[Howto] Tattoo Machine Tuning and Setup

This is a basic tutorial clip done for Tattooshopusa.com viewers and members. We decided to upload this to youtube.com as a viable alternative to hosting the video files ourselves. This tutorial is brief and focuses on machine familiarization, a few tips on tuning, and general information. If you wish to leave comments, visit tattooshopusa.com and drop us a comment or email us.

[@riobreazile2078]

My name is Rio. And I just ordered my first tattoo kit a week ago. This is the first video that I've EVER watched on KZbin about tattooing. I ordered the same EXACT Hildbrandt professional kit. A WEEK AGO!! Crazy!!!

[@aidanjones4747]

I am an artist using oils, acrylics, ink etc on paper, canvas and want to tattoo to try and express my art in a different way. This has been the most useful utube video for helping me set up and its great for people who just want to get a feel for tattooing before going into it through professional training. Thank you, kind regards

[@paintyou2able]

I am a professional tattooists and have been for 25 years. I'm served an apprenticeship through my family business. I worked for that family business for 15 years and for the past 10 I have been working from my home. After reading through many of the comments here it is confirming to me why I refuse to work in or open a tattoo shop. most of the artists here are not only stating the truth about how important it is to serve an apprenticeship but acting like complete jerks 2 people who just want to learn. If you made it easier for people to come in and serve apprenticeships and do it the right way make them comfortable enough to want to be there there wouldn't be so many basement tattooists. into those complaining that they don't have time to serve an apprenticeship... You don't deserve to be a tattooist! I'm sure surgeons didn't really have the time to go to school for 6 years either! And for the record, it's called a TATTOO MACHINE. Not a gun. A MACHINE.

[@funhouseservers3698]

well said

[@hanakomorebi3537]

When you have to work full time hours to have a home, food, etc it can be hard to take time off work to be an apprentice at a tattoo shop. Its obviously easier to learn on your own time.

[@timothyodonnell2510]

paintyou2able like most of y'all artists not junkies who finally found one thing your good at, get a real job and contribute to society

[@svd7705]

Thank you for the tutorial

[@angielight8067]

It took me years to find a reputable shop to offer me an apprenticeship without being jerks about it. I found one who welcomed me in with open minds like family and have been the best teachers an artist can ask for. For the longest time I was under the impression that i would never make a decent tattoo artist because of the shop owners who looked at my portfolio of ART not tattoos and told me i had no skill. Exactly. i had no tattooing skill. I was merely an artist, hence the reason for looking for an apprenticeship. The things one learns as an apprentice are invaluable.

[@martinlourenz9820]

What I don't understand is that people that already can tattoo have to be so mean to others that want to get started. I mean why? When you wanted to get started you can't tell me you paid a 1000 dollars? I know I want to get started and I saw a kit online that has good reviews and I'm just going to give it a shot. A few years ago I started playing guitar I didn't even know all the names and the differences so I bought a $80 guitar and it worked for me I learned what I needed to learn and saved up for a good guitar that cost me way more. So what I'm trying to say is: when I bought my first guitar people judged me for the cheap quality, but you have got to start somewhere right. So I'm going to buy the kit, enjoy it, learn it, practise and then I can save up for quality if it suits me.

[@rebelreloading5265]

Well said. And the artists who spent big money on machines hate on anything cheaper. Truth is a tattoo machine is a very basic concept.

[@dubshitmaksimiliano1510]

shit my homie gave me the whole kit for free just cuz he saw potential in my art fuck a hater bro keep at it ND learn

[@1darrenknight]

i agree i also play guitar and also want to start tattooing ive played for 30 years and do 4 shows a week and the guitar i use live cost £100 so you dont need expensive gear to work with skill is in the hands of the player not the make of the guitar and it is the same with tattooing .. cheap gear in the hands of a artist is better than an expensive tattoo gun in the hands of somone who dont know how to use it xx

[@Sal_reyes]

Exactly what i did, didn't use any of the tattoo kit equipment on real skin though just to get used to the equipment

[@nowyouseeme1357]

indeed my friend..

[@batman1874]

You know, a lot of people on here are saying things like "real artists dont use kits" and "get an apprenticeship". Well, I'm sorry, but first off I cannot afford to spend $300-500 on my first machine that I MAY break by accident. Second, I don't live in an area where the artists are very open to apprenticeships. They don't want to teach me their methods and what-nots because in the end, I will just be another artist competing for their business. So, for those of you who live in big cities and areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, New York City, Miami, etc. awesome for you that you can go get an apprenticeship. But for the rest of the nation that DOESN'T have that opportunity, these types of videos are great for learning the fundamentals and techniques to get you started with your $100 kit. Just make sure you practice, practice, practice on fake skin (or a grapefruit) for a good 6-12mo BEFORE even starting to tattoo yourself. And by the time you get to that point, you should be ready to buy a quality machine. So again, practice, practice, practice. Watch a million of these types of videos (not just this one). And draw your a$$ off for the next 6-12mo. THEN go buy a high quality machine that will be more consistent and by then you should know how to clean and care for it and should be able to use it for a very long time and do actual quality work.

[@101germinator]

I live in so cal... I never got apprenticed because I would not pay. been that way for years too

[@angielight8067]

You shouldnt have to pay for an apprenticeship. You are working in their shop for free and learning. I had the same trouble with finding a shop to apprentice in.

[@davidcostes1902]

I am ok with that,i 'm un France ans the problem IS the same,they don't want to apprentice what they know because it's a close World si i watch lots of vidéos same like that and learn alone, it will make 3 years now ans i'm proud to make it by my self,so go on and practice à lot watch à lot of vidéos and learn by your self like à lot of great tattoo artist, thanks for all vidéo like that for take Time to others person who can't learn in aprenticeship with a tatoo shop , thanks a lot for all

[@kerayzieart]

I have just started with a beginner machine. I am in no way a scratcher. My friends have their own studio and told me to practice with pork rind and get used to a machine before I can start an apprenticeship. Thank you for this video. I found it very helpful. Getting an apprenticeship is nigh on impossible here.

[@chubsmagee1]

I just got a kit and I'm so eager to learn. I don't really want to be a tattooist per say, I have just always been fascinated and want to learn everything. I might change my mind if I get really really good, but I just want to learn right now. these videos have already shown me a lot. No tattoo studios were willing to teach me anything even when I offered to do stuff like work for free on my days off just cleaning and stuff. so I'm just doing a trial and error thing. I refuse to do actual tattoos but have used the hell out of practice skins. lol

[@AkemiSpangler]

+chubbs magee Same here. I don't have set days off so I haven't tried to help out at a tattoo shop yet but I'm hoping that I can get into a school if I like it well enough. My kit just came yesterday and I'm looking forward to trying it all out! Any tips that you found that worked for you?

[@josiegolden9156]

Thank yu so much for this video. I got a tattoo machine for Christmas because I've been told I was a natural at tattooing the only thing is I never learned how to set up the machine. This video explained it all:)

[@jasongible5879]

Proper training, 99% learned on there own, this is why there here n the best today. Don't be hypocrites

[@danap.harperii8215]

Very helpful. Especially like the tip about the bag over the ink cup holder.😁👍

[@paulhillsdon692]

Actually a great introduction for a beginner with a gun, and clearly shows that a novice first timer should stick to the fruit skin as such. Bought the cool looking motor, now I actually know how it works, even tho it'll sit as a mantle piece :)

[@blakesomething4469]

Great video thanks for the tips. I however like a lot of artists start with nothing but a passion. I don't have a shop around to apprentice out of. I learned in jail doing stick n poke with charcoal and water! I and many others will agree being passionate about the tattoing includes keeping a good name and keeping clean! Even some of the best tattoo artists today started as a scratcher I myself am one. I do me best and research online also use all disposable gear. Cheers just chasing a dream to have the world recognize my name and art someday.

[@theganjaiguana]

work and cleanliness shows for itself no matter how you learned how to do it. that's all I got say.

[@candyblessed9053]

What up love the vid please keep posting more for us to watch

[@Joelontugs]

I just ordered my guns today thanks for this video it was very helpful!!

[@DetroitFettyghost]

MACHINE. NOTGUN!!!!!!!

[@tattchickmuffy]

Thanks for posting. I learnerd all of this through my apprenticeship but I like your video for little tips like two rubber bands instead of one. Also, I wanted to give kudos for the accuracy and health precautions. Scratchers and ignorance are destroying our beloved industry. But, atleeast you are attempting to properly educate. xoxo

[@tattchickmuffy]

*At least

[@klaatubaradanikto3424]

for one, not everyone can afford to have an apprenticeship. also, most normal people, have a full time job, and a family. how am i supposed to work 40 hours a week, have a baby girl, and then go spend time till 2am at a shop, to clean their shop for months after i payed them to learn, only to have them realize i have actual talent. then they keep your stuff, kick you out, and tell you to take them to small claims court. only because they felt threatened by your ability and quickness to learn. it would be like me not teaching you to hunt and skin a deer because i felt that if i did, you would be a threat to me hunting when shit hit the fan.. trust me, its not "Scratchers" that are ruining your "industry" its the ability to learn EVERYTHING and ANYTHING from the internet.. its not that hard. just takes common sense on keeping shit clean. you and your kind aren't some magical being that can do some mystical magic.. there are tribes deep in the forests of the amazon that give tattoos with teeth attached to stick and use ash to give huge body sized tattoos..

[@glassdudemike]

just curious what is a scratcher?

[@chrisfoster6269]

+mike mcdermott a scrather is someone who bought a machine watched some videos on KZbin and thinks they can tattoo

[@strawberryhill4307]

Chris Foster uhhh, no

[@SuzeCan]

thank you for taking the time to share this. i'm just starting out - and this is great. oh - and i think your 'surly' was just fine :)

[@smashface1981]

thank you very much for this info and that little trick at the end was cool :)

[@EmpressAcid]

One of the best videos. 👍

[@Resdan91]

This was just what I needed, thanks a lot!!

[@AveryIsAZombie]

I really like the introduction!

[@beckypoo21]

Thank you very much, this video was very helpful!

[@rogelioramos5295]

This is a great video for starters. ..

[@eazieyg]

that was a kool video.you just took a while to get to the point.do you have any new videos?let me know?your methods are cool

[@jaychi39th]

U Done Have Any Other Video's??? Your The Best On KZbin?

[@saltan2]

The codes and the tips, 7RL is Round Liner and 7RS is round shader.

[@Joshbirch1980]

Great video . Thanks for the info .

[@AlvaroautobotAgudo]

hello this video is better then one in my kit .the only question I have is does the needle brand matter cause it not doing good lines

[@mokoupslickmoko1027]

Wicked trick at the end i luv my cup holders but kp throwing them out after use

[@0oxXNobleSinsXxo0]

Thank you. To gives us your time.

[@juanmaldonado93]

Daaaaaamnnn i really like this video,thank you!! =)

[@FlockofSmeagles]

There is a difference between learning smoke on the water. apposed to learning modes, and scales.

[@bw2054]

great video, thanks for posting!

[@deanstephens5940]

The best thing about those machines are the brass washers!!!!LOL!!! And they're probably only brass plated!

[@lutech11]

the diff. between liners and shaders is spring tension. it has nothing to do with throw thats all you change by adjusting the contact screw you cant just take a liner make the gap bigger an call it a shader id love to see you shade with that

[@cedricsimms784]

Finally got it setup

[@harrisonzulu3707]

LESSON 100% CLEAR

[@Niktok28]

I got my apprenticeship in prison... my work is better than any random tattoo shop you can find

[@IamWhoIam21]

TheDEmus So you tattoo with a guitar string?

[@tattchickmuffy]

+Joshua Haskins nice lol

[@FreakinKatGaming]

I did time too. And I just wanted to say in not ashamed, or proud. But man prisons fucked up, theirs fucking young cats barely turned 18 with 60yr sentences!!! Thats not rehabilitating someone that's slavery! Fuck the government. God's my boss

[@williampearson3657]

SomeN0Body Z .... you fuck tard...

[@Rascalkilla]

Dude is trying to be helpful,and all you trolls can do is talk about his breathing .Grow up

[@melody3741]

"youtube has got limits" this is old school

[@The123easy123easy123]

Hey can you show how to "bag the machine and if you can what kind of bags could I use

[@jwolfhausen]

Beautiful machines..

[@shashaslife1015]

good job sir!!!!perfect tutorial!!!!!:}

[@mightymoe4u2]

Best explanation

[@TheMonkeyface69]

Thank you this is very helpfull

[@joshioaz85]

Very useful video, thank you.

[@NedRosen]

Thank you. My wife and I your newest fans.

[@oceansun1984]

thanks man for the great info......

[@hrconnectionsmarketing6644]

Afrikana Kikois loving this

[@Jespaul1989]

thanks for this helping video

[@jamesbrown1055]

why does everyone have to bash someone that is wanting to start of to be a tattoo artist...you have to think that back in the day like 40-50 yrs ago did they have license?? no I don't think so...

[@cyanidacal0lulz]

it was illegal in many place even 30 years ago

[@tattchickmuffy]

First off bloodborne pathogens, contamination, safety regulations in general. And those of us who bust are fucking asses FOR YEARS getting an apprenticeship and doing the grunt work. there's a right way to do things and an easy way to become a scratcher, who BTW are destroying our industry. As far as old school.. you would be surprised.. I'm currently working for an old school artist and he has been the most strick and amazing mentor I've had! Almost 40 years of experience. he's taught us to build machines and needles. and the history of inks. just a wealth of knowledge and experience. I'm fortunate but I've worked hard for years to get where I am. so yes I "hate on Scratchers" who make a mockery of this industry with their ignorance and laziness. I'm all for someone following their dreams but there's just a correct way to do it love. Anything worth doing isn't easy. :)

[@cyanidacal0lulz]

Ive seen people tattoo in basements that are better than most professional industry tattoo artists, theyre not ruining the industry, just evolving it

[@FreakinKatGaming]

+Evelyn Fitzgerald didn't mean to but in to y'alls tall, but I just wanted to tell you that by reading your words I could tell your very passionate about your work and I'd like to have your work on my body! Cuz I know it get done right

[@getnonswole9163]

first time I ever heard someone snore when they where awake haha

[@charleyfraser4601]

Ever thought he good have poor breathing???

[@chubrock613]

how do u like hildbrandt machines?i got the 44 MAG AND 38 also but not my favorite machines also these are chinese imports being sold as canadian made machines and dave from hildbrandt told me that right from his mouth they can produce good work but i think ill sell mine and stick to the custom made machines

[@jarredslooseextentioncord7278]

I just got a tatto gun on amazon and I want to tatto myself, should I just jump right in???

[@Headshothorror4488]

stealth is real nice, many good artists use it

[@squeezeymcqueen2974]

does every machine use clip cord? i have one plug that goes in... need to get this thing working..

[@missthing7711]

Freakin stellar! Thanks man!!

[@Lovegun.]

Have you plugged it in? Is your contact screw connected to your spring?

[@deanstephens5940]

Thank you for telling folks that there is only one true way to get the right to use a tattoo machine is to go through a real apprenticeship. Plus, gloving up is always the number 1 rule. While I'm not a fan of Hildebrant machines, I've seen worse.

[@seekandcrush]

gteat info, looking forward to see if i have or can gain talent with skill ofcourse..

[@666Alienspy]

Are those sterile gloves ... or just latex from a box? because then you touching that needle at this point doesn't really matter now does it?

[@BAYKAGE]

Voltage depends. I have been told 5.1-8 some have said 9-12. I guess it all depends on thickness of skin, fatty areas, race of client..I tattooed a couple of native american guys...damn! Had to crank it to about 9 volts on lining. Basically, machine, springs, skin all kinds of stuff. Its science

[@tc1038]

Nice thanks 👍

[@jhawzbyte4259]

Hey I appreciate your video. Question what kind of camera are you using that youre using both hands? Gopro? The glasses? o.O

[@eezel4801]

Guitars CAN be tuned differently but as a general rule Every guitar IS NOT tuned differently. Most guitars are tuned to A-440 You can tuned the top string down to a D for dropped D tuning or Tune a guitar open to any key. But generally speaking They are tuned the same.

[@sisterkarenjo]

What exactly is a quick change tattoo machine.

[@kolyaecker1488]

hey i am going to buy thr HILDBRANDT Professional does it come with the right voltage amchine so i dont have to buy one ?

[@roofrepairspecial]

good tips

[@deanstephens5940]

The best thing about those machines were the front and rear binding posts. Not trying to hack on you but get some real equipment and it will make a huge difference in the quality of work you do.

[@geedee957]

haha i didnt realize it was u inky d lol its gordo i was just gonna coment on ur comment then i seen ur name great minds think alike this is the shitty machines i started with then bought my first good machine from u bro i agree this guy needs to get better gear but i seen amazing work done with these shitty machines

[@deanstephens5940]

I hear that Gordie. I have seen some incredibly talented artists take a 50 dollar machine and do incredible things with it, but for me I will stick to my customs!

[@t_fromw4th]

I been wantin to do tats since i was a teen in middle skool i use ti draw but i stopd i got a tat machine last week any advice

[@clyderogers2248]

what kind of needles are those

[@anthonyogbonna6764]

how do one differentiate between a liner and a shader

[@cub4nfor1if3]

What type of amature bar is good for a shadder??

[@3piece598]

THANKS BUD!

[@samanthaschellenberg5488]

where do you go to register to take the tattoo licensing test?

[@paradoxthought2656]

Why is my dragonhawk tattoo guns work for a minute,then it stops...it moves a tiny bit when i hit the footpedal...then it will start working again.can anyone help??

[@Llumynous]

My machines sparking at the contact post? Helpp?? Thnx!

[@eddiebear34]

I just got a new kit. I'm an absolute beginner. I set it all up, hut the pedal and nothing! Getting frustrated as I just wanna get practising...

[@kowtpr187]

Eddie Bruce hahahhahhaha...

[@kowtpr187]

hahahha...keep scratching away!! The pros will be there to fix it!! IF you were a real tattooer you could build a machine and take it apart and know what the problem was to begin with. They dont even sell real machines to scratchers like you! oh months???Ive been tattooing for almost 8 yrs, but Im sure you have learned so much trying to teach yourself to tattooo..I love it though...keep fucking shit up!

[@eddiebear34]

kowtpr187 best tattoo I ever had was from a self taught tattooist. That was 20yrs ago and its STILL the best one iv had out of the 7 I have 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm coming along nicely. Thanks for the interest though. I'll keep doing what I'm doing AND making money from it, while little bitches like you get mad like a wittle baby lol

[@eddiebear34]

Biljana Kitanovska thanks, I agree. Its like some people want the art of tattooing to die. They hate the though of other people learning it. Its certainly not like that in other arts, like drawing and painting. Nothing but respect and encouragement in that world. Iv found there's a lot of hate and disrespect in the world of tattooing. Its quite sad really. Thanks again

[@HL5IHarrier]

+kowtpr187 The way you aggressively and jealously guard the fact you are a 'tattooist' tells people that you are in no sense an 'artist' with such a dog shit attitude towards someone who wants to learn.

[@Toast-ok1wm]

informative video. thanks (:

[@dherreraerro]

thanks

[@nathansilva6134]

where do i find the size of the tattoo label

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Shader needles are not always flat ther are round ones to dah

[@MarszStarPower]

my tattoo machine is not vibrating , i have just a footpedal power supply help me please ????? :(

[@MVPProductionsBeats]

Do I have to pay to learn to tattoo from a licensed artist?

[@christophercooper5845]

your machines not running because too much pressure when you double banded it....

[@Gelayol_Fatemi]

tnx

[@bm2555]

"Nice and clean cup holder"

[@waynemelsome7649]

Yeah fxxk it do ya face

[@Specyallwazhere]

His breathin reminds me of baby D off of next friday lmao

[@dennychristinaurie4964]

Let me just say this home tattoos are super good I learned how to tattoo in prison and I taught my self and gess what I am the fucking bomb bro just saying all this you need good shit let me tell you something I did it with a tape player moter for 10 year's and when I came home from prison I did it with a real gun and it's all the same but it's a cool video lol and funny keep it up buddy

[@taylorsmith1835]

Tatto shops now a days are All about profits not Art.

[@franciscodasilva972]

ain't that the truth

[@Sal_reyes]

World class tattoo artists deserve what they charge, basic local shops with average work don't

[@shreksgirl1998]

Taylor Smith same with piercing places! It drives me nuts

[@deanstephens5940]

Thats why you go to established shops! No matter where you are in the US, I can point you in the direction of top quality old school tattooers. I've been tattooing legally since 1986. There is no excuse to have shitty tattoos because there is a hell of a lot of us out here that paid our dues.

[@TATTOOTRAINING]

why ? he loaded the needle wrong and doesn't know one thing about tuning

[@OffTheWall381]

hate how people think they know more then others everyone learns there own way the first person to ever do a tattoo who taught him ? its all up to that person to do his research stop trying to put people down everyone starts somewhere

[@jaygeo8661]

bey question. i got everythin set up. but i cant get power through.. i can feel a really small current like amost not even one. thnx for the vid :)

[@D-Squared]

Jay VonnGee adjust your contact screw

[@Azaria.Prodigy]

I want to learn

[@danielmoore1722]

S/O Nick McGhee. How right you are sir

[@erkantattoo]

3:10 What is traditional V shape????

[@rocketboy721]

shape of the frame

[@erkantattoo]

+Niggity Nag and what makes it "traditional"???

[@rocketboy721]

+Erkan Nehir (Aircon) Tattoo Artist it's probably just his opinion about it

[@erkantattoo]

+Niggity Nag there is nothing traditional about a shape. lol. its just a random shape....

[@rocketboy721]

+Erkan Nehir (Aircon) Tattoo Artist whatever you wanna think bro

[@Lovegun.]

but like a the guitar, it's also pretty easy to learn.....

[@tokyodrift5]

always bag your equipment

[@JamesVZ101]

a tattoo machine is like a guitar, every one of them are tuned different

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Your shader don’t look much diff than a liner it looks more like a cut back than a shader