Product Showcase: Stigma Hyper V3 Hybrid Tattoo Machine

The Stigma Hyper V3 tattoo machine is one of our most popular machines. It’s a semi-rotary (hybrid) with a swash drive system and vertical motor, ergonomically designed to give a balanced feel in your hand. It’s available eight six colors—orange, red, blue, black, silver, pink, purple, or green—and fits all standard needles tubes and grips. This machine is also super lightweight, weighing in at only 4 ounces.

One of the reasons for its popularity is that the V3 is softest hitting rotary on the market, but is completely adjustable via a screw on top of the machine. Turning the screw clockwise will make the machine hit harder for lining, while turning it counter-clockwise will soften the hit so you can shade. It can be adjusted in about 5 seconds, so you adjust quickly and stay focused on your work. Another awesome feature is the needle bar stabilizing system that removes the need for replacing rubber bands.

In The Box

The Stigma Hyper V3 comes with the machine, a small bottle of synthetic super lube, and instructions on how to use the machine. We’d like to take a moment to stress that you should read all of the instructions, even if you are a very experienced tattoo artist. The instructions will outline how to lubricate the machine properly, care for the machine to ensure a long life, and use it safely to protect both you and your clients.

Power Supply

The Stigma Hyper V3 comes with both RCA and clipcord connections. Stigma recommends using an RCA for a solid connection, but either will work for your machine. This machine is polarity protected, but if for any reason you find that your connection isn’t working, you will have to reverse the polarity of the machine by inverting the two wires on the quarter inch end of your clipcord.

The V3 is compatible with any National Tattoo Power Supply. It’s important not to run this particular machine above 13 volts to protect the life of the motor.

Check out the Stigma Hyper V3 in our online store today, or browse other Stigma Machines. National Tattoo is also currently offering free shipping on most orders over $199.

Tips for the Proper Care and Maintenance of Tattoo Machines

Knowing how to properly set up and maintain tattoo machines is just as important for artists as artistic skill and experience.  Keeping your machine's components clean and in good working condition lets you produce tattoos of good quality while staying hygienic.

When getting a new machine, it is advisable to tune it to your liking.  Once it is running properly, you can leave the main setup untouched except for minor adjustments for different types of tattoo work.

Whether your machine is custom-made or purchased commercially, you should have a basic understanding of how a tattoo machine works.  You should be able to take your machine apart and reassemble it as needed, so make sure that you have the correct tools on hand.

Always use the correct settings for the type of work you are doing.  Do not tune a machine for shading or fill work and then use it for lining.  This will not only result in an inferior tattoo, but can also damage the tubes and tips.  Before and after every session, check parts of the machine prone to wear and tear, particularly the contact screw, spring assembly and tips to find out whether they need to be replaced.

For general cleaning, you can use a cloth to wipe off any dust or dirt that has accumulated on fully assembled tattoo machines.  Grips, tubes and tips should be sterilized between every use.  These are parts of the machine that come in close contact with the skin and they can be a risk for transmitting disease if they are not properly sterilized in an autoclave.  Never expose the coils or other electric components to water.

Properly maintaining your tattoo machines makes them perform better and last longer, letting you get the most out of your machine.

To find a wide selection of tattoo equipment and supplies for your business, visit NationalTattoo.com.