How To Hook Up Tattoo Gun Power Supply
One of the initial tasks in successful tattoo training is mastering how to accurately attach a tattoo machine and control the device’s power. For this, you need to know how to hook up tattoo gun power supply.
The power source, the foot pedal, and the clip wire must be connected for the power supply to work with the tattoo gun. You will also need to operate the device to ensure the connection is on point.
Without proper connection, you cannot draw the perfect artwork in someone’s skin. This is why understanding this aspect is crucial for every tattoo artist.
How To Hook Up Tattoo Gun Power Supply
Although tattoo power supplies might be complex and intimidating, you should first know how to power a tattoo gun. The rate of the needle is controlled by the power source, which also impacts how quickly ink is applied to the skin. So, the power supply has an important role.
The tattoo machine receives juice from the power source, allowing you to finish your stunning body art. Through your power supply, you may also precisely regulate how much power is provided to your tattoo machine at any given time.
Look at the following steps to understand how to hook up a tattoo gun power supply.
Step 1
Connect the power source. You might need to buy a power cable, or the power supply may already have one. Ensure that the source and cord are the proper voltage for your circuits.
Step 2
Connect the foot pedal to the power source for the tattoo. As you set up the device, remove the foot pedal from the way to prevent unintentional activation.
Step 3
The tattoo power supply unit’s front should be connected to the clip wire. The device’s power settings will be close to where the clip cable can be placed.
Step 4
Connect the clip cord’s hooks to the tattoo gun’s top and bottom binding posts, close to the coils. When the machine is shifted, the hooks should be tightly fastened and should not come loose.
Step 5
To check the device, step on the pedal. The needle needs to move swiftly and consistently. When the machine is operating smoothly and at the desired speed for your project, tweak the power supply settings.
Making Your Own Power Supply
Power Supply for tattoo guns is not cheap. Some of the power supplies can hurt your pocket. So, if you want to know how to make a power supply for a tattoo gun, you might be able to save a fortune in the long run.
Before looking at the steps to make your own power supply, let’s look at some of the required items.
Necessary items:
Making sure that the essential tools and supplies are available should be your initial action. These includes:
- You also need
- A bridge rectifier.
- A 2200-3500 capacitor
- Two phone jack switch connectors.
- A 25-35 ohms rheostat.
- A 2 Amp fuse,
- A transformer ( to control speed on the tattoo gun).
You can make the power supply by following three steps.
- Get a 12V cable adapter with 250 ma from a new Ethernet router or something identical.
- After cutting the wire screw, joining it to the screws on the tattoo machine, and covering it with electrical tape.
- To enable foot-activated power supply shifting, connect it to a power strip.
Configuring Your Power Supply
Your power supply must be properly configured when you initially set it up. If you don’t configure it correctly, this might be problematic. The very first thing you have to do is to check the manufacturer’s directions. They may come out as a little boring, but they are knowledgeable.
Next, confirm that the clip wire for your tattoo machine and foot pedal are placed into the appropriate slots on your power supply. After that, you can turn on the power source.
Apply pressure on the foot pedal while holding your tattoo machine in your hand. The vibration from your tattoo machine should then be steady. Increase the voltage a little if you still don’t hear the vibration. You should ensure the tattoo machine’s needle is coming from the end. As well as ensure that the armature bar is rapidly moving up and down before putting it on somebody’s skin. After that, you can begin tattooing.
What Power Supply to Use for A Tattoo Gun?
There are various power supplies available in the market. But not all of them are ideal for everyone. To determine what power supply suits you, you need to check some of the factors. These factors are:
Find the desired voltage.
There are many different tattoo power supplies available, and some of them may operate at voltages as low as three and as high as 12 to 15. Small power sources for portable devices can operate at 1.5 volts, whereas more extensive power supplies can operate at 20 volts. The more power is available, the greater the voltage.
Choose the power supply type.
Analog and digital power sources are available in controlled and uncontrolled versions. You should consider each model offered according to your level of expertise and your preferred method of power output reading.
While more precise and straightforward to monitor while you’re working, digital monitoring systems are typically more expensive. Although they cost more, controlled machines give you a steady voltage even when the tattoo machine isn’t in use.
Think about fluctuations.
The amount of pressure applied as the tattoo needle penetrates the skin may affect the amount of power used at any particular time during the tattooing. While some regulated machines might not, many will assist in regulating these variations.
Consider the cost.
A tattoo power supply is available for as little as $40 or for as much as $300–400. Consider all of the aforementioned aspects before choosing if the price is appropriate. There may be more than one effective device that you can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any power supply for the tattoo gun?
Consider the tattoo machine you frequently operate. While some tattoo power sources can only be used with coil-operated tattoo machines, others can also be used with rotary machines. Still, others can be used with both rotary and coil-operated tattoo machines.
How much power does a tattoo machine need?
Take some time using your machine to determine the ideal voltage for you as well as the equipment. Voltages of 7v to 9v are typically used by most artists for lining, Which is why eight should be an appropriate starting point.
Do tattoo machines require a foot pedal?
The foot pedal is crucial to the tattoo gun because it regulates the vertical motion of the needle. Besides controlling how the needle will operate, it replicates a sewing machine pedal.
Conclusion
Thank you for making it to this point. Our team has put out a great effort to make sure you can understand all the aspects relating to the power supply and a tattoo gun.
We are sure that now, you will be able to hook up the power supply to your tattoo gun as well as you can construct your power supply from scratch. Moreover, you should also be able to configure the power supply. Lastly, you are now aware of the factors you should consider while choosing your power supply.
