How To Make A Homemade Tattoo Gun With Electric Toothbrush?

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This video demonstrates how to create a tattoo gun from an electric toothbrush, a handheld device used by professional tattoo artists for creating permanent body art. The process involves disassembling the toothbrush to extract the vibrating motor, gathering a pen with a removable cap, a needle, and masking tape, and attaching the needle to the motor’s rotating mechanism.

A tattoo gun is a handheld device that works by repeatedly puncturing the skin with a needle dipped in ink, implanting the ink into the dermis layer for a lasting effect. To make a tattoo gun, you need an 18-volt electric motor, a button, a small shaft protruding from the center, a smaller needle, thin wire or thread, and ink.

This tutorial shows how to make a tattoo gun from an electric toothbrush, using materials such as an electric toothbrush, a pen or mechanical pencil, a sewing needle, thin wire or thread, and ink. It is not recommended to tattoo yourself using this or any other self-tattooing method.

The materials cost around $30 and can be made from anything available, such as a toothbrush, batteries, and a lighter. Fluorescent lights flicker at 120Hz, making them a useful visual tool for tuning tattoo machines. Tools needed include a rotary motor, mechanical pen or pencil, teaspoon or toothbrush, guitar string, black electrical tape, scissors, pliers, and a multi-power supply.

In conclusion, this video provides a simple and efficient way to create a tattoo gun from an electric toothbrush, using household items and fluorescent lights as a visual tool for tuning tattoo machines.

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📹 Making a tattoo gun using an electric toothbrush!!

In this video, I show you how to make a tattoo gun out of an electric toothbrush. I also show you a different way to make a tattoo …


How Do You Make A Tattoo Gun
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How Do You Make A Tattoo Gun?

To create a homemade tattoo gun, begin by locating an 18-volt electric motor and attaching a button to the small shaft that extends from its center. Next, remove the hollow tube from a mechanical pencil and prepare a spoon by breaking off the bowl and bending the handle into an "L" shape to serve as a brace. Also required are a low E guitar string, a small electric motor, a clothes button, and an electrical switch. The design emphasizes safety precautions and successful DIY assembly.

Steps to construct the tattoo gun include designing the body to house the motor and actuator, creating the tube, designing the brace, and making a needle. Collectively, these components form a basic tattoo gun. The process can be streamlined using household items, such as a toothbrush, batteries, and a lighter, which some creators have successfully used.

For those interested in a more traditional method, the Stick 'n' Poke technique involves directly poking the skin with a needle to insert ink. To summarize, the design process requires minimal materials and can be completed for less than $10. The article serves as a guide for aspiring tattoo artists or small business owners looking to create affordable tattoo machines using simple household items. Following these steps, anyone can craft a basic tattoo gun to bring their tattooing skills to life.

Can A Homemade Tattoo Gun Be Used On Human Skin
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Can A Homemade Tattoo Gun Be Used On Human Skin?

Tattooing with a homemade tattoo gun presents significant risks, particularly for those without formal training. It's advised to use such devices for practice on fruits or synthetic skin rather than on human skin. To create a homemade tattoo gun, you will need an electric or rotary motor, ideally running on at least 12 volts, with 18 volts being preferable. It's essential to emphasize the dangers associated with using these homemade devices, as they are generally considered unsafe due to their lack of regulation in many regions.

As a beginner, practicing on non-human surfaces is crucial because homemade tattoo guns can be tricky to construct and use correctly. A tattoo apparatus made from hair clippers, for example, might not function safely due to the needle's movement, which can result in unsatisfactory and harmful outcomes. Resources like YouTube and the Wormhole website highlight that certain inks are specifically meant for practice skin and should not be utilized on human skin due to health concerns, such as infections.

Before tattooing, skin preparation is important; employing appropriate products can reduce discomfort and enhance hygiene. Always use high-quality, sterile tattoo ink to prevent infections when you eventually move to real skin. For skill development, start practicing on synthetic skin or similar substrates to hone your technique.

The process of creating a functional DIY tattoo gun can be accomplished affordably, with various resources available to guide you. However, never use practice ink on your skin, as most supplies from unregulated sources may not be safe. The Stick 'n' Poke technique is another alternative but should be approached with care. Clean the intended tattoo area by shaving with a new razor and wiping it down with alcohol.

Importantly, consult with a mentor before proceeding to tattoo yourself or others; building skills on practice skin first is essential to avoid injury. Proper training and mentorship are critical to ensuring safety and effectiveness in the tattooing process.

What Can I Use To Make A Tattoo Gun
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What Can I Use To Make A Tattoo Gun?

To create a homemade tattoo gun, gather the following materials: an electric motor (rotary or from an electric toothbrush), a pen or mechanical pencil, a sewing needle, thin wire or thread, tattoo ink, small power supply (like a button cell battery or USB charger), and electrical tape. Start the process by securing the motor and attaching a button to its shaft. Next, remove the hollow tube from the mechanical pencil and modify a spoon by breaking its bowl and bending the handle into an "L" shape for support.

Though professional tattoo artists rely on high-quality machines, crafting a functional tattoo gun at home is feasible. Begin by carefully removing the ink cartridge and writing tip from a disposable pen. This will serve as the housing for the needle. After gathering all components, ensure the needle is primed with ink—load just enough to cover the needle’s surface.

Additionally, alternative methods can utilize everyday items like broken spoons, clothes for wiring, or even parts from household items like nail clippers and screwdrivers. With basic DIY skills and some creativity, creating a functional, homemade tattoo machine is possible. Remember, whether using a toothbrush or batteries, safety and hygiene are paramount, so ensure cleanliness throughout the process. Tools needed may include scissors, pliers, and a knife for assembly. Following these steps, you can conjure a prison-style tattoo machine using available materials.

What Can I Use For A Tattoo Needle
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What Can I Use For A Tattoo Needle?

When starting your tattooing journey, it’s essential to focus on round shaders sized 3, 5, 7, and 9 for shading and filling small areas. Round needles share the same size tube, so a 9RL needle pairs with a 9R tube, making it simple to use. This guide aims to clarify various tattoo needle types, their functions, and usage scenarios while addressing key features such as taper, gauge, configuration, and needle count. Understanding what distinguishes a round liner needle from a magnum or Bugpin needle is crucial for selecting the right tool for different tattoo styles.

Tattoo needles are vital tools in the tattooing process. For practical use, RL needles are designated for lining, RS needles for special lines and small color filling, while flat needles are ideal for geometric designs and bold lines. Gaining experience allows you to gauge stencil sizes and choose the appropriate needle, minimizing errors.

Experimenting with different needle types is encouraged, as it enhances your skill. Regarding ink, Hawink ink is favored for its vibrant colors and smooth application. This guide also emphasizes the importance of never reusing tattoo needles and provides insights on what to consider when purchasing them. Tattoo needles come in various configurations, including Round Liners, Round Shaders, Magnum Shaders, Curved Magnum Shaders, Flat Shaders, and Double needles. Each type affects the ink application differently, underscoring the importance of understanding their unique features to achieve precise artistry in tattooing.

What Do Prisoners Use For Tattoo Ink
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What Do Prisoners Use For Tattoo Ink?

Tattooing in prison utilizes improvised methods and materials, often associated with unsafe practices. The ink can be derived from a variety of unconventional sources, including pen ink, melted plastic, soot mixed with shampoo, and melted Styrofoam. Due to the unsterile conditions, tattooing is heavily discouraged, resulting in penalties of lost time credits and confinement in isolation (referred to as "Slam") for those caught receiving fresh tattoos. Many inmates resort to creating their own "prison-style" tattoo ink with baby oil, charcoal, and water, although this poses significant safety risks.

Prison tattoos serve as a form of body art and self-expression, frequently representing gang affiliations, personal codes, or significant life experiences. Inmates have historically relied on makeshift tools and inks, using improvised razor blades and inks created from a mix of ashes, urine, and rubber. Some tattoo artists gain a reputation for their work, leading other inmates to seek transfers specifically to receive tattoos from them.

The creation of prison tattoo ink involves a blend of resourcefulness and chemistry. Common recipes include combining soot, which can be collected by burning plastic and capturing the smoke on a paper surface, and mixing it with lotions or oils. Most homemade inks end up in black or gray tones due to the soot, while more rare options might include acrylic paints obtained from prison art supplies.

The process of tattooing within prisons operates under strict restrictions, demanding creativity in both equipment and techniques. Inmates often use items like paperclips, staples, and repurposed ballpoint pens for application, occasionally leading to crude yet personal designs. The prevalent use of soot as a primary ink source amplifies the health risks associated with prison tattoos, as many inmates are willing to accept these risks for the sake of personal expression.

In some regions, such as Ireland, simple tattoos like a "jail dot" (a single dot placed under the eye) are commonly given by ex-inmates. Overall, prison tattoos reveal a complex interplay of creativity, identity, and risk, with black being the dominant ink color used amid limited resources and potential danger.

Do Tattoo Guns Need Electricity
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Do Tattoo Guns Need Electricity?

Rotary tattoo machines operate by utilizing the rotational motion of an electric motor to move a needle or a bundle of needles up and down quickly. Like coil machines, they require a power supply that transforms AC current to effectively power the equipment. Selecting the right power supply is essential to ensure optimal performance of the tattoo gun, and several factors must be taken into account. The voltage must align with the requirements of the tattoo gun, generally ranging between 8-12 volts, though some may function with lower voltages around 3 volts.

Most power supplies come with regulated controls to manage the amount of power delivered, although cheaper models may lack this feature. It’s advisable to use a power supply with either a digital or analog display. If you wish to create your own power supply, you’ll need a DC power source, such as a voltage converter or battery pack, in addition to a potentiometer for voltage control and a 1/4" mono plug.

The needle's speed is directly influenced by the power supply, affecting how quickly ink is deposited onto the skin. A standard tattoo machine power supply typically offers a voltage range suitable for various styles and machines. As a rule of thumb, increased voltage correlates with faster machine operation.

Wireless tattoo machines represent a modern twist in tattoo artistry, using battery power and eliminating the need for direct electrical outlets. Additionally, pneumatic tattoo machines rely on compressed air to drive the needles, offering a unique alternative to electric-powered devices. Regardless of the type, a good power supply should accommodate a voltage range of at least 1. 5 to 18 volts and have a minimum duty cycle of 50, ensuring compatibility for a seamless tattooing experience.

In conclusion, understanding the requirements of your tattoo machine and carefully selecting power supplies or considering alternatives such as wireless or pneumatic options can significantly enhance both the tattooing process and its final results.

How Do You Make A Simple Homemade Tattoo
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How Do You Make A Simple Homemade Tattoo?

To create a temporary tattoo at home, start by printing your chosen design on printable tattoo paper, ensuring it's in an 8. 5×11 inch format and flipped for correct placement. If you don’t want to print, draw or trace your design on tracing paper using a pencil. Once you have your design, place it face down in a bowl and lightly spray it with perfume. Wait two minutes, then position it face up in the same area and spray again.

There are various methods to make temporary tattoos using common household items. For instance, you can use permanent markers or create tattoos using techniques like "hand-poked" tattoos, where ink is manually applied to the skin with a needle. This art of body modification has been practiced across cultures for centuries.

If you're looking to create your own tattoo machine inexpensively, you can gather simple materials such as a spoon, a needle, and black India ink. Ensure you follow safety protocols by using a sterilized needle and cleaning the skin area thoroughly before proceeding.

Temporary tattoos are a fun and affordable way to express creativity without a commitment. With DIY options available, it's easier than ever to design and apply your own unique tattoos, making this process accessible to everyone interested. To get started, simply gather the necessary supplies and follow the step-by-step instructions provided in guides online. Enjoy the artistry of temporary tattoos and express your creativity safely!

How To Make A DIY Tattoo Needle
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How To Make A DIY Tattoo Needle?

You can create your own tattoo needle using a sterilized sewing needle and a pencil. To begin, position the needle as illustrated and wrap thread around it to hold the ink. Sterilize the needle by soaking it in alcohol. This guide teaches you how to craft tattoo needles at home efficiently. It's a simple process involving merely wrapping thread around a needle, yielding effective results.

In an educational video, I demonstrate how to create traditional tattoo needles. A disclaimer is given that these needles were not used for actual tattooing. This video marks the inception of a tattoo school series on YouTube, where I will offer a tattoo needle hack while emphasizing cleanliness and proper ink usage for tattooing.

To start our creative journey, gather all necessary materials, including a home tattoo kit which typically comprises needles and ink. While any needle can be utilized, prioritizing safety for DIY tattoos is essential. It's advisable to have professional tattoo needles and ink on hand. You can also make your own tattoo ink by using organic methods, such as wood ashes mixed with white liquor, or incorporating dry ink pigments with medical-grade liquids.

For those looking to assemble a homemade tattoo gun with a sewing needle, you can cut a pen approximately three inches from the tip and remove the closed end of the cap. Additionally, you can create tattoo ink using ingredients like activated charcoal and vodka as part of a DIY approach.

Overall, the guide encompasses various methods for crafting tattoo needles and employing them safely while expressing creativity through tattoos. Several steps are included to help you efficiently create the necessary tools for your tattooing endeavors.

How Can I Practice Tattooing Without A Gun
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How Can I Practice Tattooing Without A Gun?

To practice tattooing at home, you can start by simulating the tattoo machine's weight using a weighted pencil or pen. This method helps build hand strength as the tattoo machine's applicator is heavier, allowing the ink to penetrate deeper layers of the skin for a permanent design. If professional tattoos are out of reach, consider the "stick-and-poke" technique, which involves manually depositing ink under the skin with a single needle. However, it's crucial to be cautious, as mistakes can lead to lasting reminders.

Gather design inspirations you like, as tattoo artists often draw from existing artwork. This practice can improve your skills. To further your education, you can check out resources like YouTube playlists and tattoo artist guides, helping you learn specific techniques like lining and shading on practice materials, such as fake skin.

Start by acquiring the right tools: some guiding essentials include a design and placement plan, skin preparation, and equipment setup. As you practice technical aspects like needle depth, shading, and color application on fake skins, you'll gain familiarity with the tattooing process. Within this practice, you could use a tattoo grip and tube without a needle to simulate the motions involved.

While found objects (like a Duracell battery strapped to a pencil) can mirror the tattoo machine experience, they will not replace actual practice on skin. Engage in repetition while tracing designs until you feel confident. Eventually, transitioning to skin—whether your own or fake—will provide real-world experience. Remember, practicing on surfaces with curves can enhance your skills further. While nothing compares to genuine tattooing, with diligent practice and patience, you can build a solid foundation before pursuing formal apprenticeship opportunities. Overall, continual learning and careful practice pave the way to becoming a proficient tattoo artist.

How To Use A Tattoo Gun
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How To Use A Tattoo Gun?

When preparing to use a tattoo machine, it's crucial to wear latex gloves to prevent the transfer of bacteria during the tattooing process. The tattoo gun should be held firmly by the needle tube, as it can vibrate significantly, depending on its size. Before diving into tattooing, familiarize yourself with the types of tattoo guns, safety measures, and various techniques. This guide serves to assist beginners in setting up, assembling, and effectively using a tattoo gun.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Sterilize Equipment and Maintain Hygiene: Ensure all tools are disinfected.
  2. Assemble the Tattoo Gun: Put together your equipment as per instructions.
  3. Set the Needle Length: Adjust the needle to the desired length for your tattoo.
  4. Arrange Your Workspace: Organize all needed materials for easy access.
  5. Recognize Your Kit: Understand the components of your starter kit to simplify the tattooing process.

If you're considering tattooing yourself to save costs, this comprehensive guide will delve into using a tattoo gun. It covers the essential tools and knowledge needed to get started.

To effectively use a tattoo gun, skill and practice are essential. Follow these steps: Sterilize equipment, assemble your tools, set the needle length, organize your workspace, plug in the gun, pour in ink, conduct a test, and finally, begin tattooing. Maintain a consistent angle of about 45-60 degrees between the machine and the skin, starting gently and gradually applying more pressure. For beginners, pen machines are an excellent choice due to their user-friendly nature.


📹 electric toothbrush tattoo machine


13 comments

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  • I`m 14. I`ve been creating models of tattoo guns out of robot parts and such with whatever I have just for the fun and experience of it. Then I found this website last night and started taking tips and ideas from AfterPrisonShow: spring needles, safety precautions, etc. I saw every tattoo vid within 1-2 hours and made a much better tattoo gun than I ever have, and using the stencil trick, made my first tattoo. These articles are really cool/informative in my opinion and have helped allot. Keep up the awesome work! I love your passion for the work you do.

  • An easier way would be using the toothbrush itself as a base. Some electric toothbrushes come with a removable head. You could just remove the head and use a led pencil eraser to hold the needle in place and tape the tip of a led pencil to the end. That way, you won’t have to destroy the toothbrush and you get an on/off switch for your tattoo machine.

  • @afterprisonshow i got a tip for you. i assume that you have autofocus on your camera, when working with smaller objects, put your hand behind the small pieces you are working with to get the camera to focus om the hand and you are able to show the smaller objects in focus! so, have your object between the camera and your hand!

  • That’s hilarious. I literally just made one from the exact same make and color toothbrush to show n give to someone I know. I have 5 real machines, but dude I know doesn’t have the money to buy a professional machine. Just thought it was ironic that I used the EXACT same toothbrush you did. Keep it creative Joe

  • 15:54 … i have an idea to turn it off and on.. use a thin sheet of paper/or plastic to distort the connection.. pull it out when needed /push it back in to stop … to make it sturdier you can attach some sort of handle from the bottom piece to the middle/or more inward of the top in a slant…..like a wooden stick or something .. guess it depends on how comfortable it is to each individual anyways, how do you fill the thing? and dont you need some sort of thread around the needle tip? i’m new here so i’ve only watched one other article of yours… but before i check out the rest.. can you make ink with activated charcoal?

  • @AfterPrisonShow i found a way to keep the switch nn batteries together so you can turn it on and off it’s a lot more simpler-Just cut all the way around the toothbrush from the top of the switch leave abit of space between the switch nn where you cut nn then after you’ve cut all the way around break the top off nn the motor will be right there all there is left to do is sand down the new top of the toothbrush where youll put the spoon

  • U can take a eraser from a pencil an cut it in-half an put them on the paperclip, a piece on each side of the needle an take the electrical tape an wrap it around the paperclip then slide the needle on. You know, kind of like a washer that should help out there Plus keep more of the cartridge after you clean the ink out of it, reattach it to the ballpoint an have your needle run threw it to help secure it even more. you might can wrap some tape around the other end of the cartridge, it’ll be a brace to prevent that wiggle. I’m a thinker I never built a tattoo gun before, I want to so thanks for the Intel bro just seen some ways that could maybe perfect your builds. Hope my Intel helps you out, be safe brotha. Knowledge is Power, Salute!!!!

  • i really love your vids iv been perusal for a while now and i just gotta say ur doing an awesome job and I’m not the type that likes websites easily so that means ur website is awesome👌💯 and also a little tio for anyone readying this is to use an eletric eraser instead of toothbrush just cuz all u have to do is put the support and needle and ur done, and it will have an off and on switch too! but anyways love ur vids man keep up the good work✅👍

  • You can get 100 x Push buttons for about a dollar on ebay, This kind of takes the whole “Prison” idea out of it cause who the hell is gonna have a push button in prison, But you can make something using a paperclip as a way to turn the machine on, Another piece of advice.. If anyone decides to use a wired connection, take note that is a ‘DC’ Motor it uses a direct current hence the letters DC, there is also an AC motor which i believe stands for alternating current the way these two currents work is a direct current feeds electricity to the motor as the alternating current jumps back from positive to negative which will result in your DC motor just vibrating.. So to clear this up if your using a DC motor make sure to use a DC Adapter and if you plan on using a plug from a lamp or something you know just a normal plug wire you cut off of something be prepared for a little spark show in your hands i believe thats about 120 volts? going into your motor and will pretty much kill the motor,So dont try it, I made a tattoo gun recently using a pen, a dc motor pulled from an xbox controller, some piece of metal i found to hold the motor, electrical tape a button and some professional needles i bought off ebay which arent the ones to use for this project they barely fit due to the way there shaped, I did like the method you used to make a needle and the little end of the motor to move the needle seems alot better than a glued button that can fall off if too much pressure is on it or if it is placed down to harshly, My father who was in jails and prisons for awhile told me he had used dental floss to hold his needle, didnt ask him too much about it but im just getting creative with homemade tattoo gun designs for now aha

  • I have a tattoo that honestly I’ve been asked if it’s from jail/prison… I’m 23, and I only spent 72 hours in county when I was 20/21 so NO it’s not I just had an idiot friend who had bought a gun online and they had only done 2 tattoos total so I’ve got ink bleeding around the tattoo and scarring it feels pretty fucked up for real I’m saving up to get it fixed at ink inc tattooing which is the first tattoo joint on the east coast way back in the day that man is still going at it to he just a year ago pierced my friends nipples lol he added piercings I think in the 90s/early 2000s

  • used this way to make my own, than gave my brother a roofie in his 5th beer, waited till he passed out and tattooed a small cock on the back of his neck… he didnt even notice it was there for about a week until he had a zit he was getting rid of on his shoulder. best revenge for putting an earth worm into my coffee…. 😂😂

  • Poor thing!! Who put that bandage on? I hope it was you and not your girl. That seems like a guy thing… I thought you had two cuts. 1 bandage for two cuts, and you’ve got the sticky part on the cut on your palm. Smh…. I’m sure that opened up later. Anyway, love the articles, keep up the awesome, ingenious work.

  • My brother and I made a similar gun but unfortunately, our dumbasses made the needle from a the spine to a spiral notebook. Needless to say… the result was an extremely painful tattoo experience. The gauge was way too big, and the tattoo swelled for atleast a week and a half. By far the most painful tattoo ever. Thankfully it’s also my smallest tattoo.

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