Power Supply and Accessories

CHOOSING A TATTOO POWER

Tattoo artists take pride in their works, and to perform to their fullest abilities, they seek out the best equipment for their needs. Not only do you need the right tattoo machine, you also need the right equipment to power one or more machines...

attoo artists take pride in their works and, to perform to their fullest abilities, they seek out the best equipment for their needs. Not only do you need the right tattoo machine, but you also need the right equipment to power one or more machines. Food

Here are some tips for purchasing the right power supply for you and your machine:

Determines the required voltage. Tattoo power supplies come in a variety of volt range outputs, with some able to operate as low as three and as high as 12 to 15. Some portable power supplies can operate as low as 1.5 volts and larger power supplies can operate up to 20 volts . . The higher the voltage, the more power you get.

Decide on the type of power supply. You can find analog and digital power supplies in both regulated and unregulated models. Depending on your confidence level and the type of power output reading you prefer, you will want to look at each type available. A digital readout will be more accurate and easier to read while you work, but it tends to be more expensive. Regulated machines are also more expensive, but provide you with constant voltage even if the tattoo machine is not working.

Think about fluctuations. The amount of power required at any given time during a tattoo can change depending on the amount of pressure used when the tattoo needle pierces the skin. Many regulated machines will help compensate for these fluctuations, while others cannot. Consider your usual tattoo machine. Some tattoo power supplies are only recommended for a coil tattoo machine, while others can be used for a rotary machine and still others can be used for both.Consider size, weight, and portability. A smaller tattoo power supply doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up the power supply. Many companies sell more compact units for those who don't want to take up a lot of space in their store or who travel frequently as a guest artist. For traveling artists, you especially want to think about the overall weight of the machine and its portability.

Price factor. Before deciding if the price is right, carefully consider all of the above factors. You may be able to find more than one reliable machine that meets or exceeds all of your needs. If so, you begin elimination based on price.