is a link that should help<a href="http://design.leerjohnson.com/tattoomethods/western.html"&g t;Tattoo Methods: The Western Method</a>.

You'll notice there terminology differs slightly but it accuratly displays all of the components.

Oct 14, 2008 2:57 PM

Guest :

you dont need to know unless you tattoo professionally. all other people should have their hands broken its not supposed to be simple common knowlege because people end up hurting themselves and others by making bad mistakes. if you want to know so bad get an apprenticeship and dont tattoo in your basement. asshole

Oct 15, 2008 6:44 AM

Guest :

i gotta type a paper for a class on the technology of a tattoo and i need to put in there how a tattoo gun works. I was wondering if it is ok with you if i use a couple of the paragraphs describing the machine in my paper as long as i site you as a source?