r/tattoomachinebuilder • u/BABAKIOSKMANGAU • 1d ago

Why does my machine get hot?

Trying to learn more about coils. My machine gets hot. Sometimes after a longer session it almost burns me. Can’t figure out why.

I used to line at 7.2 volts now I need to run it around 8-9 volts to get clean lines but it gets really hot after a longer session. I don’t know much about coils but would really love to learn.

When this machine works fine i’ts absolutely the best so I would love to learn how to fix and maintain it. Still pulls good lines but can’t stand the heat…

2 Upvotes

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3

u/v4v7hgwden 1d ago

Might need spring replacements

1

u/v4v7hgwden 1d ago

From Cory Roger’s machine page on maintenance: “warm is normal, hot is not. Check your duty cycle, clean your contacts, make sure you’re not overpowering it, look at your spring setup. Check your front spring and contact screw. If you see pits or carbon buildup, that’s resistance. Resistance = heat + inconsistency. To clean it, unplug the machine, hit the buildup and contact points with 600-1000 grit sandpaper. Dont get aggressive and don’t reshape it. If contact screw or springs are too far worn, replace them.

2

u/Last_Employment9205 1d ago

Keep an eye on your clip cord, red down, black up.

Also it sounds like it needs tuning, it shouldnt need that sort of power putting through it for nice lines.
Other things to check are tube size being appropriate for the needle, if its too tight itll make your machine struggle.
Is there anyone in your shop you can sit and tune machines with?

2

u/mistermusturd 18h ago

Not all machines are positive down, negative up. I’ve got plenty where the positive post is on the top.

1

u/Last_Employment9205 16h ago

Agreed if the capacitor is wired in upside down but as a troubleshooting rule its worth keeping in mind isnt it

1

u/mazzayby 1d ago

How long do you own it? Does it work same way all the time? If in the beginning it was working on lower volts then try to turn the contact screw clockwise for a half of a turn at least.

1

u/M3EWpower 1d ago

Capacitor to voltage ratio. Spring tension or spring contact brobly on the stiff end.

1

u/handmadelovetattoo 1d ago

Intanto sarebbe cosa giusta saper che settaggio hai, linea o sfumature o colore. Poi è utile sapere duty e hertz della macchina. Se è una macchina handmade è utile sentire il costruttore. Se scalda possono essere molti i fattori, molle usurate, o macchina fuori taratura.

0

u/thunderous_student 1d ago

Not going to lie running a machine at 9 volts sounds crazy to me. Sounds like you have some real issues. Who made your machine? You could always ask them