Testing driving a machine after tuning and tweaking question

[Duger]

Ok folks got thinking about this today at work, before and after I work on a truck I take it for a test drive.
What about the Machines? what would be the best way to check the work thats been done to the machine and that it working fine before its even see's the skin, for example you don't want to give a car back to the owner running half ok.


Just thought it might be a half decent post for everyone to comment on as well.

[Papa Gee]

I think a tattoo machine would be a bit different than a car in the respect that a tattoo machine will probably need to be retuned for most situations. You can get one close to it's optimum either buy ear or the use of a device to read duty cycle and Hz.

If you're looking for a specific setup IE: A cutback liner that runs at 140Hz you can tune a machine to these specs with the proper springs and capacitor. But to get it to lay down solid even lines there might be some additional tuning involved to get it there.

I guess you might actually have to use the machine either in fake skin or do an actual tattoo with it.

[FORGIVEN]

I was told to let a new machine run for a period of time , put something heavy on the footswitch , and let her go !!! I've done this w/ no problems , I know some people are gonna say unnecessary wear and tear and all that crap , but I'd rather work out any bugs before Im in the middle of a tattoo !! and in case you dont have a digital or a powersupply w/ a readout , just pay attention to the armature bar , when its running and when it almost looks like an optical illusion , thats should be your sweet spot !!!!!

[Inkster]

and in case you dont have a digital or a powersupply w/ a readout , just pay attention to the armature bar , when its running and when it almost looks like an optical illusion , thats should be your sweet spot !!!!!Is that when the armature bar nipple looks like a number 8? a little more of an explanation would be cool.

[FORGIVEN]

Exactly , when that puppy is a figure 8 blur , when it's nice and smooth , I set it , and go !!!! hope that helps !!!!

[Duger]

Thanks Guys !!!
brought home my meter home that has Hertz/Freq. was going to mess around with the machines a bit more. the "A" bar doing the figure "8" illusion, and a good clean sound, guessing maybe I should have refrased the question is there more way to check on how they are running.

[gooey.uk1]

i always find it's better to tune withe a needle/grip on

[kleen]

hey all. new to the forum. What a cornucopia of knowledge.....i'm home. I just thought i'd add to this one. I also find it best to tune or check "loaded" machines. (needle and tube). I've found they run different when loaded as opposed to unloaded. p.s. i mean no refference to gun here lol