The INDEX Rotary

Until now, there hasn't been a name for the cam-operated version of our Axis/Slingshot model rotary machine. It's pretty annoying that the word 'cam' is sort of taken, by a company full of people that have no tattoos.

Anyways, I have been reading up on cam terminology. The word 'index' describes one phase of a cam operated device's position. Often, a curve or graph is used as a visual display to describe this 'index.'

This term INDEX pertains to cams, sounds important, and has an 'x' at the end of it so it's extra cool. I think we will call the cam-operated Slingshot the INDEX ROTARY.

What do y'all think?

March/April 2011 Cam/Index Rotary Machines Update

Sorry i don't have a regular online store. I know this makes things harder. We sell the machines as soon as we make them, so it's hard to build up any inventory at all.

We pretty much just make one style of machine at a time. When I have 10 employees this will change a lot ha ha. So, the machines right now are looking like this:

Cam/Slingshot(Index) style machine in brass and aluminum(CSLSSP) - This machine(see photo) has a low torque swiss motor turned around backwards. The armature pivots like a see saw. A cam lobe pushes the back end of the see saw up and 2 springs push it back down. You have to adjust the springs and also run your rubber bands just right. It's easy. Read more here: http://specialtechnique.blogspot.com/2011/03/cam-operated-slingshot-rotary-machines.html

Cam/Slingshot(Index) rotary machine in Delrin/Acetal plastic polymer(CSLSXUL) - The Cam/Slingshot in Delrin is incredibly light, around 80-90 grams. Combined with a disposable tube, you will hardly notice this tool while you are using it. The plastic is hand milled from a block(we buy scraps) and won't ever change. A machine this light requires you to push with your hand more. Most people like this feeling.

Upcoming machine projects include a collaboration with a machine building GIANT(May 2011), and some more of our very popular Slingshot rotaries(June 2011). Both of these machines will involve using a Drive Bar to power the armature. The Cam/Slingshot does not make use of a Drive Bar. Both styles tattoo well and feel nice to both artist and client. I recommend you pick up one of EVERY style we make :]

Cam Operated Reverse-Armature Rotary Machines - The INDEX Rotary

the cam driven design is pretty much a slingshot with a cam lobe instead of a drive bar. i have put a lot of time and thought into this, and i really believe a cam driven rotary with dampening is the best way to push a needle in. of course i am keenly aware that every artist's hand has different preferences. i believe this cam design is the best for all-around use, and for the greatest variety of artists. i am just going to list my reasons here for you. i'm not trying to force my ideas on you, i just want everyone to see where i'm at.

1. the cam driven slingshot is precise and predictable. most rotaries have some play in the mechanism. this play causes shock damage to the parts, and makes the device very slightly imprecise. i have been wrestling with this issue since my first build. when the cam style is adjusted correctly, there is no play in the mechanism. this makes for almost robotically precise perfomance from the machine.

2. the needle acceleration curve produced by a cam is OPTIMAL in my opinion. i have used the cam style in ultralight delrin and heavy brass a bunch in the last week. the way the needle increases in speed and pressure against the skin feels super perfect to my hand. again, your hand may be different and not like this sensation.

3. we don't have to make a frikkin drive bar. the drive bar is a bitch to make, really. we have some manufacturing in the works which will make them more accessible, but for now we hand mill them out of delrin. it's too time consuming to make this part by hand. every one is different and gets adjusted to match the machine it's on - no two are alike. we can't overlook how horribly inefficient this process is when they can basically be printed out by a computer.

4. they are quite easy to repair and get parts for. there's really nothing to them but geometry, and a motor that's being treated rather gently by the rest of the mechanism. the parts are easily accessible from me or from the hobby store, and they are all identical. we basically cannot survive if we have to keep repairing machines - we need you to do it like you do with your coil machines. we made these so anyone who can turn a screwdriver can fix them. no rotary lasts forever although i have seen some pretty miraculous performance from most of mine. if we streamline our operation by shortening our time spent in the repairs department, we might be able to stop worrying about bills and start getting ahead in life. since our clients really punish our machines, i will end up replacing motors on a lot of them. the repairs will be cheap or free, depending on the circumstances. i'm committed to this knowingly and gladly, but i do like to make time for other projects.

the cam driven slingshot can be very simple or very fancy. at the moment we are primarily building brass ones with very little extraneous bling. the first round will all cost around $450-$500. when we make aluminum ones they will be around $400, and the hand milled delrin plastic version will be around $350.

to sum up, the cam slingshots drive a needle well, are easy to repair, and easier to build. our aim with this design is to make a device that has a fair price tag, works well, repairs easily, and lasts a long time.

Special Technique's assistant, Karen

Special Technique is thankful and proud to enlist the help of Karen Yoo as frontperson, task manager and secretary. With her help, we can get your machines and repairs back to you faster. It will also allow us to make new prototypes and do production work simultaneously. Karen is heavily tattooed(by both rotary and coil) by Ugly Bill and has been a friend for many years. During normal California business hours, Karen can often be found managing a retail spot in Pacific Beach. Since our clients live in every time zone, this won't always matter. Please help us help you, by being up front about where you tattoo in an actual licensed tattoo shop. We do look at your shop's website/Facebook/Myspace.

Karen is committed to the same standards we are: thoroughness, friendliness, and forward movement. She understands the spiritual and intimate nature of the tattooist's tools. Karen can answer most of your questions, and can contact us quickly if needed.

Thanks Karen, your help is really a lifesaver!