Holding the machine correctly can improve the efficiency of tattoo work. All needle nozzles, handles and connecting rods should be stainless steel, and all stainless steel handles are complete and knurled. Knurling (to increase hand-held friction) is a term in the machining industry and should be on the handle. Metal knurled handles are better than plastic handles. When grasping the plastic handle, the hand seems to be stuck, and the hand cannot operate the machine flexibly. The metal knurling provides a fixed grip, increases the weight of the machine, and makes the machine more textured in the hand and easier to operate. The tattoo machine is like holding a pencil or pen, but it is slightly different. When you hold the tattoo machine for the first time, you will feel that it has a certain weight. Some people say they are very heavy. Don't be confused by this statement, because you will feel very natural after using it for a while, and the muscles in your hands will gradually adapt to the work of the machine. Tattooing takes time, especially for large tattoos. It takes several hours to operate these machines without too much rest time. This requires you to exercise the muscles in your hands so that your hands do not cramp or sore. Before you start to become a tattoo artist, you should practice holding the machine as much as possible, and try to keep holding the machine and lifting it into the air. You can do this exercise while watching TV, chatting or doing other things. A few hours of exercise every night will quickly develop muscles in your hands.
Some tattoo artists like heavy machines, while others like lighter ones. This is why some manufacturers provide "lightweight machines". But it should be remembered that any machine, no matter how heavy it feels at first, will get used to it in the end. From a long-term perspective, you have to feel that it is easy to use and work in a stable state. The vibration that occurs when the tattoo machine is in use will make you feel tired quickly. At this time, the weight of the machine usually acts as a "shock absorber." The heavier the handle, the more energy it will absorb and the less vibration it will transmit to you. In this way, the tattoo machine is more stable when it works, and it is not easy to tremble. This is the stranger structure of the tattoo machine. You should also remember that the weight of the machine can be changed according to your preferences. You can change the weight of the tattoo machine by changing the model of the handle.
Hold the machine and use hook wires to practice drawing. When the hook-shaped wire hangs behind the machine, it will bring resistance to the movement of the tattoo machine, which is different from the strange feeling of writing. Get used to this feeling and practice regularly for this position.
Put your hands on your skin when tattooing, just like writing with a pen. The posture of holding the handle is like holding a pen, and the rest of the machine is naturally behind or on top. The palm is placed on the skin or on the base of the work. This is a stable position. Put the palm down first, then the machine, the palm can be a support point.
Using the palm as a fulcrum, the machine moves around on the skin. By rotating on the fulcrum of the palm, the machine can easily turn to the proper position. Sometimes rubbing some medical vaseline on the palm and little fingers will reduce the friction between the palm and the skin. This will make it easier for the palm to move on the skin. Be careful not to apply too much to cause slipping and sliding.
The fulcrum of this palm provides a solid foundation for the tattoo, but it also requires perfect practice. It will keep the hand steady and give you a credible route.
This chapter needs some careful study, because it covers a simple but important process. This process is to correctly place the tattoo needle in the handle system (here we can collectively refer to the parts consisting of the handle, needle tip, and connecting rod as the handle system), and to correct the handle system, needle and machine. Because this will become a habitual operation in the future, do not rush through this process, because if you do not install the needle very carefully, the needle tip will be completely destroyed. You need to do this before every tattoo operation.
Disinfect the handle system in advance, and wrap the assembled machine with clean paper. This process is done before every tattoo (sterilization, installation of needle tip, needle and machine). In China, the tattoo needles we currently use are all disposable.
The key is to be absolutely familiar with the correct installation process, and to concentrate every time you install the handle system and needle. The newly bought machine from the tattoo equipment dealer should be installed correctly, but the handle system is not disinfected. They still need to be dismantled and disinfected. You should check them carefully and learn how to install the machine correctly. It is a good idea to buy two machines at the beginning. In this way, one can be installed by the manufacturer, and the other does not need to be installed. When you forget how to assemble them together, the other already installed machine is a good guide.
