how deep does the needle set for tattooing? I mean like an 1/8th of a inch or 1/16". was just needing to know. thanks

The needle depth, in layman's terms is approximately the thickness of a dime.

or a 1/16" of an inch you only need to go into the 3rd layer of skin

quote:

Originally posted by sweetcindy:
The needle depth, in layman's terms is approximately the thickness of a dime.

um no.

haha... i dont think so.. i doubt any tattoos that ive done would be stickin around for long

quote:

Originally posted by chamberlinjag:
or a 1/16" of an inch you only need to go into the 3rd layer of skin

correct.. ding ding ding... at least 1/16".. maybe a bit more

everyones skin is built a little different, but yes.. the 3rd layer of skin is the bare minimum for a staying tattoo.. which is about 3mm down .. but to get a really good looking tattoo you need to saturate all 7 layers of the skin.. around 1/4 or so of an inch. Now that's some buttery color

When the gun is at rest should the needle protrude from the end of the tube? And what should the needle depth be when the peddle is depressed?

Try for about 3/32" but, remember if you go too deep they will get inkpoisoning and die... becareful and good luck.

Oh, and keep it clean. youre obviously going to be doing crappy tattoos for a while... please please dont get anyone sick. remember disease can be spread very easily in this business. think steril, think autoclave. think about?... stoping now and getting an apprenticeship. be persistent with an artist and they will eventualy give in.

ARE YOU STUPID? GET AN APPRENTICESHIP!!!

quote:

Originally posted by stonerchat:
When the gun is at rest should the needle protrude from the end of the tube? And what should the needle depth be when the peddle is depressed?

Thanks Ak not too sure what you are on about tho ? Im only using sterile equipment which is packaged & thrown away once used. Have done 2 tats on hubby & proud of what ive achieved. Not to say at some point I may mess up? People are already queueing up for me to work on them but thats a long way off.I shant run b4 I walk. By the way im a 43yr old british female with tats.

well you should open up shop now i guess. shoot go for it. what do you have to loose? oh and post up those tatts lets see them.

quote:

Originally posted by stonerchat:
Thanks Ak not too sure what you are on about tho ? Im only using sterile equipment which is packaged & thrown away once used. Have done 2 tats on hubby & proud of what ive achieved. Not to say at some point I may mess up? People are already queueing up for me to work on them but thats a long way off.I shant run b4 I walk. By the way im a 43yr old british female with tats.

I wasnt trying to be cocky, just saying hubby pleased as I am with 1st few attempts. Have been doing arty things most me life , have a steady hand & really like tattoos? But Ill take your advice on board. Will post pics soon but thay arent coloured yet!

this is not a dating service. but if your machine is set up right the needle doesn't need to protrude when at rest. good luck its tricky to figure out yourself... too shallow the ink will fade fast too deep you'll have blowouts galore

quote:

Originally posted by stonerchat:
By the way im a 43yr old british female with tats.

please get some advice from your own artist before coloring them in... you can seriously scar someone

quote:

Originally posted by stonerchat:
I wasnt trying to be cocky, just saying hubby pleased as I am with 1st few attempts. Have been doing arty things most me life , have a steady hand & really like tattoos? But Ill take your advice on board. Will post pics soon but thay arent coloured yet!

Am seeking lots of advice I wouldnt want to harm anyone. Least of all me man! Thanks for the tips anyway.

what type of needle should i use for outlines

needle depth for outlines 1mm about the thickness of a dime, solid color 1.5mm about the thickness of a nickel.. with the armature bar pushed down, you arent ready to ride the needle yet so stick with that depth. SICKBOY7 if you dont know that you shouldnt be tattooing so stick to pig skin, pumpkin, grapefruits etc. needle sizes all depend on the design..most designs you will use a 3 or 5 round liner needle. buy a few liner needles and do lines on fake skin to get the idea of each needles thickenss

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM ANYONE IN THE FORUMS!!!!!How do you know that the person you are chatting with isn't some 12 year old person sitting on mom's computer past his curfew, saying he's an artist. Dangerous advice you're playing with, especially in this field. Sounds to me like you bought one of them there kits and not sure how to set 'er up. Please put your "gun" back in the box and learn how to tattoo the correct way. APPRENTICESHIP!!!!!!!!!

I just read all these messages and some of it worries me. As far as needle depth, you should not go through all 7 layers of skin. That is too deep and you will get scarring. You are only supposed to penetrate into the dermis layer of skin which is just under the epidermis. If you go past the dermis, you will end up with an uneven mess and cause your customer a great deal of pain. Another concern is what I read about only using needles once. First of all and definitely most importantly. Its not only your needles that become contaminated. Every part of your machine does. You MUST autoclave your equipment. There are no other options. If you don't have an autoclave, put your equipment down until you get one. This is essential.