Q&A for How to Make a Tattoo Gun

Get a hold of some basic tools like a piece of needle, a sturdy handle like a pencil or chopstick, and some threads. Then, secure the needle into the handle by tightly wrapping the thread around it and make sure that it's in place and that it won't move. Sterilize both the needle and handle to maintain cleanliness and safety. To start tattooing, pour some ink into a small container, dip the needle into the ink, then carefully poke the skin dot by dot to create your design.

You can use the E string or the B string (the two smallest ones). Sometimes the E string is two flimsy, so the B string is better.

Yes. Put the ink in a small dish first so that you don't contaminate all of it.

You can use "India ink." You can find this at art and craft suppliers.

Yes, as it is specifically designed for tattoos, it should be safe once 100% sterilized.

You could take apart an old Xbox controller, or you can take apart something like a DVD player, Ps3 controller, etc.

Tattoo ink is the best, but non toxic india ink (such as Higgins, Speedball or Windsor and Newton) works well also. You can buy tattoo ink on the Internet. Stay away from pen ink and inks that may be toxic. If you’re going to do color, be on the safe side and use tattoo ink. And stay away from red ink (a lot of people are allergic to red dyes and chemicals in red ink are known carcinogens.)

You can use a sewing needle only if you have boiled it and 100% sterilized it. Never use a hollow piercing needle or safety pin.

India ink (only black) or tattoo ink. Never use pen ink because it spreads infections.

Fill a cereal bow with India ink or tattoo Ink and dip the needle into the bowl. Only use the ink in the bowl for one person and only use it the one time, otherwise you increase the risk of getting HIV or other infections.

Use India ink (the non-colored version only) or tattoo ink. Do not use pen ink as the chemical is slightly different to tattoo ink, as tattoo ink has a special chemicals in it that are considered to be okay for your skin.

Yes. Just make sure the needle is clean and hasn't been used before.

It should be just about 1mm or so. Not more than that, as it doesn't have to go deeper than that.

It depends on the tattoo that your friend wants. Do not do it at school, as the gun could be considered a weapon. Do it at home.

A sewing needle would be too thick. Do not use pen ink, as it will spread infections and is not always non-toxic.

Given that it is a single needle set up I wouldn't suggest it. Alter your project, though, and if you find a way to put 3-5 needles on one of these then go for it. Otherwise, just stick to the lining with this one.

None. Most girls do not find homemade tattoos very attractive.

That's generally a bad idea. Some soldering wire contains lead. Soldering wire is also flimsy and brittle. And, if you boil it, soldering wire can warp.

You will need just enough pressure to get through the first layer of skin only. Therefore, you do not need to apply a lot of pressure while using it.

You just need to take the looped end and slip it into one of the holes in the button that's attached to the motor.

No. You should just use a new needle.

Only a few layers deep. Going in too far would make your body able to metabolize the ink, and it would take much longer to heal.

You should not use a sewing needle as it is too thick. Theoretically, you could thread a wire through the needle’s hole and attach the wire to the button as the article explains. But as already stated, don't use a sewing needle.

Besides actual tattoo needles, you can also use the springs found inside disposal lighters, preferably Bic lighters. This is how I've done it: Remove the spring from the lighter and hold it over a small flame, like a candle. Hold each end with pliers or gloves and stretch the spring till its straight. Stretch it about an inch at a time. Try not to hold the spring in flame in one area for too long, because it will break. The trick is to keep it moving. You can sharpen the ends using a fine light sandpaper or the strike pad of a match book. Be careful because spring will be hot!