The Full Monty Care Sheet

FULL MONTY – CARE & SETUP SHEET

This machine is a true hybrid and is designed to run both standard needles and cartridges effectively.

Standard needles are recommended for optimal performance and consistency.

Cartridge use is fully supported; no rubber band required thanks to the o-ring retention system.

Keep sterilants away from all moving and electrical components! Grips can be Cold sterilized.

  • Sterilants are corrosive and will damage your machine if used carelessly.

Operating range: 3.5 – 6.5 volts

This machine features adjustable stroke AND adjustable spring tension.

  • Stroke controls hit length and punch
  • Spring tension controls give and responsiveness
  • Default settings are designed to work out of the box without needing heavy adjustment

When running higher speeds, consider shortening the stroke to reduce strain and maintain control.

GENERAL TUNING GUIDELINES

My preferred setup:
Start in the middle stroke and mid spring tension setting. From there, use voltage as your primary adjustment for most applications.

  • Fine lines / small groupings: ~4.5 – 5.5 volts
  • Larger groupings / stronger hit: ~5.5 – 6.5 volts

USING STROKE + SPRING TENSION

Loose / soft skin:

  • Lower volts + longer stroke
  • Slightly softer spring tension
  • Helps penetrate without needing excessive speed or stretch

Tight / firm skin:

  • Higher volts + shorter stroke
  • Slightly tighter spring tension
  • Allows faster cycles without over-hitting the skin

STIPPLING / SOFT SHADING

  • Run in the mid–low 4 volt range
  • Reduce spring tension for more give
  • Increase stroke slightly if needed to maintain a clean hit

NEEDLE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT

Use the DK thumbscrew system for precise depth control

  • No grip twisting required
  • Allows fast, repeatable, and stable adjustments

FEATURE-SPECIFIC NOTES

Swiveling nipple post:

  • Designed to reduce spitting and improve ink flow
  • No need to open the needle bar loop

O-ring needle retention:

  • More consistent than rubber bands
  • Chemically resistant and long lasting
  • Uses -908 o-ring

O-ring impact muffler:

  • Slight pre-contact dampens sound
  • Maintains a crisp, responsive hit

MAINTENANCE

If the machine begins to lose punch or requires more voltage:

  • Check and reset your impact screw

If the machine sounds inconsistent or “soft”:

  • Inspect o-rings and replace if worn

After extended use (years):

  • Apply ONE DROP of sewing machine oil to bearings if needed
  • DO NOT over-oil or flood the motor