Troubleshooting 

Troubleshooting Your Dan Kubin Machine
Quick tips for diagnosing and fixing common issues with the 46er and V7.5—tuned for performance, built to last.

Parts Breakdown 

& Troubleshooting Guides

Sidewinder v7.5 Troubleshooting

Issues like stripped threads on impact/spring screws, permanently worn springs or contact components are signs to submit a repair.

Ink Spitting

Spitting is often due to tight needle loops, or insufficient spring tension. Flipping the needle’s bend or tightening bands can help.

Inconsistent Ink Flow 

Ink flow issues are often caused by the tube tip being too narrow for the selected needle grouping. For optimal performance, it's also recommended that the needle grouping be positioned on top.

Speed Fluctuations / Power Drop-Off

Most speed issues are electrical, not motor failure. Causes include bad clipcord, cam bearing wear or corrosion (often from sterilants), broken wires, or weak/oxidized connections.

Loss of Punch / Weak Hits

Commonly caused by settled impact—impact screw not aligned in the middle timing mark (~1:00 when bar is pushed down).

Can stem from loose pivot springs, worn pivot bearings, or corrosion affecting the pivot bearings.

Snapping Rubber-Bands

Snapping rubber bands are typically caused by age, excessive tension, poor placement, or low quality; always use fresh bands and snap the tension out by pulling them over the needle after placement.

Mystery Rattle

A mystery rattle is most commonly caused by a broken internal impact pin clip. If all external parts are secure and the stroke marks are properly aligned, but the rattle persists, it likely needs to be returned for repair.

Stroke Knob Seized 

A seized stroke adjustment knob is typically caused by internal friction or debris; while a single drop of lubricant may help, the most reliable solution is to send the machine in for service.

Sputtering

Sputtering is often caused by the impact screw settling over time or a loose drive spring on the armature bar—both should be checked and reset as needed.

Hitting TOO Hard

If the machine is hitting too hard, it’s usually due to a broken internal stroke spring or the impact screw being turned in too far—try backing it out slightly, but repair may be needed.

Issue

Root Cause

Fix or Preventive Step

Spitting

Most common cause is a tight needle bar loop.

Opening your needle loop with the DK thumbscrew; using DK Half-hard Nipples. In extreme cases you may need to find a softer grommet. 

Inconsistent Ink Flow 

Tip too tight for needle grouping; needle grouping not on top.

Use larger tube tip; orient needle grouping on top.

Speed Fluctuations

Loose binding posts, poor clip cord contact, worn cam bearing, frayed wire, or bad solder

Check binding posts, clip cord, and cam bearing spin. If all check out, return for repair

Low punch or Weak hit

Impact pin has settled; misaligned cam; loose armature bar; corroded pivot bearings

Reset impact pin, align cam to 1 o’clock, check for armature bar movement, inspect pivot bearings for corrosion

Snapping Bands

Aged or brittle bands; bands too tight; poor placement or low quality; Stroke is too long; running too aggressive 

Use fresh, quality bands; apply with correct tension and angle; snap tension out by pulling band over needle

Mystery Rattle 

Broken internal impact pin clip

Machine must be returned for repair to replace the internal clip

Stroke Knob Seized 

Internal friction or debris causing the knob to seize

Apply 1 drop of lubricant at base of knob; if unresolved, send machine in for repair

Sputtering

Settled impact screw or loose drive spring on the armature bar

Reset the impact screw; check and secure the drive spring

Hitting TOO Hard

Broken internal stroke spring or impact screw turned in too far

Back out the impact screw slightly; if issue persists, machine may need repair to replace stroke spring

Sidewinder V7.5

Impact Screw 

Controls the Forward Travel Limit: The impact screw sets how far the armature bar can travel forward before hitting the impact post. This directly affects how hard the needle hits the skin.

Affects Give and Hit: Adjusting the screw changes the “give” or resistance during impact. A tighter (or more extended) impact screw reduces give, making the machine hit harder and feel punchier. A looser setting increases give, resulting in a softer hit.

Influences Stroke Dynamics: Because it interacts with the drive and stroke springs, the impact screw also indirectly affects the recoil and return timing of the mechanism.

*Proper tuning of this screw is essential for achieving desired performance characteristics for different tattooing styles (lining vs. shading, aggressive vs. soft).*

Impact Pin

The Impact Pin is the hardened post that the Impact Screw and Armature Bar strike during the forward stroke.

This direct strike contact defines the impact feel.

Critical to “Snap” and “Punch”:

It helps create that signature “crack” or “pop” feel the V7 is known for.

The precise material, angle, and height of the impact pin are essential for delivering consistent, high-energy hits without bounce or deflection.

Works in Tandem with Impact Screw:

The impact screw adjusts how close the armature gets to the pin.

So tuning both together sets both the contact timing and the intensity of the impact.

Vice Screw

Tube/Grip Locking Mechanism:

The Vice Screw threads into the Vice Block (another custom part) and clamps the grip and needle tube in place.

It ensures the tube does not shift during tattooing, maintaining consistent needle depth and stability.

Cam & Cam Alignment Mark

The cam attaches to the motor shaft and rotates to drive the armature bar in a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion.

This is the mechanical heart of the V7—transforming rotary input into a punchy, controlled stroke.

Determines Stroke Length & Feel:

Different cam profiles or diameters result in different stroke behaviors (e.g., 2.5mm vs. 3.5mm stroke).

The V7 uses a specific cam geometry tuned for balance between speed, stroke length, and hit consistency.

 

Cam Alignment Mark – Purpose

Ensures Correct Timing:

The alignment mark on the cam is used to synchronize the cam’s orientation with the machine frame or armature. This line on the cam should be aligned with a corresponding indicator on the frame or sideplate. 

 

Drive Spring 

Returns the Armature Bar:

After the cam pushes the armature forward, the drive spring pulls it back into starting position.

This spring is what gives the V7 its fast recovery speed, allowing for rapid, punchy hits without sluggishness.

Controls Stroke Resistance:

The tension and stiffness of the drive spring determine how much resistance the armature has during the stroke.

Works with the Stroke Spring:

The drive spring works in tandem with the stroke spring (which fine-tunes cam timing and forward motion control).

Together, they create a balance of drive power and stroke control unique to the Sidewinder system.

Pivot Bearing and Pivot Screw

Provides the Armature's Rotation Axis:

The pivot bearing supports the armature bar at its rear, allowing it to rock back and forth smoothly. It acts as a mechanical hinge, reducing friction and wear.

Precision-grade bearings are used to eliminate lateral play and maintain machine tightness over long sessions.

*If the bearing wears out or gets contaminated, you’ll notice wobble, noise, or inconsistent stroke rhythm.*

Stroke Knob

Alters Stroke Behavior by Adjusting Spring Compression:

The stroke knob compresses or releases tension on the stroke spring (which works with the drive spring).

Turning the knob inward (clockwise) increases spring tension, which results in a shorter, snappier stroke.

Turning it outward (counterclockwise) reduces tension, allowing for a longer, softer stroke.

Fine-Tunes Hit Characteristics:

More tension = faster return, harder hit, tighter feel.

Less tension = slower return, softer impact, more “give.”

Live Adjustability:

Unlike older machines that require disassembly to change stroke characteristics, the V7’s stroke knob allows on-the-fly tuning, even mid-session.

*This is especially useful for switching between tight lining and soft shading without swapping machines.*

Sidewinder 46er Troubleshooting

Issues like stripped threads on impact/spring screws, permanently worn springs or contact components are signs to submit a repair.

Ink Spitting

Spitting is often due to tight needle loops, or insufficient spring tension. Flipping the needle’s bend or tightening bands can help.

Inconsistent Ink Flow 

Ink flow issues are often caused by the tube tip being too narrow for the selected needle grouping. For optimal performance, it's also recommended that the needle grouping be positioned on top.

Speed Fluctuations / Power Drop-Off

Most speed issues are electrical, not motor failure. Causes include bad clipcord, cam bearing wear or corrosion (often from sterilants), broken wires, or weak/oxidized connections.

Loss of Punch / Weak Hits

Commonly caused by settled impact—impact screw not aligned in the middle timing mark (~1:00 when bar is pushed down).

Can stem from loose pivot springs, worn pivot bearings, or corrosion affecting the pivot bearings.

Snapping Rubber-Bands

Snapping rubber bands are typically caused by age, excessive tension, poor placement, or low quality; always use fresh bands and snap the tension out by pulling them over the needle after placement.

Stroke Knob Seized 

A seized stroke adjustment knob is typically caused by internal friction or debris; while a single drop of lubricant may help, the most reliable solution is to send the machine in for service.

Sputtering

Sputtering is often caused by the impact screw settling over time or a loose drive spring on the armature bar—both should be checked and reset as needed.

Hitting TOO Hard

If the machine is hitting too hard, it’s usually due to the impact screw being turned in too far—try backing it out slightly, but repair may be needed.

Issue

Root Cause

Fix or Preventive Step

Spitting

Most common cause is a tight needle bar loop.

Opening your needle loop with the DK thumbscrew; using DK Half-hard Nipples. In extreme cases you may need to find a softer grommet. 

Inconsistent Ink Flow 

Tip too tight for needle grouping; needle grouping not on top.

Use larger tube tip; orient needle grouping on top.

Speed Fluctuations

Loose motor housing setscrew, poor clip cord contact, worn cam bearing, frayed wire, or bad solder; drive spring rubbing cam

Check motor housing setscrew, clip cord, drive spring placement and cam bearing spin. If all check out, return for repair

Low punch or Weak hit

Impact screw has settled; misaligned cam; loose armature bar; corroded pivot bearings

Reset impact screw, align cam to 1 o’clock tuning mark with the bar pressed down, check for armature bar movement, inspect pivot bearings for corrosion

Snapping Bands

Aged or brittle bands; bands too tight; poor placement or low quality; Stroke is too long; running too aggressive 

Use fresh, quality bands; apply with correct tension and angle; snap tension out by pulling band over needle

Ready for the next one when you are!

Stroke Knob Seized 

Internal friction or debris causing the knob to seize

Apply 1 drop of lubricant at base of knob; if unresolved, send machine in for repair

Sputtering

Settled impact screw or loose drive spring on the armature bar

Reset the impact screw; check and secure the drive spring

Hitting TOO Hard

Impact screw turned in too far

Back out the impact screw slightly; if issue persists, machine may need repair to replace stroke spring

Sidewinder 46er

Drive Spring

Returns the Armature Bar:

After the cam pushes the armature forward, the drive spring pulls it back into starting position.

This spring is what gives the V7 its fast recovery speed, allowing for rapid, punchy hits without sluggishness.

Controls Stroke Resistance:

The tension and stiffness of the drive spring determine how much resistance the armature has during the stroke.

Works with the Stroke Spring:

The drive spring works in tandem with the stroke spring (which fine-tunes cam timing and forward motion control).

Together, they create a balance of drive power and stroke control unique to the Sidewinder system.

Vice Screw

Tube/Grip Locking Mechanism:

The Vice Screw threads into the Vice Block (another custom part) and clamps the grip and needle tube in place.

It ensures the tube does not shift during tattooing, maintaining consistent needle depth and stability.

Impact Screw 

Regulates the impact force of the armature bar by adjusting how far the armature travels before it contacts the impact pin pressed into the frame.

This screw is the primary tuning point for customizing the machine's hit strength, responsiveness, and give.

It works in direct coordination with the drive spring and stroke spring, allowing for precise control over how the machine performs under different skin types and tattooing styles.

In essence, the impact screw is the core mechanical tuning element that defines the 46er's tactile signature and power delivery.

Cam & Cam Alignment Marks

The Cam determines the stroke length and mechanical rhythm of the machine.

It is mounted directly to the motor shaft and interacts with the drive system to actuate the armature bar. 

Alignment Marks:

The alignment marks on the cam and machine frame are used to precisely clock the cam's position during tuning.

Proper alignment ensures the cam rotation starts and ends within the intended mechanical range, maximizing efficiency, minimizing wear, and maintaining consistent hit timing.

Misalignment can result in poor strike timing, reduced performance, or increased mechanical noise.

The front alignment mark on the cam provides a visual reference for tuning, showing how much the cam has rotated when adjusting the stroke knob on the back of the machine.

Stroke Knob

Turning the stroke knob adjusts the stroke length of the machine—rotating it modifies how far the armature travels per cycle, directly influencing the feel and power of the hit. It’s a large, hardened steel knob that allows for fine-tuning within a preset stroke range, and includes a middle timing mark to help maintain alignment when experimenting

Stroke Spring

Maintains consistent rebound and reset of the armature bar after each strike.

It limits unintended bounce and prevents over‑travel, ensuring a controlled and repeatable stroke.

It works together with the drive spring to shape the stroke feel, providing strength and follow-through. The stroke spring provides steady mechanical support, smoothing out the action and keeping the strike predictable.

Pivot Bearing & Screw

They ensure the armature bar pivots smoothly and returns consistently during operation, preventing binding or recoil issues.

If tension from the stroke/back springs is too high or the bearings are contaminated (e.g. ink or sterilant exposure), the bar may rub rather than pivot cleanly, degrading strike feel or causing inconsistent hitting.

In troubleshooting, if you notice reduced punch, speed inconsistencies, or worn performance, the pivot bearing is often the first component to check—back off spring tension and see if the bar moves easier; if not, service or replace the pivot bearings set