How to Set the Voltage on a Tattoo Power Supply

The original design for what would become the modern tattoo machine was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. The heart of the machine is its power supply. The type of power supply will determine what type of tattoo machine you are trying to build. Some power supplies deliver up to 20 volts of power. The higher needle count you are using, the more power you will need to supply the tattoo gun. Instead of giving the tattoo gun more speed, setting the voltage higher will draw the needle down with more force.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Plug in your tattoo power supply. Always wear gloves when tattooing to help keep your work area clean.

   • 2

     Turn the voltage knob on the front of your power supply counterclockwise until it is at its lowest setting.

   • 3

     Turn on the power button located on the back of the power supply unit.

   • 4

     Adjust the voltage level by turning the voltage knob clockwise for more power and counterclockwise for less.