Practice Tattoo Machine (Pen)

This is a practice tattoo machine that uses some electronics and a Bic 4 colour pen to give you that tattoo style on paper (and skin, just temporarily).

I made this for a student who wants to be a tattoo artist and wants to practice the style without volunteering my skin :).

The project uses a small 9v DC motor 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125856401672

A 9v battery pack

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362826611788

A motor speed control board 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155839260100

Printed in PLA at 0.2 layer height, 30% gyroid infill. With support on my janky Ender 3 Pro.

See the attached eBay links for the parts 🙂.

You will also need a 3m bolt, a Bic 4 colour pen and some wire. 

to make the ink inserts, take the Bic ink and place it in the machine with the tip fully showing. then take a length of wire with an eye on one side to go around the bolt in the motor wheel. 

cut the wire so it reaches into the back of the ink cartridge and sits 1cm behind the ink reservoir.  Cover with superglue and insert. 

The wheel has 2 holes, one for 6mm depth and one for 7mm. 

I had to add a dab of glue to the wheel to get it to stick on the motor and to the bolt to stop it unscrewing itself. 

I also packed the motor in with EVA  foam to make a snug fit and reduce the vibrations. 

P.S. The pictures show the machine without the variable control chip as it is taking ages to arrive :).

Feel free to follow me, the next version of this machine will be modified for needle felting.