Tattoo machine frame parts

These are the parts of a tattoo frame I hand built in my garage from scrap galvanized steel. This is my first and last tattoo machine I will build without proper power tools. I had to draw my designs on the steel then hand saw or jig saw the peices out. After the basic parts of the frame were cut I had to hand sand the galvanization off and hand sand the part to as close to square as possible. Then I had to take my Drimel and to the touch up work. Then came the hard part of drilling and tapping the holes so that each piece would fit in the right angles so when the machine had all its parts it would run properly.

The main face of the machine frame is similar to a frame that Pulse International builds (they CNC their frames out of a solid piece of brass or steel, not hand cutting and bolting three separate parts). I really liked their frame but I could not spend $400 on it, besides I wanted to build frame.

This is really my first attempt at working with metal outside of jewelry making, so I think my jewelry making skills helped out. What also helped motivate me was at the time I was watching The Biker Build-offs, American Chopper, and Jessie James on Discovery, and the beauty of everyday mechanical things. Just stop and look, there is art in everything!!!!!

steve-o