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sterling · Tattoo lover Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

six years i tattooed with single needle prison rig now im new and improved but have two questions (1) when do i turn the power up or down on my supply is shading different than coloring or lining (2) the adjustment screw on the back of my machine it that just tuning to get it to run smooth if not what is its main function

Jamie · Tattoo lover Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 44

the screw is probably the most critical thing your jacking with. It sets stroke depth.

as a general rule outlining= set gap to thickness of a dime.

shading= set gap to thickness of a nickel.

power supplies vary,......i usually do around 7-8 volts,...but depends on needles. Larger needle groups I go up to 9volts,.....seldom above nine though.

bogart · Tattoo lover Joined: 09 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

[quote="Jamie"]the screw is probably the most critical thing your jacking with. It sets stroke depth.

as a general rule outlining= set gap to thickness of a dime.

shading= set gap to thickness of a nickel.

hi! im from the philippines. just wanna ask exactlly how thick is a dime, nickle in mm?

ink king · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:34 am Post subject:

the screw is used for machine speed(wind it in less gap between contact points means faster action wind it out more gap slows it down) and needle depth, with the power supply 5 to 10 volts is normal (depends on the machine they all behave diffrent) the more volts you pump through your machine the more magnetic pull you get (more dose not speed up your machine) and your machine will heat up quicker like jamie said the bigger needle group the more volts you will need just make sure you tune it right it should hum away smoothly it shouldnt sound clangy and try to tune your machine with your hand speed so you dont end up chewing up, cuting or overworking someone as for color and shading just buy a tattoo hand book or something try a few different techniques and find the ones you like it all kinda depends on what you are doing and every one thinks they have the best way of doing things and you will hear a lot of things that will contradict and clash pluss you can get in some mad arguments when discussing technique with other artist anyway hope this helps and merry X-mass and a happy new year