How To Tune Your Tattoo Machine Like A Pro!!

[@mikerrailey]

Thanks!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you so much! Shout out for the Super Thanks! You’ll get an onscreen mention in the next video upload! 😀

[@stephugh2291]

Fantastic! Not so long ago you couldn't find anything on the net about these subjects. Like it was some kind of secret society....like you needed some lame handshake or had to eat enough crow or you wouldn't be "let in". Truth be told it seems that there were more tattooist that just did things because that was the way they were taught. Not knowing the why behind it limited the abilities to pass on the knowledge and thus created the illusion of difficulty. Inability to teach a trade shouldn't be confused with the "inability to learn". Thanks for sharing knowledge Jono!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome comment. You actually hit the nail on the head with this. You worded it perfectly!

[@brianmcdonald4407]

Back in the day (early 90’s) guys you apprenticed for didn’t teach you much besides how to execute a tattoo. The reason why was because they were afraid if you knew stuff you would leave and be more successful somewhere else. So a lot of us did stuff just because “that’s the way it is done”.

[@kdarban]

Eatin mad crow's yo.

[@LuisB69]

Actually you need enough experience and professional training to understand it, with a Chinese machine in bad shape in a tutorial with someone without tattoos can’t learn much 😂 keep it going you’ll be ok…

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I think this comment ^ is really narrow minded and judgmental to assume in this particular video i have no visible tattoos on show I automatically don't know what I'm talking about. Im sure 100k subscribers would disagree. For an industry supposedly free for artists to express themselves and people to be unique Ive found over the years it contains some of the most toxic and judgemental attitudes which is really sad. If you had the knowledge you'd also know Mickey Sharpz machines are built in the Uk and not China.

[@uncoiledmarrow]

Now this is the reason for KZbin, well done, thank you.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@KarlVinceCasitas]

JONO SMITH'S CHANNEL IS A HOLY GRAIL FOR US BEGINNERS.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Karl Vince thanks for watching!

[@KarlVinceCasitas]

@@JonoSmithTattoo this 130cps and 50% duty is for both liners and shaders, right?

[@KarlVinceCasitas]

@@JonoSmithTattoo your videos are legendary, I love your personality as well.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Karl Vince dirt is always 50% but shaders id run at around 100cps because 130cps is a bit too fast for shading.

[@kwbond918]

Your tutorials are so well done! You never sound condescending, you dont gatekeep your knowledge, you kindly share your hard earned experience. The fact that you freely share this trade knowledge with the world is going to prevent so many potential infections and make the overall world of tattoos a safer/better place for everyone. You kickass dude!

[@joshcookify]

I've watched a lot of videos on how to tune my machine and how to trouble shoot some problems I'm having but didn't really understand what was going on until this video. Thank you for the detailed, simple explanation of this!

[@bwildtattoo]

Awesome video! I learned something new. It would be so cool to see a series where you take us all the way through doing a traditional tattoo from start to finish -lining, color packing and whipshading. I know you have separate vids on some of this. But a definitive walkthrough POV style with good commentary would be next level. So those of us starting can see all this info put together in one small cohesive series. Thanks for everything. Much respect from Uruguay!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Joe Master Push thanks for the great feedback and suggestion! This would make a really cool video. I’m pretty limited at the moment due to the lockdown but as soon as I get back to the studio I’ll see what I can do. Thanks for watching!

[@joshbenitez8210]

That’s an excellent suggestion

[@CristalMartinez-b6e]

Best coil tuning video I’ve watched so far please put out more videos like this thank you 🙏🏼

[@ninakirstinegroth8561]

Thank you for this perfect explanation. You’re as clear and to the point as anyone could wish for. Great job with the visuals of each element of the coil machine. Thank you 🙏🌷

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you!

[@kanyinak]

Hey Jono, just wanted to let you know this video made a huge difference in my learning. I couldn't get a liner made by Johnny Dollar (Legend old school Aussie tattooist) to work right. I bought it second hand off someone who probably 'set it up' wrong. I tried using all your advice but suspected the gauge of the springs was too light for the coils, took me forever to get it to kind of go ok. Scored some good 20 gauge lining springs and tuned it in under five minutes following your tutorial! Keep it up mate!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Adam Tombs that’s great news! I’m glad it’s helped you out! The difference between a well tuned machine and one that isn’t tuned is night and day.

[@kunalsdomain]

was definitely the most informative video on setting up a coil machine.. especially regarding the duty.. no one ever spoke about that before..

[@sheltonsmith8185]

Clear and direct information that most other channels have issues with.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@antoniocalo4213]

You saved my life!!!! I will always be grateful to you! Respect! 🤟🤟🤟

[@captainleonardodivichi295]

Man when you put the last few seconds on this video I almost fell asleep lol I love the humming sound brother thank you for everything

[@chadbenbrook1970]

Great video. I have watched what seems like countless hours of tattoo videos. Thank you for the easy to watch and detailed info. I haven’t seen anyone else go into detail about CPS or even mention the duty. Now I have another reason for my daughter(12) and I to upgrade to a real machine and power supply!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the great feedback it really does mean a lot to me that people are enjoying these videos! Good luck with it all and thanks for watching!

[@chandracox6814]

Such an informative video and easy to understand. I'm a total beginner and I've learned so much in this video. Thanks, man!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the great feedback and thanks for watching!

[@davoldfield1514]

Jono I’ve stripped and rebuilt my liners shaders and packers hundreds of time during my apprenticeship. I’m still doing it the same way years later. It’s a pity more people aren’t taught how to re build coils. I’d have no problems with you tuning my coils mate. Well done! Nearly brought a tear to my eye . Stay healthy 😷👍

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Aww thanks mate that means a lot to me! Stay safe and thanks for watching!

[@chrisvandewater7066]

This is by far the best, most well explained tuning video I've seen! It looks like with all this new knowledge I'll be upgrading my power supply, considering my current one does not have a Hz/CPS readout or a duty readout. Thanks for making amazing, informative and entertaining content!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome feedback! Good luck with your upgrade. Thanks for watching!

[@danielszczepanik7677]

Should we set the same 50% duty with different springs and armature bar for color packer? I thought that in color packers it is better to set duty below 50% to keep needle more time in skin to let thicker ink settle in. What do You think Jono? You give great knowledge for free. Ppl should be really grateful for that. I am. Thank You. Best wishes, Daniel.

[@ghoulishgrl]

none of the other videos on youtube helped me understand like this one did! thank you!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you!

[@MwambaHakunaMajuto]

after seeing so many videos on tuning (and none of them actually explaining what is it and how to do it) i thank you so so much for all these info!

[@stevewakelingslide7089]

10 years ago there was literally nothing on the internet about tattooing...thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@CinnamonKennedy]

thank you! I have watched about ten videos on this subject and yours was the one that made sense

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad it’s helped you out. Thanks for watching!

[@zoltanpakular4936]

Bro !i can only say ,Thank You best video from Coils maschine setting Up what i ever seen!cheers!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@MrVinidill]

Jono your english tea drinker angel, solve my problems with a simple and very well made video, thank you!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Venicius Dill one does try old bean 🤣

[@th8298]

You are brilliant. Thank you again for explaining this to us. Maybe now I can actually be able to run a smother tat.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaeljoy6310]

A tip that worked for me, the gap between the two screws of the spring can't be too short because ur machine have to use more power to push down, so give a larger gap on those screws ( not too much) and try it

[@garynilsson2087]

I must say PERFECTION on how to do a tutorial my humble thank you .

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you!

[@priestsonsofwar]

Jono once again another grand slam, thanx for the info with the great showcase of how it all works together.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@YouCantWin666]

Great video, thank you! Now I just need a power supply with a digital read out

[@Eprimrose]

Big time awesome. Thanks for the clear & instructing video!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@charliemaddock3459]

your a legendary teacher mate

[@speedymfrrodriguez1299]

Loving the knowledge in the videos. i really appreciate your honest work. Question. Having trouble finding a Power supply that tells me the duty and the speed, where do you recommend i buy my equipment ive waited for you to mention any good machine companies but hasnt yet happened. So can the machine be tuned without this readings at all?. thank you for everything hope you see this! Cheers!

[@danielwoods2531]

Love Mickys. I have a nice line-o-graph. Had it for a good 20 years and although it's been retired, it never let me down. Its had beer spilled on it. Been dropped a bunch of time. A couple spring changes is all ever it had done to it. Peace.

[@RedCatLotty]

This would have been so helpful when I was making the decission choosing between rotary and coil! This is a great video, huge learning value! Your explanation is clear and concise, the visual is great (it shows how much work you've put into it!), I love it. Thank you for making the video, it might actually push me to switching to coil once this whole pandemic thing is over.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the great feedback! I personally use rotary for the majority of my tattoos but I do occasionally go back to coils. There’s just something about them that I love including the sound they make. Thank you also for acknowledging the time I put into this. It did take a looooonnnnng time to put together but comments like this make it worth it!

[@odinfineartcreations9898]

Great video, have you got any suggestions on what cps you would run for a shader and colour packer

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Personally I’d run them at around 90cps.

[@inhaledeath3899]

This is the most useful video about the topic I've ever seen

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome feedback and thanks for watching!

[@poyakiani7883]

regarding the price of a good machine, there are the imperfections who make a tattoo seem natural, the beauty is in the simplicity and all the other excuses (big winky face). thanks mate, quite informative and helpful. keep it up!

[@mauroalvarez8795]

Hey Jono! Really appreciative and grateful of your videos, very informative and helpful. Quick question - when you tune a coil machine, should it matter if it's being tuned without tube and needle? I ask, because after i tuned mine, i set up tube and needle, prep for a piece and i got a very different readings! Same clipcord and power supply was used for initial tuning... any thoughts?? Thanks again!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

You ultimately want to aim for those figures when the machine is ‘loaded’ with the needle. I tune unloaded because it’s quicker and then just make a few adjustments after it’s loaded. Hope this helps!

[@mifodepesfil]

@@JonoSmithTattoo hello Jono, thanks for your videos, I also tune unloaded easily. But when I put the needle, it is impossible for me to reach 130 cps, the maximum I get is 100 cps (with 50% duty). Should I put a harder rear spring? Thank you

[@luxstarlonewolf2117]

Finally a guy that tell you proper info

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@Feoo-j6h]

I need help my machine is perfect tuned with 130cpm and 50% duty like in your video, but when I put the needle in its totally different and I’m not able to match them again, what can I do? Thanks I love ur videos!

[@donnasmith9579]

Thank you! I took an old cheap machine apart and cleaned it up. I finally got the voltage and duty correct but the HZ were way too high and I looked everywhere to find out why . I’m gonna go bend my spring now.

[@gritgrit486]

you made gold with this video thk you so much for all those clear explainations !

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrnobody9714]

Can you do a video on a shader/colour packers please

[@clivevanniekerk1396]

Thanks for the video learnt a lot. Just one question, I setup mine exactly like this, but when I add needle setup the settings change. Should I now set it agian or just leave it like that?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

You should be aiming for those figures when the needle is attached. It should only take a few tweaks though if you’ve already tuned it unloaded. Thanks for watching!

[@Kamomi5000]

Amazing videos with great visuals! Thank you!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@fluke808state4]

Very very cool.... I've learn a few things today...thanks so much!!!! Appreciate your vids 😀

[@deke2096]

Great vid...duty cycle and hz...these are things you don't hear about or read in the books...its usually only mentioning the set screw adjustment...but obviously theres so much more to it.

[@princeofpersiagirl]

Hey thank you so much for the video! How do I all this when my power supply only shows the power?

[@Levarwrightz27]

Wow amazing..you learn something new everyday 👍🏿

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@feniixnina]

I had issues with my new coil and this video was everything I needed!! thank you so much

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@FernandoMontielRal]

This is a great video!!! I'll practice tuning while watching it this afternoon. Is it the same procedure for a shader? Thank you a lot and cheers from Mexico!

[@thebeardedcattattoo511]

Hi, mate. Love your videos! One quick question: When you tune the machines to those readings is it loaded with needle and rubber band or not loaded.? I’m asking because when I load the machine the readings always drop a little bit. I’ll appreciate it if you answer. Cheers!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

That’s a really good question. Personally I’ve always tuned ‘unloaded’ ie. no needle. For the simple reason that having swing the armature bar out every time results in having to remove the needle from the armature bar every time which makes a simple process into quite a long fiddly one. So I always tune unloaded and find I only have to make very slight adjustments to hit the right figures when loaded. There is no right or wrong way with regards to tuning loaded or unloaded it’s just personal preference really. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@danlee9109]

That was my question. I'm glad I'm not alone on that one

[@martinb8168]

video was great, really useful and informative. Should there be consideration to tuning with or without the whole needle assembly?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Martin B I always tune without the needle attached just because it’s quicker, then I ‘load’ the machine and make any necessary tweaks to hit the same figures.

[@martinb8168]

@@JonoSmithTattoo great stuff thanks! I'll give it a whirl...

[@brandonwilson52]

Hey Jono, can you give recommendations on starter power supplies for beginners? a big reason you're probably getting so many people asking about what voltage to run might be because a lot of the lower end power supplies (i.e. the ones people get with their beginner kits) only show voltage.

[@jakepena-prime5410]

Hi really helpful video. do most power supplies show the cps and duty? As well as the voltage. Thanks

[@lazaroalmenteros1067]

thanks for the tutorial truly awesome, question if your running a power supply that doesn't have a hrz/duty display like a musotoku how would you get that reading effectively? thanks

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

If you haven’t got either duty or hertz reading then you have to do it on the ‘feel’ and sound of the machine. You can use the coin method which will get you in the right area.

[@JosephStapleton-u8q]

Great video easy to relate to speeds and feeds.

[@seanhughes2771]

Jono thank you for your help it has definitely made my machines sound and run better!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Glad they’ve helped. Thanks for watching!

[@truckdrivermm]

Would you say Kingpin Tattoo Company is a reputable company to buy good quality machines?? Or what suggestions do you have?? Thx for your time Mike Miles.

[@Khanartistdaze]

Another well put together video, I personally use the pen rotary machines just cause it has a more natural feel in my hand. Keep up the great work!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the great feedback and for watching!

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

I own 2 coil machines (liner and shader) both from a reputed builder. I followed everything you taught in the video and finally got it tuned perfectly. Thank you for that. The problem I am having is, every time the machines run, it tends to be very inconsistent. it looses power and then all of a sudden starts to hit hard and looses power again. I have cleaned the contact screws, changed from clip chord to RCA, foot pedal and power supply is of a reputed make. happens with both my machines. How do I fix this issue? little help here please.

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

?

[@NobodyAtAll420]

Your videos are very great 👍 Question though... How did they set duty and Cps back in the day with an analog power supply?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Without a digital power supply the duty wouldn’t of been able to be set. Though the old school tattooists would tune by ‘feel’. Thanks for watching!

[@NobodyAtAll420]

I'm subbing now. Thanks for answering.

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

Awesome. thank you so much for the reply. That really helped. Just another query regarding the same. so if I convert to a liner to a shader or vice versa does the number of wraps on the coil matter? and what would be the advisable number of wraps on the coils be? and when you say "shader" does it also mean "color packer" or does a color packer need a different type of setup? I'm planing to buy just one machine and change the binding post position and the springs to use as sort of like a "do it all" type of a machine if that is even possible or should I go for two separate machines(liner and shader)? sorry I'm bugging you with these questions, it's just that the way you explain make a lot of sense and I can understand very easily from you. you're the best at explaining stuff!

[@kishankumar-oc3rz]

Even I had the exact same question. Eagerly waiting for the answer. 😃✌🏼

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

So with regards to wraps, basically the bigger the wrap the more powerful the machine. So a colour packer running large mags & liners would be suited for a 10 wrap coil where as an 8 wrap coil would be more suited for running small to medium liners. When I say ‘shader’ I mean shader & colour packer because I basically use the same setup for shading as I do for colour packing. With regards to an ‘all in one machine’, in theory you could do this with either a shader or a liner and just adapt your technique to be able to use the same machine for everything but personally I think if you’re using coil machines it’s much better to have 2 machines, one a dedicated liner and one a dedicated shader/colour packer. Hope this helps!

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

@@JonoSmithTattoo awesome! thank you so much for the info. That really helped a lot.

[@1down202]

John I recently subscribed. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@rdbuford6702]

Excellent video. Thank you. Will you be doing a video for cps settings color packers and shaders as well?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

RD Buford yes I can add that to my list no problem. Thanks for watching!

[@The_RealDC]

Hey thanks for the info, for us scratchers I just don't have the time or money to apprentice. But ur giving us the knowledge to at least be better and learn. Thanks My Dude. 👍👍

[@gardenofremains8018]

Good video! Just one thing to add. Put a needle and tube in it and dip it in a water cup while tuning. Then it's really 100% on point when you are working.

[@bigfuzzy84]

Thank you so much for all this info, it's incredibly helpful for all beginners

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterbagley1951]

Really great video very knowledgeable as I’m a Newby thank you so much for going into so much detail I watched it today and tomorrow I’m going to watch it again and tune it with my new Mickey B’s coil machine Haha, cheers bud I’ll let unknow how I get on👍

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad it’s helped you out! Yeah let me know how you get on. Thanks for watching!

[@peterbagley1951]

Hi ya I’ve just tuned my Micky bee liner machine thanks to you and it sounds great , I will be giving the old skins a going over later today cheers jono 🤟🤟👌👍

[@williameccles4910]

Loved the video, liked and subscribed.... now I do not have a digital power supply. more old school big red light one switch a dial and a fuse. I have to tune by ear just like harmonics on a guitar. If you can do a video on tuning with use of an older power supply that be awesome to watch(unless you already do???).

[@josephhellier9758]

This was fookin ace man, thanks for the tips! Liked and subscribed :)

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@briand563]

Awesome channel! I knew there was a lot to learn about tattooing but man its way more than I thought. You have a new sub 👍

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel!

[@marlenehofmayr430]

Your vids are a game changer keep that good work up!! Thank you

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@neshennarrainen8364]

Mate great video and precious information you giving here. I have tried to do and it worked my only question is should my CPS and Duty be the same when the machine is loaded? Cause when its not loaded its 130cps and 50 duty. But when loaded my CPS goes 105. What should i do Jono ?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Neshen Narrainen I usually tune mine unloaded just because it’s easier than trying to detach the needle bar every time you need to make an adjustment and then I fine tune it when it’s loaded to reach the same figures. If your figures are really off when loaded then it’s absolutely fine to tune it loaded. You want to ultimately have those figures I gave in the video when your machine is loaded. Hope this helps!

[@neshennarrainen8364]

Nice, thank you soo much for the fast reply you are a legend my friend. Well alright yeah I get it, but now i understand why i shouldn't buy cheap amazon machines. Even tho I have change the springs and got some good ones, I can't reach those figure. They dont match at all.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Yeah that’s the thing with cheap machines unfortunately. They just don’t hit the figures. The difference between a decent machine and a cheap one is day & night. The genuine ones come with a price tag for a reason. Good luck with it all!

[@neshennarrainen8364]

Yeahh you soo right. L'm saving to buy a decent machine as a beginner what would you recommend me for a machine ? Sorry to bother you with all those questions.

[@oliviergagnon2592]

Jono's you're the best. Thanks for all this

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@angiedodds8794]

Wow!!! I totally understand!! Thanx for making it easy to understand x

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@torvous346]

Super helpful theory wise, wish I had a power supply with a readout! Was gifted a cheap amazon set last summer and Ive been fighting with tuning the entire time. Managed to get my liner running well one time, and it went out of tune pretty quickly. Reminds me of using roseart crayons as a kid. 🤣

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

But you’re making use of the tools you’ve got at this moment. That’s the perfect attitude to have! Thanks for watching!

[@rosalihirn6690]

hi jono. first of all, thanks for all your great explanation videos, learned so much from it. I'm using the same micky sharpz machine... but i tried serveral times to tune it correctly. My problem is, i can reach 130 cps and 50% duty only when the machine isn't set up with the tube and the needle. If i set up my machine with all that stuff, it slows down to about 110/ 115 maximum. And when i'm changing the position from the contact screw downwards, the stroke gets way to small for lining (under 2mm...) i also changed the front spring, to see if this is a game changer, but no... I'm wondering now: are these numbers (130 cps and 50% duty and so on) WITH or WITHOUT the tube and needle set up? Hope u can help me here, before a get totally mad with this x-D Greetings!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

You should really be aiming for these figures when the tube and needle is loaded into the machine. Have you tried switching the backspring for a thinner gauged one? This should make a huge difference to your tuning.

[@rosalihirn6690]

@@JonoSmithTattoo actually, thats the only thing a haven't tried so far x-D Thanks for the tip, i will order some and hopefully this helps. So thank you for your quick responding!

[@luxstarlonewolf2117]

Really helpfully thanks so much. One question though... what’s the name and model of your digital power supply?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

The one in this video is just a cheap Hurricane HP-2. They show all the figures needed for tuning so they’re not too bad for that.

[@CeeBeyond]

yet another brilliant video, answering questions whose answers are increasingly hard to find if you have no other teacher available. Thank you so much for your contributions Jono. One question I do have though; when you show the machine running perfectly at the end, I was wondering - wouldnt the bag over the machine and the needle bar being attached to the armature actually add a little stress to the load, therefore making it run differently once it has the needle and everything else set up? Thanks in advance... and if you dont get around to answering, thanks anyway for the videos. they are wonderfully informative.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

simon park thanks for the awesome feedback! To answer your question, when the needle is not attached, it’s known as ‘unloaded’ and when it’s attached it’s known as ‘loaded’. I always tune unloaded because it can take loads of time having to remove the needle every time an adjustment needs to be made. When the machine is in tune unloaded, it will go slightly out of tune when you load it but it only takes a few minor tweaks to get it back in tune once once loaded. The bag doesn’t affect the tuning as it’s not touching any moving parts. So to sum it up, you want to be aiming for these figures when your machine is loaded but it’s easier and quicker to tune it unloaded first. Thanks for watching!

[@CeeBeyond]

@@JonoSmithTattoo thanks so much for clearing that up, the technical aspects of tattooing are mostly impossible to get answers about online usually. and thank you for uploading! what you're doing is truly appreciated. it's impossible for an artist to get an apprenticeship here in the uk as a tattooist, I have tried everywhere in years gone by. Since hitting my thirties I just decided to start learning for myself, using practice skins and the like. hope you have a great day!

[@Larrymopac]

What would you do if you don’t have a digital display? How did the old school tune their machines?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

NormaLarry Moreno yes if you don’t have one you can use the old method and it will put you in the right ballpark but obviously there’s no way of checking the duty doing it this way.

[@jamenugget503]

The best I could find on tuning coill machine. I have two questions though. What would be your settings for color/black packing and shading? So far, I'd use a slow CPS for shading (around 90 / 100) and it seems fine, but black packing I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Are you double checking your tuning with other friction parameters (needle, rubber band, skin) while using the machine (by testing with a slight pressure of the finger for example). I have some machine that will lower the duty while working and other machines that will pump it up :) I can't understand why / what's going on there. I'd love some advice on that. Also, as a general rule I apply to myself, is allowing my duty cycle going above 50% up to 60%, under that I feel like I would hurt the skin. Thanks for the great content and stay safe.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Jame Nugget For shading and colour packing I would aim for around a 90-100cps so you’re right to have it at that. If your black isn’t very strong then up the volts a little to give the machine a little more punch. As for your duty, if your machine is going up to 60% duty whilst tattooing, I’d suggest you set it a little lower, maybe 45% before you begin. That way your machine should only go to around 55% max. Personally I think 60% is a little high so trying to lower that would probably give you better results. I think when it comes to duty, having a lower one is better than a higher one if you can’t hit the 50% sweet spot. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@jamenugget503]

@@JonoSmithTattoo thanks a lot for these inputs. I'll play around with that. Keep up the good content and stay safe.

[@ellaforster9897]

I come back to this video a lot and have since bought my first machine (I admit I started off with an Amazon beginner package). No matter how much I fiddle with all the components i.e. contact screw, armature bar, the CPS won't go above 107! What am I doing wrong?

[@roylongji9513]

Nice video, learned something new today 🙏

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@michielvideos]

Thanks a lot Man !!! fantastic video, it will help me so much !

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@michielvideos]

@@JonoSmithTattoo Hey J0no, I'm looking for your hurricane hp2 online, it's affordable, but some say it's crap ;-) but I can't find much powersupplies that show all the info to tune te machine right. How to tune a machine without these numbers ? Thanks a lot !!

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

I have a question. What is the use of the slot on the frame provided for the top binding post? is it so that the contact screw position can be moved from the top to the bottom level by moving the top binding post so as to convert the machine from a liner to a color packer? and if my assumption is right, is it advisable to have two separate armature bars with respective springs, i.e one with a with liner spring and one with a color packer spring for quick change?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

lense rider yes these style of coil machines can enable you to reposition the contact screw to change the machine from a shader to a liner. This particular machine is set to a liner so I never move it but you could if you wanted to. It would be advisable to use different size springs for different machine set ups. Thanks for watching!

[@tattootrainingchannel-inkp3878]

@@JonoSmithTattoo Awesome. thank you so much for the reply. That really helped. Just another query regarding the same. so if I convert to a liner to a shader or vice versa does the number of wraps on the coil matter? and what would be the advisable number of wraps on the coils be? and when you say "shader" does it also mean "color packer" or does a color packer need a different type of setup? I'm planing to buy just one machine and change the binding post position and the springs to use as sort of like a "do it all" type of a machine if that is even possible or should I go for two separate machines(liner and shader)? sorry I'm bugging you with these questions, it's just that the way you explain make a lot of sense and I can understand very easily from you. you're the best at explaining stuff!

[@kekeandelijah5343]

This was the most helpful video of seen

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@mauroalvarez8795]

Hey Jono, you mentioned that Chinese or ebay acquired machines are difficult if not impossible to tune... would you say the same about machines purchased within "kits"?? If you were to recommend coil machines, which would you highly recommend? Thanks in advance!! 😊

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

The machines you get in the kits are generally speaking not very good quality to be honest. If it’s all you can afford then by all means they’ll get you started. They just don’t like to run for any length of time before they start to heat up and run irregular. For a decent quality machine at a decent price I’ve always found Micky Sharpz to be great machines.

[@mauroalvarez8795]

@@JonoSmithTattoo Awesome, thanks again my good friend - always appreciate someone who cares to teach others

[@mauroalvarez8795]

So... i went ahead and invested in a much better machine than i have and waiting for it in the mail - i went with an Emerson Forth - i noticed that some of these liners with the images they provide, that they dont have o-rings under the front spring and i also noticed that the very tip of the rear spring was bent in line with the angle of the front spring... what's your take on this? Is it a matter of personal preference? Thanks 😊

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

@@mauroalvarez8795 I’ve not used these particular ones but all brands have a slightly different design. I’m sure it’ll be a great machine and a new addition to your collection. Good luck with it!

[@TrevorGavilan]

Cool video, most in depth from all the other ones on KZbin. However, no body seems to talk about the length and width of the front and back springs as well as the angle of the contact screw :p

[@vihangaraveen8891]

Really helpful, thanks for the great video!

[@AErros7]

Thank you u answered alllloooots of questions in my head and now I understand everything u deserve big sub and support awesome channel 😎😎😎

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel!

[@deansinfield9689]

Hi Jono, question. What voltage do you set when you start to tune your machine, and when it's tuned does the hertz and duty change as you change the voltage for a specific tattoo? Kind regards dean.

[@aarondiaz1377]

Great video very helpful !

[@lukedorrington7455]

This really helped me get my liner dialled in, my question is what are ballpark cps figures for shader machines? Edit:just seen you answered my question on another comment 90-100 cps. Thankyou for the content jono it's a great help

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Glad it’s helped you out. Thanks for watching!

[@realhothead4609]

Good video but if thats a liner set up what would a color gun numbers be

[@shamo4895]

With regards to a tattoo pen How do you sterilise it. Do you autoclave?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

You can’t autoclave the actual motor part of the pen. That needs to be wrapped and sprayed down to be cleaned. The grip is autoclaved though.

[@hacedms]

Hi Jono, tried to tune my Micky Sharpz Micro dial to 130cps and 50% duty and I can tell that my machine won’t let me get to those figures. Every time I tweak the rear spring the speed goes up to 140 -150 with a duty cycle around 45-47. I guess their rear springs are too strong to get to the figures in your video. I get this with all my Sharpz liners. Let me know your thoughts

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

This is definitely down to the back spring being too thick. Find a thinner gauge one and I’m sure you’ll hit those figures with no problem.

[@hacedms]

@@JonoSmithTattoo Thank you 🙏 did this on my other machines. Got the figures 🤪

[@arthurlloyd5165]

Real quality technical info, thanks bud!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@antisocial8793]

Hi do you recommend the hurricane supply for a proper machine tuning?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

It definitely does the job if you’re on a budget. There’s obviously much better ones on the market but the Hurricane does work well.