Introduction/ Tattoo Machine Build

A few months ago I, Jared Jennings, was offered an apprenticeship with Ozark Ink Emporium in Neosho, Mo. Tattooing is a art form that has be part of culture for hundreds and hundreds of years. This blog will document my findings of tattooing throughout the years from it's cultural values to how it's techniques and processes have changed over time. Not only that but it'll document the modern day techniques of tattoo.

I was required to build my own tattoo machine so i would understand the how it works as a tool to further improve the work of the artist.

I ordered a machine kit which when i received it, it came as you see above.

This is a diagram just to point out all the individual parts required to build a machine.

Like it says in the diagram the Main frame is the back bone of the machine and is the complete structure that holds all the pieces together. The basic idea behind the machine is simple. You have an electromagnet that attracts a piece of metal. The electromagnet is created from the coils once connected to a power source which causes the point screw to be the magnet. The Metal is attached to the needle. The needle moves in and out. This motion is caused because once the needle touches the front spring it shuts down the magnet causing the needle to fall and drive the ink particles into the skin. This cycle continues as long as there's a power source.

The space between the point screw and front spring is very important as well. Tattoo artists were known for have both a dime and nickel on them at all times. The reason is for is because of their individual thicknesses. The thickness of a dime was used for lining or the outline of the tattooing. Less space create a faster reaction causing the needle the move faster to create a bolder blacker line. While the thickness of the nickel was used for shading or filling in color. It slows down to needle to help create space between particles of ink in the skin for shadowing.

I'll Break down each part further.

Machine Frame:
Many frames look different, but they all have these basic features; The Jaws in which the needle tube is clamped in. The Base of the frame is where the coils are mounted. The Spring brace is in the rear and supports the rear binding post and armature bar. The side arm holds the front binding post.

Machine Coils:
Steel Core, come in eight or ten wrap( wraps of wire around core) cotton or enamel wrapped wire. These coils act as electro-magnets.

Armature Bar:
Provides steel mass for magnetic pull. Also is link to tattoo needle

Front Binding Post:
Holds contact screw and adjusts for alignment by use of nylon washers. contact screw can be locked in position by lock screw

Rear Binding Post:
Provides contact point for clip cord. Adjusts for alignment with washers

Capacitor: Usually 10, MFD, 25 volts standard. Can be fitted to any machine to minimize sparkin and arching

Bands:
Provide even pressure on needle bar

Tubes:
Encases needle and bar. Provides good gripping surface