Holding a tattoo machine correctly entails much more than just getting a good grip on it and digging right in.
All needle tubes should be stainless steel and all correctly manufactured stainless steel tubes come complete with a knurled grip on them. Knurling is a machinist’s term used for pieces of metal with lathed on “crisscrosses” engraved in the metal, commonly used for grip-type surfaces. This is what the needle tubes should have on them. Metal knurled grips are much better than plastic or tape. With plastic type grips, the hands seem to stick more to them, and shifting of the machine can be erratic. Metal knurling provides a sure grip but also allows readjustment of the fingers much easier in case some shifting around of the machine is necessary.
The basic hold on the needle tube (already set-up in the machine) is the standard pencil-grip. A tattoo machine is held very much like a pencil or a pen, but with a few differences.
When first holding a tattoo machine, you will notice that there is a certain heft to it. Some say they are downright heavy. Don’t let this disturb you because in due time they will feel quite natural. The muscles in the hand have to-get used to working with the machine. Remember, you will be handling and using these machines for a living and tattoos can take time to put on. Large pieces can take many hours of handling a machine without much rest in between. All of this can be quite tiring at first and this is why you must build up muscles in your hand so you won’t get cramps or muscle aches. Before even tattooing, practice holding the machine as much as possible. Try to constantly hold the machine and “air practice.” This can be done while watching T.V., talking or just about anything. Several hours a night of practice will have your hand muscled up in no time. Muscles build up fast and get used to a routine pretty quick. Still, it might take several weeks to properly break in the muscles.

Posted on July 25th, 2008 by admin
Tags: butterfly tattoos, tattoo art, Tattoo designs, tattoos

Filed under: Holding Machines