Disassembling the Pen tattoo machine: instructions for masters and beginners

Why disassemble a tattoo machine and when is it necessary?

Tattoo machines type Pen (or rotary machines with a foam-like body) require regular maintenance - like any precision instrument. The main reasons for disassembly: replacing needles, cleaning the mechanism from dried paint, lubricating bearings or repairing after a fall. For example, models Bishop Rotary or Cheyenne Hawk Pen It is recommended to service every 3-5 work sessions to avoid wear of parts.

But not all problems can be solved by disassembling. If the machine begins to “twitch” during operation or makes a grinding noise, the reason may lie in faulty motor or a damaged power cable - this will require diagnostics of the electrical part. But if the needle moves too tightly or the ink is applied unevenly, disassembling the case and cleaning the mechanism is often the only solution.

It is important to understand: Pen rotary machines do not tolerate brute force during disassembly - 80% of breakdowns occur due to improper removal of the cover or damage to the shaft spline. If you have never held such a device in your hands, practice on an old or budget model (for example, Dragonhawk Mast Pen) before working with professional equipment.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

To disassemble the Pen tattoo machine you will need:

• 🔧 Socket wrench (usually included with the device, the size depends on the model - most often 1.5 mm or 2 mm)
• 🧴 Silicone grease for bearings (eg Lubriplate or specialized for tattoo equipment)
• 🧼 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ for cleaning parts (acetone or solvent cannot be used - they corrode the plastic!)
• 🧻 Lint-free wipes or microfiber
• 🔍 Magnifier or magnifying glass (for inspection of small parts)

Warnings before starting work:

⚠️ Attention: Never disassemble the machine immediately after the session - let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Overheating can deform the plastic parts of the case, and you will not be able to put the device back together.

⚠️ Attention: If the machine is connected to a power supply with settings memory (for example, Critical CX-1), before disassembling, reset the setting profile to neutral - otherwise, after assembly, the needle stroke parameters may be lost.

Step-by-step instructions: how to disassemble the case

The disassembly process begins with removing the back cover. For most models (for example, FK Irons Spektra Edge X) it is attached with 1-2 screws, but there are exceptions:

1. Disconnect the machine from the power supply. Remove the needle cartridge (if installed).

2. Turn the device over needle up - this will prevent internal parts from falling out when opening.

3. Locate the screws on the back cover. In models Cheyenne they may be hidden under rubber plugs - carefully pry them off with tweezers.

4. Unscrew the screws counterclockwise, but not completely! Leave them in the holes so you don't lose them.

5. Remove the cover by gently rocking it left and right. If it does not give in, do not pull by force - check that all screws are unscrewed.

Inside you will see:

• 🔄 Rotary mechanism (motor with eccentric)
• ⚙️ Bearings (usually 2 pieces: front and rear)
• 🔌 Contact wires (can be soldered in budget models)

Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism: dos and don’ts

After removing the cover, the first priority is to remove old grease and contaminants. Use isopropyl alcohol only and soft napkins. It is strictly prohibited:

• 🚫 Blowing with compressed air - this can drive dust deeper into the bearings
• 🚫 Wash with water or soapy water - corrosion is guaranteed
• 🚫Using WD-40 or other "multipurpose" lubricants - they are not intended for high rotation speeds

Pay special attention to:

Detail	How to clean	How to lubricate
Cam wheel	Wipe with alcohol, remove dried paint with a cotton swab	1 drop of silicone grease per axle
Bearings	Wash with alcohol, turning to remove old grease.	1-2 drops specialized bearing lubricant
Contact wires	Wipe with alcohol, check for breaks	Do not lubricate!
Motor shaft	Remove dust with a brush, do not scratch!	Only if specified in the model instructions

After cleaning, let the parts dry for 5-10 minutes. Do not assemble the machine wet - this will lead to a short circuit the next time you turn it on.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling. Here are the most common:

1. Tightening the Screws during assembly. This deforms the threads in the plastic case. Cheyenne Sol Nova If you are especially sensitive to this, use a torque wrench with a force of no more than 0.2 Nm.

2. Loss of spring needle lock (available in models Bishop Packer). Without it, the cartridge will dangle. Solution: Order replacement springs in advance.

3. Contact lubrication. This leads to poor contact and overheating of the motor. Contacts must be dry and clean!

4. Using metal tools for scraping off paint. Scratches on the shaft accelerate wear of the seals.

If after assembly the machine is unstable:

• 🔊 It's buzzing louder than usual → check the eccentric balancing
• ⚡ Sparks when turned on → clean the contacts with alcohol
• 🐢 Slow needle movement → check the voltage on the power supply

What to do if the screw is “lost”

If the slots on the screw are damaged, do not try to unscrew it with pliers - this will damage the housing. Use screw extractor or drill out the screw with a drill (only if you are ready to replace the cover).

Disassembly of specific models: Bishop, Cheyenne, FK Irons

Each brand has design features. Let's consider three popular models:

Bishop Rotary (all episodes):

• 🔧 Screws under hexagon 1.5 mm
• ⚙️ Bearings 608ZZ (can be replaced with ceramic ones for quiet operation)
• ⚠️ The eccentric is fixed with a locking ring - don’t lose it!

Cheyenne Hawk Pen / Sol Nova:

• 🔧 Screws under sprocket T6 (requires special key)
• 🔋 Rechargeable version requires disconnecting the battery before disassembling
• 📌 Comes with branded lubricant - use only that

FK Irons Spektra Edge X:

• 🔧 The case can be disassembled without tools (latches)
• 🔄 Motor with magnetic fixation - don’t pull the wires!
• 💡 LED lighting is attached to double-sided tape

💡

In models with a battery (for example, Cheyenne Sol Nova) Before disassembling, be sure to remove the battery - even when turned off, it can cause a short circuit when touching the contacts.

When disassembly doesn't help: signs of serious damage

Not all tattoo machine problems can be solved by cleaning and lubricating. Contact the service center if you observe:

• 🔥 Burning smell during operation - the motor or winding burned out
• 🔌 Sparks inside the case - short circuit in the circuit
• 🔊 Metal scraping — the bearing is damaged or the shaft is bent
• 💧 Oil leakage — the oil seal is damaged (occurs in Dragonhawk Mast Pen after falls)

Service repair cost:

Breakdown	Cost (₽)	Repair period
Replacing the motor	3 000 — 8 000	1-2 days
Replacing bearings	1 500 — 3 000	2-3 hours
Contact repair	2 000 — 4 500	1 day
Housing replacement	5 000 — 12 000	3-5 days

If the machine is under warranty, don't disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty. In the case of brands Cheyenne or Bishop The warranty applies only when serviced in authorized centers.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disassemble the Pen machine without special tools?

Theoretically yes, but the risk of damaging the case or screws is very high. For example, in FK Irons Spektra the latches can be opened with a fingernail, but Bishop You can't do without a 1.5 mm hexagon. If you don't have a key, order it in advance (costs 100-300 RUR).

How often should the machine be disassembled and cleaned?

Depends on intensity of use:

• 🖌️ Professional use (daily sessions) - every 3-5 clients
• 🏡 Home use (1-2 tattoos per month) - once every 3-6 months
• 🎨 Artwork (fine lines, shading) - after each complex session

Signs that it’s time to clean: tight needle movement, uneven paint application, extraneous noise.

What is different about disassembling a cordless (battery) machine?

Main differences:

1. Before disassembly be sure to remove the battery (in Cheyenne Sol Nova it can be removed with a button on the bottom).
2. Battery contacts should not be cleaned with alcohol - use a dry brush.
3. In some models (for example, Inkjecta Flite Nano) the motor and battery are combined into one unit - it is impossible to disassemble it yourself.

The battery life with proper use is 2-3 years. If the machine starts to discharge faster, this is a sign of battery wear, not a mechanical problem.

Can machine oil be used for lubrication?

No! Machine oil:

• 🔥Causes overheating of bearings due to high viscosity
• 🧴 Thickens at low temperatures (if you work in a cool room)
• 🧪 May react with the plastic of the case, causing it to soften

Use only specialized lubricants for tattoo equipment or medical grade silicone lubricants (for example, Super Lube).

How to check whether the machine is assembled correctly after disassembly?

Take the test:

1. Connect the machine to the power supply without needle.
2. Set the voltage to 6-7 V.
3. Listen to the sound: there should be a smooth hum without creaks or knocks.
4. Check the stroke of the rod (if there is access): it should move smoothly, without jamming.
5. Make sure that the case does not heat up after 5 minutes of operation.

If everything is in order, install the needle cartridge and check on a piece of artificial leather. At the first sign of unstable operation (for example, the needle “jumps”), immediately turn off the machine and recheck the assembly.