InkMachines Dragonfly User manual

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Manual for the Dragonfly tattoo machine rev.2

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Introduction
We are proud to present the Dragonfly tattoo machine. Designed with the tattoo artist in focus
and manufactured with the highest quality materials and components available.
The Dragonfly is a state of the art rotary based tattoo machine with features that gives it
several advantages compared to other tattoo machines. The adjustable suspension system
allows the needles hitting force to be adjusted, the low noise, the light weight, the needlebar
retainer and the ability to accept most standard grips, tubes, needles and power supplies with
RCA or clipcord are some of the features and improvements incorporated in to the design
without compromising the function or ergonomics. All of these things and more put together
in one package makes the Dragonfly the most complete tattoo machine ever made.
The Dragonfly have been tested and developed for over three years by engineers and several
professional tattoo artists which means that you can look forward to the reliable and
satisfactory performance of the Dragonfly for years to come.
You should expect a return on your investment in the form of you and your customers well
being, enabling you to perform better and ultimately improving your business.
To ensure safety and obtain maximum service life from the machine it is essential that users
read and understand this manual. Check out www.Inkmachines.com for more info and news.
Safety
The Dragonfly is designed and developed solely for tattooing of humans by professional
tattoo artists. Do not under any circumstances use for other purposes.
Inkmachines only provide products for professional tattoo artists and may only be used by
professionals with knowledge about diseases and how to maintain a clean working
environment and sterile equipment. Work safe!
Always use sterile tubes, grips, tips and needles.
Always use rubber gloves.
Use plastic bags and wraps for tattoo equipment around the machine and the power cord.
Always keep your machines clean! Before and after every use you should: remove any oil or
dirt and wipe the machine clean with alcohol or equivalent disinfectant.
The manufacturer does not have responsibility for any kind of material damage, person
damage or infection caused by negligence or misuse of the machine or the components
attached to the machine.
The manufacturer does not have responsibility for contamination or infection of humans or
animals.

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Maintenance instructions
Moving parts exposed to friction needs lubrication!
Use the oil  that were supplied with the machine and follow these steps to lubricate every
100 hours of use. Only use the oil provided with the machine, other oils may reduce lifetime
of the machine and / or clog.
1. Remove grip and needle.
2. Remove the cap and push the piston assembly  down to the bottom of its stroke
by pushing on the needlebar pin and lube with a small amount of oil in the
corners between the piston and the frame . Put the cap back in place.
3. Apply oil just above the needlebar pin in the oval hole.
4. Apply oil on the bearings  of the needlebar retainer  and roll the bearings a
few times back and forward to let the oil run into the bearings.
5. Run the machine between 9-12 volts for about a minute and clean it when done.
Service
Tools and spare parts are available on www.inkmachines.com in the spare parts section if you
want to do service work yourself. You can also send machines to our service technicians for a
full service. For more information go to www.inkmachines.com
Warranty
This product includes a 12 month warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty applies to
factory faults and not to wear of any components caused by normal or abnormal use.
The warranty is void if:
1. Input Voltage above 14 volts has been applied to the machine.
2. Machine or any of its components have been autoclaved or cleaned in an
ultrasonic cleaner.
3. Components have been damaged by misuse or carelessness.
4. Components have been manipulated.

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Getting started
1. Disconnect the machine from the power supply.
2. Attach a new quality rubber nipple or grommet to the needlebar pin . The nipple or
grommet should have a tight fit with the needlebar loop.
3. Open the retainer to make clearance for the needlebar and tube by adjusting the
retainer screw .
4. Bend the needlebar to a slight arc shape or make a bend just at the soldering to
compensate the pressure from the needlebar retainer. This enables the needles to work
straighter, prevent it from wobbling and making it more stable in the tip.
5. Insert the needle carefully into the tube without damaging the needle tips.
6. Insert the tube / needle assembly trough the tube vice clamp and tighten the vice
lightly. Attach the needlebar loop to the nipple.
7. Move the needlebar pin and the attached needlebar down to the bottom of its
stroke by pressing the needlebar pin downwards, if the needlebar pin won’t move
down push the excentric bearing to the side at the same time.
8. Inspect and adjust the protrusion and alignment of the needle and tip by moving the
grip and tube to the desired location. Tighten the tube vice firmly when done .
9. Adjust the needlebar retainer  by turning the retainer screw  until the retainer
o-rings  makes contact with the needlebar. Don’t tighten more than necessary to
keep the needle stable in the tip. If the needlebar don’t align properly with the retainer
o-rings, adjust / bend the needlebar so that it aligns.
10. Connect the machine to a power supply ( max 14 volts DC ) either with a RCA cable
to the RCA contact  or a clipcord to the clipcord binding posts , if you
choose to use a clipcord make sure to connect positive to + and negative to –marked
on the machine next to the bindingposts. The motor should turn clockwise when
looking at the front.
11. Run the machine between 9-12 volts depending on needle size and friction, fine adjust
the needlebar retainer  until the needle feels stable in the tip and make sure that
everything runs smoothly without excessive friction or noise.
12. Run the machine and adjust the needle suspension by feeling the needlebar pin 
and nipple with your finger and by turning the cap to get the desired hitting,
clockwise = harder, counter clockwise = softer. When the cap is turned clockwise to
the bottom the needlebar pin will be locked with the piston . This position will
give the hardest hitting. When the cap is turned counter clockwise the stroke will be
increasingly softer until the limit is reached. When the limit is reached the adjustment
screw  will make contact with the cap from the inside and produce noise, turn the
cap clockwise until the adjustment screw clears the cap and the noise stops. If you turn
the cap too far and the cap should come off during this operation, screw down the
adjustment screw two turns and reattach the cap by pushing it until it clicks into place.
13. Encapsulate the machine and cord with plastic bags and wrappings for tattoo
equipment.
14. Typical start values would be around 10.5 volts for shading and filling. 11-12.5 volts
for lining. The adjustment is normally set to soft for shading and medium to hard for
filling (packing color) and lining. These are just start values and are very much
individual. You may find other values to suit you better depending on your technique,
equipment etc.

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Troubleshooting guide
If you experience problems with the machine you can consult the troubleshooting guide or
contact us for service at Inkmachines.com
Symptom
Possible cause
Possible Solution
The motor  does not start
when the power is on but the
excenter can be
turned around (normally) by
hand. ( Electrical fault )
None or to low input
voltage.
Bad cable or power supply.
Bad connection.
Bad connection between the
RCA contact  and the
motor.
Short circuit between frame
and clipcord
bindingpost positive (+)
.The clipcord
bindingpost positive is
electrically isolated from
the frame with a plastic
sleeve. If the sleeve fails
short circuit will occur.
The motor  is defect.
Increase voltage (max 14 volts).
Make sure the power supply delivers the
right current. Consult manual if necessary.
Check clipcord or RCA cable. Replace if
necessary.
Make sure the contactscrews are not loose,
tighten the following:
contactscrew motor negative (-) 
contactscrew bindingpost negative (-) 
contactscrew cord positive (+) .
Loosen the RCA nut  and unscrew the
RCA contact . Remove possible oxide
by sanding the tip of the contact that
engages with the contact plate of the
motor.
Clean the contact plate (visible through the
threaded hole) with alcohol on a cotton
bud. Turn the RCA contact until the tip
touches the contact plate gently. Tighten
the nut gently.
Remove the clipcord bindingpost
positive (+)  and the sleeve.
Replace if necessary.
Use the disassemble and assemble
instructions as reference.

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The machine won´t run but the
motor  appears to be
struggling when power is
applied.
The excenter is slipping
on the motor shaft.
The excenter bearing is
defect.
The connecting pin  is
loose and making contact
with the frame .
The spring stop screw  is
too far in and touching the
piston .
The stay up spring  is
broken.
The piston  is clogged.
The adjustment screw 
is to far up and makes
contact with the cap .
Tighten the allen screw in the excenter .
Use the assemble instructions no. 1.
Replace the Excenter assembly . Use
the disassemble instructions no. 1 & 5-6 &
8 and assemble instructions no. 1 & 5-9.
Refit the connecting pin  and Circlip
. Use the assemble instructions no. 5–6.
See page 11.
Replace. Use the disassemble instructions
no. 1-6 and assemble instructions no. 3 &
5-9.
Lubricate or remove the piston  and
clean / lubricate. Use the disassemble
instructions no. 1-6 and assemble
instructions no. 3 & 5-9.
Turn cap clockwise.
Machine loses power and / or
speed varies.
Friction between frame 
and piston .
The needlebar pin has
moved and makes contact
with the frame .
Needlebar retainer
bearings  worn or
clogged.
Needlebar retainer  to
hard set against needlebar.
Excenter bearing 
defect.
The Stay up spring is
broken 
The motor  is defect.
Lubricate according to maintenance
instructions.
Relocate and tighten the needlebar pin .
Use the assemble instructions no. 8.
Clean and lubricate or replace .
Re-adjust. Just enough pressure to keep
the needle stable should be applied.
Replace excenter assembly . Use the
disassemble instructions no. 4-6 and
assemble instructions no. 1 & 5-6.
See page 11.
Use the disassemble and assemble
instructions as reference.

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The needle suspension (give) is
jammed or hangs up.
The machine or pistons are
new. The suspension needs
break in.
The needlebar pin is
loose.
The inner piston  is
clogged.
Lubricate and run the machine for a few
minutes while holding the needlebar pin
with your fingers and let the inner
piston break in.
Use the assemble instructions no. 8.
Remove the inner piston . Use the
disassemble instructions no. 1-3. Clean
and re-lubricate. Use the assemble
instructions no. 7-9.
The needlebar pin is
wobbling and / or feels to loose.
(A certain side to side play is
normal).
The needlebar pin is
loose.
The inner piston spring 
is defect.
Too much play between the
piston  and the inner
piston . (worn out ).
Use the assemble instructions no. 8.
Replace. Or stretch.
Replace pistons or complete piston
assembly .
Use the disassemble instructions no. 1-6
and assemble instructions no. 3 & 5-9.
The needlebar pin 
suspension (give) is out of sync
with the piston  movement.
The inner piston  needs
lubrication.
The inner piston spring 
is defect or fatigue.
Lubricate.
Replace. Use the disassemble instructions
no. 1. Or stretch the existing spring.
The motor  loses power in a
certain angle but will start when
helped.
The motor  is defect.
Use the disassemble and assemble
instructions as reference. Or send for
service.
The needle stops in random
position and not in its upper
position like it should.
The Stay up spring  is
broken.
See page 11.
The Cap pops off or
unscrews itself during tattooing.
The hexagon of the
adjustment screw  is
damaged and pivots inside
without the cap following.
The spring inside the Cap
is to weak and won´t
keep the cap from turning
by itself.
Remove the Cap and replace the
adjustment screw 



Replace the Cap 
The needlebar retainer
assembly  vibrates loose
during tattooing.
The Retainer screw spring
 is too weak.
Stretch the Retainer screw spring 

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Ink is creeping up the
needlebar.
The pigment is thick.
Thicker pigments tend to
climb easier than thin
pigments.
The needle has a long
resting area (distance) in the
tip.
A certain frequency (speed)
makes it worse.
The needle has a tight fit in
the tip.
Needlebar retainer  to
hard set against needlebar.
Dilute the pigment.
Bend the needle at the solder so that only
the tip of the needle rests against the tip or
as little as possible.
Change the voltage up or down.
Try different needle and tip combinations.
Re-adjust. Just enough pressure to keep
the needle stable should be applied.

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Disassemble instructions
1. Remove the Cap by pulling it off. Unscrew the adjustment screw  and take out
the inner piston spring .
2. Use the matching Allen key  to loosen the piston screw  in the inner piston .
Take out the needlebar pin .
3. Push out the inner piston  and pull out the noise damper o-ring  from the
bottom of the piston .
4. Refit the adjustment screw  a few turns and push the piston assembly  down to
the bottom position by pushing on the top of the adjustment screw.
5. While holding the piston assembly  in the bottom position, remove the circlip 
from the connecting pin  with a circlip pliers . Don’t open the circlip more than
it exactly needs to clear the connecting pin or it will overstretch and become useless.
Use a circlip pliers  with an adjustable stop screw that prevents the circlip from
opening to much.
6. Use a 1,5mm pin or the far end of an Allen key  to push out the connecting pin 
out and trough the hole in the frame . Pull out the piston  and the stay up spring
.
7. Remove the needlebar retainer assembly  by unscrewing the retainer fix. Screw
 and pulling it out.
8. Ioosen the allen screw in the excenter that holds the motor shaft. Pull out the
excenter assembly  from the motor shaft.
9. Loosen the contact screw cord positive (+)  and pull out the cord end. Loosen the
motor fixing screws  and contact screw motor negative (-)  and pull / push out
the motor assembly .
10. Remove the RCA contact .
11. Remove the clipcord bindingpost positive (+)  by loosening the two Allen screws
in the frame holding it and pulling it out.

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Assemble instructions
1. Mount the excenter assembly  on the motor shaft and lock the Allen screw in the
excenter to the motor shaft. Make sure that the screw that engages with the motor
shaft ends on the flat part of the motor shaft.
2. Insert the motor assembly  into the frame while aligning the motor cord to the
corresponding hole at the back of the frame .
3. Lubricate and insert the Piston  with the stay up spring  and the adjustment
screw  into the frame . Make sure the stay up spring aligns with the spring stop
screw .
4. Align the connecting rod with the groove in the piston . Position the motor
assembly  in or out so that the connecting rod lines up with the center of the
groove in the piston. It´s important that there is no tension between the components.
Tighten the motor fixing screws  and contact screw motor negative (-) .
5. Push the piston  down and insert the connecting pin  through the hole in the
neck of the frame . Align the hole in the piston with the hole in the upper bearing
of the connecting rod . Push the connecting pin  trough and to its bottom
location with the far end of an Allen key .
6. While holding the piston  at its bottom location keep pressure on the head of the
connecting pin  with the far end of an Allen key . Install the circlip  using a
circlip pliers .
7. Install the noise damper o-ring , push it to the bottom of the hole in the piston 
and make sure it lies firmly in the bottom. Align the inner piston  with the piston
screw  pointing up and the needlebar pin hole pointing in the direction of the
groove in the frame . Push it down to the noise damper o-ring .
8. Insert the needlebar pin trough the groove of the frame and through the hole
of the inner piston . The distance between the sleeve of the needlebar pin and the
frame should be 0,5mm, use a gouge or something equivalent to get the right
distance. Tighten the needlebar pin with the Allen key  from the top.
9. Insert the inner piston spring , screw in the adjustment screw  a few turns.
Align and push the cap in place.
10. Put the cord end of the motor cord in the hole of the clipcord bindingpost positive
(+) and push it in to the frame . Tighten the two fixing screws in the frame 
that holds it. Tighten the contact screw cord positive (+)  gently.
11. Install the RCA contact  and RCA nut  by turning the RCA contact until the tip
touches the contact plate of the motor gently. Tighten the RCA nut gently.
12. Refit the needlebar retainer assembly  by placing the retainer spring  in the
groove of the needlebar retainer . Push the retainer fix. screw  through the
first hole opposite of the retainer bearing side, trough the retainer spring and into the
second hole. Leave the retainer fix screws end flush to the needlebar retainer surface
on the bearing side. Put the needlebar retainer assembly in the groove of the frame 
and slide it back into place. Make sure that the retainer spring  engages
correctly with the frame . Hold it in place while tightening the retainer fix screw
.