contact screws

PushinInkTattoo · #1 02-03-2009, 10:58 PM

On most of my machines I have brass contact screw but every so ofter I have to turn the screw becasue of lack of power or 'flat spots' I have switched to a steel screw and it sounds like its running better but doesnt seem to pack ink as well or hit as hard. any one else ever heard of this?

inkmunky · #2 02-04-2009, 10:12 AM

oh dear god no... take the steel screw out, or you'll be punching through your springs in no time. Steel is too hard, it won't give and the arc will burn a hole right through your spring 10x faster than brass will

Brass or copper screws are what i recommend and use, sterling is too expensive. Remember you need to clean your contacts (I try to remember to do it every day i work first thing) they will build up with dirt and "soot" and mess with the electrical connection which is why you will get "flat spots"

conorblue · #3 02-04-2009, 10:33 AM

you are supposed to have to turn your contact screw. that is a basic part of understanding your machine, and tuning it. i have two files, a steel file, and a regular Emory board type nail file. every week or so, i round the end of my contact screw with the steel one, and then smooth it out with the Emory. the contact screws aren't meant to retain their shape forever...just a little maintenance and your machines will run smooth.

if you have some extra cash, check out this book.
http://infiniteirons.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BKS-TUNE

jess the dude · #4 02-04-2009, 11:50 AM

copper contacts are my favorite

PushinInkTattoo · #5 02-04-2009, 03:07 PM

I want to try to find a silver screw, It cant be much more expensive, 5 bucks is worth it to me to not have to go f@#king with my machine in the middle of a tattoo

jerseyjaywymbs · #6 02-04-2009, 03:17 PM

i run silver and brass. steel sux.

inkmunky · #7 02-04-2009, 10:40 PM

it's not that silver is super expensive but it's hard to find in 8-32 thread which is all i use i know luckys now carries them but $8 for a screw when i can turn a copper one and have no problems is ridiculous. you can get em in 6-32 from pulse and kingpin for about $5.

but i'll still stick with copper and brass

conorblue · #8 02-05-2009, 04:04 PM

i guess i look at it as regular maintenance on my machines to turn a screw, and file it before, after, or while waiting for a tattoo. a machine to me isn't a tool. a tool you can just toss into your toolbox and it works no matter what. to me its more like an instrument, that needs understanding of its functionality, and the ability to understand what makes it run, run well, and how to tune, before a tattoo, so that nothing happens during the tattoo.

im have been suprised to see artists with much more experience than me, buy a new machine before replacing a spring. you have GOT to be kidding me.

inkmunky · #9 02-05-2009, 04:20 PM

don't be too surprised conor, i've asked a lot of artists if they want to do collab machines (there design my build) but they've turned me down because they "don't know anything about machines"....

conorblue · #10 02-05-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkmunky

don't be too surprised conor, i've asked a lot of artists if they want to do collab machines (there design my build) but they've turned me down because they "don't know anything about machines"....

it blows my mind. but even the little tiny bit of machine knowledge i think i have, i had to find out on my own. it out there, but a lot of people dont care to understand it.

had one coworker say to me "well, picasso didn't make his own paintbrushes".... are you kidding me, thats your excuse to not learn about your machines?