What “Gives”? Tattoo Machine Dampening - Ty Pallotta Fireside Tattoo Network

What “Gives”? Tattoo Machine Dampening

“When you have ‘give’ you’re creating resistance. When you have rubber or a spring, when you start to give it creates more resistance, so even though the stroke length is getting shorter that give [mechanism] is pushing back…”

- Ty Pallotta

"Give" refers to the flexibility and responsiveness of a tattoo machine's needle mechanism. It determines how much the needle will yield or bounce back upon contact with the skin.

Adjusting the give in a tattoo machine is typically done by manipulating the tension on the needle bar. More give is achieved by loosening the tension, allowing the needle to have greater movement and provide a softer touch. Conversely, reducing the give is done by tightening the tension, resulting in a stiffer up and down motion of the bar and a firmer touch on the skin.

In rotary tattoo machines, the implementation of give differs from traditional coil machines. For example, the Spektra Xion utilizes a spring system with an adjustment knob. Other manufacturers may have their own approaches:

• Dampening Systems: These often involve the use of rubber bands or o-rings placed around the needle bar or drive bar. The elasticity of these rubber elements allows for controlled flexion and back pressure, helping to stabilize the needle as it contacts the skin.
• Springs: Springs are typically positioned between the motor and the drive bar assembly. The compression or tension of the spring provides a certain level of flexibility, enabling the needle to give and rebound slightly.
• Rubber Softening Mechanisms: These include grommets or bumpers strategically placed to absorb vibrations and provide a softer touch during tattooing.

These various mechanisms and techniques aim to enhance the machine's performance and ensure a more comfortable experience for both the tattoo artist and the client.

Tattoo Needles: Cartridges or Needle-On-Bar

You have a couple different options with direct drive rotaries, and your needle style choices will vary depending on your preference. Some direct drive rotary tattoo machines can utilize the standard tube and needle-on-bar set up, which has the needle attached to the cam from the eyelet and run through a tube. You can also get grips that convert certain machines so that you can utilize a drive-bar and cartridge set up as well for quick changing needles.

Pen style tattoo machines on the other hand primarily use grips where you attach a needle cartridge to the bottom and the internal drive bar pushes the plunger up and down.

Watch the full episode:

What is a Direct Drive? Rotary Tattoo Machines Explained

| Fireside Technique | EP 40