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Instructions for Hooking Up a Tattoo Gun

Setting up a tattoo machine correctly is one of the most important parts of preparing to make a lasting piece of work on your human canvas. You will have to know how to insert the needle and tube correctly, as well as make the connections to the power source as well. If you haven't ever tried to hook up your tattoo machine before, do not feel overwhelmed. You can make all of the necessary connections in order to prepare the machine in less than five minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Tattoo tube
  • Tattoo needle
  • Rubber band
  • Power source
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the needle's point into the hole that holds the tube, then slide the round end of the tattoo needle onto the top hat grommet. The grommet is in the front of the machine, connected to the portion of the machine directly above the spring mechanism.

    • 2

      Slide the tattoo tube over the needle and into the hole that you slid the needle into. Use the tube clamp to tighten the tube once you see the tip of the needle protruding outside the tube. You can make adjustments to the tube after the machine is completely connected to the rest of the equipment.

    • 3

      Place the rubber band around both the needle and the back of the machine, where the coils are located. You may have to wrap the rubber band twice in order make a secure connection, holding the needle into place.

    • 4

      Insert one of the connectors on the end of the clip cord into the binding post on top of the machine, and the other onto the bottom one. This will give the machine the connection necessary to draw power from the power source. Now you will be able to make the power adjustments on the power source so that your machine receives adequate power for your piece.

    • 5

      Turn the contact screw at the very top of the machine to adjust the amount that the screw will stick out the tube, along with adjusting the tube and then tightening the tube clamp.

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