You'll need an electric motor or similar type rotary motor that runs on at least 12 volts; 18 volts would be ideal.


The motor will have a small shaft protruding from the center. Take a small four-hole button and attach it to that shaft with superglue. Be careful not to use so much glue that it seeps through the holes of the button and blocks them. They need to be open so that you can attach the needle. Set it aside to dry.






Instead of a button, you can use an eraser. Take the eraser from a mechanical pen and push it firmly onto the small shaft of your motor.


You can remove the motor from a VCR or remote control car, but the power will be considerably less; it's about 3.5 volts.





;
, The "tube" will guide the needle. It's easy to make one from a pencil or pen.


Use a mechanical pencil. An inexpensive plastic pencil will work fine, or you can choose one that's metal. Depending on your preference, you can leave the pencil as-is or cut it down to about a 3" to 4" length.






Alternately, you can use an everyday stick pen like a Bic and remove the ink cylinder from inside. If you want a shorter tube, cut the pen to about a 3" or 4" length. File down the brass tip of the pen to get the ball out and make the hole big enough to allow passage of the needle.
 The brace will support the tube when it's attached to the machine motor for the tattoo gun.


Take a teaspoon and break off the bowl (the part you eat from). Then bend the spoon back to create an "L"-shape.






A second option would be to cut the bristles off of a toothbrush leaving about 4" in length. Use a lighter to heat up the plastic toothbrush handle and bend it into an "L" shape. Hold the bent handle in place until the plastic cools, and it becomes stiff.
 Cut a metal guitar string an inch or so longer than the length of your tube. It should reach from the center of the motor to the tip of the tube after assembly. Put soap and water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Drop your needle into the pot and boil it for five minutes. Rinse it in clear water and then boil it again in water only.


You can prepare several needles in advance. If you do so, store them in a sterilized jar.
Find a motor.
Create the tube.
Design a brace.
Make a needle.
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