Oregon Tattoo Exam 2026| Actual Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
1. When the armature bar is flat on the front coil, what is the smallest gap above the rear coil?
A) .005"
B) .010"
C) .020"
D) .030"
Correct Answer: B) .010"
Explanation: The smallest recommended gap above the rear coil (when the armature bar sits flat
on the front coil) is .010". This precise clearance helps the machine cycle efficiently without the
bar touching the rear coil, preventing drag or inconsistent performance.
2. What does a smaller gap above the rear coil cause?
A) Less power and slower speed
B) More power
C) Excessive vibration and noise
D) Overheating of the coils
Correct Answer: B) More power
Explanation: A smaller gap above the rear coil increases magnetic efficiency and pull, resulting
in more power and a harder-hitting machine.
3. What should the armature bars be made of?
A) Brass
B) Aluminum
C) Plain steel
D) Copper
Correct Answer: C) Plain steel
,Explanation: Armature bars should be made of plain steel for proper magnetic response and
durability in traditional coil machines.
4. How does a machine run if too much of the coil is showing?
A) Too fast and weak
B) Hot
C) Smooth and consistent
D) Quiet with low power
Correct Answer: B) Hot
Explanation: Excessive exposed coil surface causes the machine to run hot due to inefficient
magnetic field and increased resistance/heat buildup.
5. What type of edges should your contact screw have?
A) Sharp and pointed
B) Rounded and smooth
C) Flat and wide
D) Threaded only
Correct Answer: B) Rounded and smooth
Explanation: Rounded and smooth edges on the contact screw reduce arcing, wear on the spring,
and unwanted sparking for cleaner electrical contact.
6. Where on the front spring should the contact screw be hitting?
A) Middle of the spring
B) Front and end of spring
C) Rear of the spring
D) Anywhere along the length
Correct Answer: B) Front and end of spring
Explanation: The contact screw should hit at the front/end of the spring for optimal timing and
to maintain proper tension without excessive flex.
7. What length of spring would run faster?
A) Long spring with low angle
, B) Short spring with high angle
C) Medium length with neutral angle
D) Any length works the same
Correct Answer: B) Short spring with high angle
Explanation: A shorter spring with a higher angle increases speed and responsiveness in the
machine's cycle.
8. What type of metal should the contact screw be made of to have the highest conductivity?
A) Steel
B) Brass
C) Copper
D) Aluminum
Correct Answer: B) Brass
Explanation: Brass provides the highest conductivity and maintains its shape longer, reducing
resistance and sparking.
9. How does the armature bar hit the front coil core?
A) At an angle
B) Flat, full contact
C) Only at the edge
D) With a gap
Correct Answer: B) Flat, full contact
Explanation: The armature bar must make flat, full contact with the front coil core for maximum
magnetic efficiency and consistent performance.
10. What do you want the frame on your tattoo machine to be?
A) Highly conductive
B) Non-conductive
C) Made of ferrous metal
D) Lightweight aluminum
Correct Answer: B) Non-conductive
Questions and Correct Answers
1. When the armature bar is flat on the front coil, what is the smallest gap above the rear coil?
A) .005"
B) .010"
C) .020"
D) .030"
Correct Answer: B) .010"
Explanation: The smallest recommended gap above the rear coil (when the armature bar sits flat
on the front coil) is .010". This precise clearance helps the machine cycle efficiently without the
bar touching the rear coil, preventing drag or inconsistent performance.
2. What does a smaller gap above the rear coil cause?
A) Less power and slower speed
B) More power
C) Excessive vibration and noise
D) Overheating of the coils
Correct Answer: B) More power
Explanation: A smaller gap above the rear coil increases magnetic efficiency and pull, resulting
in more power and a harder-hitting machine.
3. What should the armature bars be made of?
A) Brass
B) Aluminum
C) Plain steel
D) Copper
Correct Answer: C) Plain steel
,Explanation: Armature bars should be made of plain steel for proper magnetic response and
durability in traditional coil machines.
4. How does a machine run if too much of the coil is showing?
A) Too fast and weak
B) Hot
C) Smooth and consistent
D) Quiet with low power
Correct Answer: B) Hot
Explanation: Excessive exposed coil surface causes the machine to run hot due to inefficient
magnetic field and increased resistance/heat buildup.
5. What type of edges should your contact screw have?
A) Sharp and pointed
B) Rounded and smooth
C) Flat and wide
D) Threaded only
Correct Answer: B) Rounded and smooth
Explanation: Rounded and smooth edges on the contact screw reduce arcing, wear on the spring,
and unwanted sparking for cleaner electrical contact.
6. Where on the front spring should the contact screw be hitting?
A) Middle of the spring
B) Front and end of spring
C) Rear of the spring
D) Anywhere along the length
Correct Answer: B) Front and end of spring
Explanation: The contact screw should hit at the front/end of the spring for optimal timing and
to maintain proper tension without excessive flex.
7. What length of spring would run faster?
A) Long spring with low angle
, B) Short spring with high angle
C) Medium length with neutral angle
D) Any length works the same
Correct Answer: B) Short spring with high angle
Explanation: A shorter spring with a higher angle increases speed and responsiveness in the
machine's cycle.
8. What type of metal should the contact screw be made of to have the highest conductivity?
A) Steel
B) Brass
C) Copper
D) Aluminum
Correct Answer: B) Brass
Explanation: Brass provides the highest conductivity and maintains its shape longer, reducing
resistance and sparking.
9. How does the armature bar hit the front coil core?
A) At an angle
B) Flat, full contact
C) Only at the edge
D) With a gap
Correct Answer: B) Flat, full contact
Explanation: The armature bar must make flat, full contact with the front coil core for maximum
magnetic efficiency and consistent performance.
10. What do you want the frame on your tattoo machine to be?
A) Highly conductive
B) Non-conductive
C) Made of ferrous metal
D) Lightweight aluminum
Correct Answer: B) Non-conductive
