How to Set Needle Depth on a Rotary Tattoo Machine? Find Out!

Knowing how to set needle depth on a rotary tattoo machine is important for a tattoo artist. But how do you go about doing it?

Rotary tattoo machines should be fitted with the correct size needles for the machine. Then, the needles should be pushed through the skin at the correct depth. The depth is determined by the type of tattoo and the machine used.

In this blog post, I’ll teach you how to set needle depth on a rotary tattoo machine, so you can start creating beautiful tattoos immediately!

Key Takeaways

• Be sure to set the tattoo needle depth correctly on a rotary tattoo machine to avoid any safety hazards and get the best results.
• When setting needle depth, always check that the needles are the right size for the machine being used.
• Consider the depth of penetration required for the tattoo design before adjusting the machine.

What Do You Need To Know Before Setting Needle Depth?

Before you start setting needle depth, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Size Of The Needles

First, make sure that the needles you’re using are the CORRECT size for the machine. If they’re too small, they won’t be able to create the tattoo design properly. If they’re too big, they can cause pain and bleeding.

The sizes include:

• 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, 9RL, 11RL, 13RL, 15RL, 18RL [2]

2. Depth Of Penetration

For example, you can use a SHALLOW depth if you’re doing a small line work design or a fill color. But if you’re doing a bigger and more complex design, you’ll need to adjust the needle depth accordingly.

Remember, if you’re using a rotary machine, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at 2-3 mm depth.

Pro Tip: As the skin heals, it will be clear whether you have used the correct depth settings.

READ MORE: How Deep Do Tattoo Needles Go?

3. Type Of Tattoo

Third, you need to take the type of tattoo into account. For instance, if you’re doing a LINE tattoo, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at a depth of 1-2 mm.

But if you’re doing a SHADING tattoo, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at 2-3 mm depth.

What Needle Size To Use For Your Rotary Tattoo Machine

So, what needle size should you use for your rotary tattoo machine?

The answer depends on the TYPE of tattoo you’re doing. For instance, if you’re doing a LINE tattoo, you’ll need to use a needle size of 0.35 mm.

But if you’re doing a SHADING tattoo, you’ll need to use a needle size of 0.45 mm.

Additionally, the tattoo needle size you use will also depend on the GAUGE of your machine.

For instance, if you’re using a machine with a 10-wrap coil, you’ll need to use a needle size of 0.35 mm. But if you’re using a machine with an 8-wrap coil, you’ll need to use a needle size of 0.45 mm.

How To Set Needle Depth For Different Tattoo Types

Now that you know what needle size to use, it’s time to set the needles to the correct depth.

This is different for every tattoo type, so you’ll need to adjust the depth accordingly. Let’s take a closer look:

1. LINE Tattoos

For line tattoos, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at a depth of 1-2 mm [1]. This will ensure that the lines are clean and crisp and won’t cause any pain or bleeding.

2. SHADING Tattoos

For shading tattoos, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at 2-3 mm depth. This will ensure that the shading is even and well-blended without causing any pain or bleeding.

3. FILL Color Tattoos

For fill-color tattoos, you’ll need to set the needles to penetrate the skin at 2-3 mm depth. This will ensure that the colors are vibrant and well-blended without causing any pain or bleeding.

How To Set Needle Depth On A Rotary Tattoo Machine?

Now that you know what to keep in mind before setting tattoo needle depth, lI’ll show you how to do the rest. To set needle depth on rotary tattoo machines, you’ll need to:

1. Fit the machine with the correct size needles.
2. Set the needles to the correct depth for the type of tattoo you’re doing.
3. Adjust the tension knob until the needles are at the correct depth.
4. Test the machine on your skin before starting the tattoo.
5. Adjust the depth as needed until you’re happy with the results.

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to start with the needles set to a shallow depth and gradually increase the depth as you get comfortable with the machine.

READ MORE: How to Set Up Tattoo Machine?

How To Adjust The Needle Depth?

If you need to adjust the tattoo needle depth, you’ll need to:

• Turn off the machine.
• Loosen the set screws that hold the needles in place.
• Remove the needles from the machine while holding the armature bar.
• Adjust to the correct needle depth.
• Replace the needles in the machine.
• Tighten the set screws.
• Test the machine on your skin before starting the tattoo.

Pro Tip: Needle depth is a very sensitive setting, so it’s important to make small adjustments until you get the right needle depth.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now you know that learning how to set needle depth on a rotary tattoo machine is an important step in tattooing.

By following the steps I’ve outlined, you can be sure that your needles penetrate the skin at the correct depth, ensuring both safety and results.

So next time you’re getting ready to start a tattoo, remember to take a few moments to set the needle depth correctly – it could make all the difference in the world.

Did you find the guide helpful? Let me know in the comments section!

Sources

• 1. Hunter D. Correct Tattoo Needle Depth [Internet]. AuthorityTattoo. 2021 [cited 2022 Nov 27]. Available from: https://authoritytattoo.com/correct-tattoo-needle-depth/
• 2. Needle Gauge Chart | Syringe Needle Gauge Chart | Hamilton [Internet]. www.hamiltoncompany.com. Available from: https://www.hamiltoncompany.com/laboratory-products/needles-knowledge/needle-gauge-chart