CHAPTER 2 - MACHINE STROKE
Machine Stroke:
The distance covered by the needle in each up and down cycle.
Chapter Breakdown:
⦁ Machine Stroke Explanation: Delve into the concept and significance.
⦁ Stroke Selection: Guidance on choosing the right stroke for various techniques such as lining, packing, and shading.
⦁ Adjustment Procedures: Steps on how to modify the stroke length of your tattoo machine.
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Adjusting Your Machine Stroke
Machine Stroke Basics:
⦁ Definition: Distance traveled by the armature bar or the rotary cam in a cycle.
⦁ Importance: Key to precision in tattoo lines and blends.
Differentiating Stroke and Needle Depth:
⦁ Needle Depth: How far the needle protrudes from the tube.
⦁ Machine Stroke: Distance covered in an up-and-down cycle, independent of needle depth.
Coil vs. Rotary Machines:
⦁ Coil Machine Mechanics: Gap between spring and contact screw affects stroke length.
⦁ Rotary Machine Mechanics: Grommet's position relative to cam center determines stroke length.
Stroke Length Variations:
Short Stroke (Below 3mm):
⦁ Coil: Faster, more powerful due to shorter travel.
⦁ Rotary: Slower, less powerful.
Medium Stroke (3.5mm): Common default for non-adjustable machines.
Long Stroke (4mm and above):
⦁ Coil: Softer hit due to longer travel.
⦁ Rotary: Harder hit due to faster motion for longer travel.
Impact on Tattooing:
⦁ Power: Determines the machine's hit strength.
⦁ Needle Speed: Affects how quickly the needle moves.
⦁ Needle Depth Limitation: Short stroke restricts maximum needle protrusion.
Long Stroke (4.0+mm):
⦁ Suitable For: Lining and solid color packing.
⦁ Benefits: Easier use of large needle groupings, better lining accuracy.
⦁ Drawbacks: Not ideal for shading; can overwork skin and cause scarring.
Indicators for Stroke Length Adjustment:
Symptom: Inadequate ink uptake despite needle movement.
Cause: Short stroke length insufficient for increased needle depth, preventing full needle retraction into the tip and subsequent ink pickup.
Consequences of Incorrect Stroke Length:
Ink Application Issues: Results in faint colors, weak lines, and uneven ink distribution, becoming more pronounced post-healing.
Troubleshooting Ink Pickup Issues:
Potential Problem: Needle retracts but doesn't acquire enough ink.
Common Causes:
Ink Depletion: Might require a simple ink refill.
Improper Machine Angle: Holding the machine at a tilted angle with a short stroke may position ink out of needle's reach.
Solution:
Adjusting Grip: Hold the machine vertically to allow gravity to bring ink to the tip's edge, facilitating better ink pickup.
Adjustment Guidelines:
When Increasing Needle Depth: Opt for a longer stroke to ensure the needle retracts fully into the tube, allowing consistent ink pickup and application depth.
Machine Handling: Maintain a vertical hold during short strokes to optimize ink flow towards the needle tip.
Note: Failing to adjust the stroke length in response to increased needle depth can lead to subpar tattoo results, necessitating a thorough understanding of the interplay between machine stroke and needle depth.
Determining Your Machine's Stroke
Identifying Stroke Specifications:
⦁ Pre-Purchase Knowledge: Stroke length or adjustable range is specified at the point of purchase. Awareness of your machine's capabilities is crucial before buying.
Adjusting Machine Stroke
Coil Machines:
⦁ Adjustment Mechanism: Utilize the front contact screw.
⦁ Increasing Stroke: Backing out the screw enlarges the gap, increasing the stroke but altering machine speed.
Rotary Machines:
⦁ Set Stroke Machines: Some machines have a fixed stroke, available in various lengths.
⦁ Recommendation for Beginners: A 3.5mm stroke is advisable for novice artists.
⦁ Adjustable Stroke Machines: Stroke alteration is possible by purchasing different cams and centers, affecting the rotation length and consequently the stroke.
Note on Machine Mechanics:
⦁ Coil Machines: Known for their "give," or the sensation of the needle bouncing back upon skin contact, which can often be adjusted.
⦁ Rotary Machines: Operate on a "direct drive," lacking the aforementioned give.
Stroke Length Implications
Rotary Machines:
⦁ Longer Stroke: Results in increased power due to faster needle movement, leading to more skin trauma due to increased needle hits.
⦁ Operational Caution: Rapid work pace or reduced voltage is necessary when pulling lines with a long stroke to avoid excessive skin trauma.
Coil Machines:
⦁ Longer Stroke: Leads to decreased power as the needle traverses a greater distance, resulting in fewer skin hits.
Strategic Adjustments
Line Work with Rotary Machines: Requires swift execution or voltage adjustments when using a long stroke to mitigate additional skin trauma from overworking a specific area.
