Dan Kubin Needle Bar Tensioner

The most significant update to the V3/24 Sidewinder is the added (and optional) Needle Bar Tensioner. This added Tensioner eliminates the need to use a Rubber Band, improving all around machine performance and results. Tensioner reduces spitting and increases power. 

The V3/24 Tensioner can be used on all versions of Dan Kubin V3Rs, 2019 to 2024. 

Needle Bar Tensioner Specifications:

• Lightweight Aerospace Aluminum Arm with precision made custom bearing
• Creates necessary needle bar tension for stability, eliminating the need to use a Rubber Band
• Moves forward and backwards, in and out of position easily by loosening and tightening the thumbscrew
• When setting up your needle and tube, position Needle Tensioner in desired position depending on the amount of tension you want to add to the needle bar. 
• Adjust position by loosening the thumbscrew, pull arm back and then tighten when you reach desired tension. 

Upgrade Step by Step: 

1. Loosen and remove the thumbscrew
2. Insert thumbscrew into hole in Needle Bar Tensioner
3. Re-insert thumbscrew into frame with Tensioner bearing facing inwards (see picture)
4. Ensure Vise Slide is in correct position so the thumbscrew easily threads into Slide
5. Tighten with Needle Bar Tensioner in desired position

**OG V3R and V3/23 SPECIAL NOTE - Use of this Tensioner instead of Rubber Bands will noticeably increase the strength of your machine. If it is hitting too hard using the Needle Bar Tensioner, simply adjust your voltage and turn the machine down and adjust stroke wheel setting as needed to accomplish desired speed / hit. 

Stainless Steel V3r "23" Sidewinder Spring- New stainless steel main spring for all "23" model sidewinders. 

Stainless Steel V3r Sidewinder Spring - Updated spring used on 2020 to 2022 sidewinders. Slightly different shape with a flat rear end of the spring.

OG Sidewinder Spring - From the original V3R sidewinder (2019-2020). Used for both the pivoting and rear stoke spring.  Also can be used for v3, v4, and v5. Original rounded rear end of the spring.

Ghost Dog Revival Spring - For the Dan Kubin X Adam Ciferri Ghost Dog Revival. Stainless steel front and backer spring included.

Dan Kubin Replacement Accessory Kit includes the following:

• 1.5MM Allen Key
• 5/64" Hex Key
• Taper Pin (used to open up/ensure your needle bar loop is the correct size)
  
• Dan Kubin Universal Sidewinder Spring
• 20 Dan Kubin Perfect Nipples

Dan Kubin Weighted Impact Screw Kit

"New updated weighted impact screw! I found that it helps with the stability of the hit, and improved overall performance. Also, please note the rubber band position is another simple tuning element. For lower volt operations, or harder hit, position the band pointing slightly up. This will reduce return spring tension thus making it operate better at slower speeds and decreasing the amount of give. Bonus is less strain on the rubber band."

Thanks - Dan

Weighted Impact Kit Specifications:

• Upgrade for Dan Kubin V3R with updated armature bar (Late 2019 to Current)
  
• Custom heat treated tool steel RHC 60 plus o-ring
• Easy swap out to increase the hit while improving the overall feel and sound
• Kit also includes both the 1.5mm and 2mm L wrench

Upgrade Step by Step: (see pictures for guidance)

1. Use the 1.5mm wrench to loosen the set screw on the side of the armature bar. Half a turn should loosen it enough to easily remove the impact screw.
2. Hold down the armature bar and use the 2mm wrench to remove the old impact screw.
3. Once removed, use the 1.5mm wrench to insert and tighten the weighted impact screw down until the o-ring starts to bulge out as it makes contact with the top of the armature.
4. Tuning - this is the most important step and will effect the timing and stroke of your machine.
1. While holding the armature bar down, roll the cam back until it makes contact with the vertical spring and gently stops. In this position the timing mark on the cam should align with the center of the timing mark on the frame.
2. If the timing mark on the cam is on the low side of the timing mark on the frame, tighten the weighted impact a little until it raises up to the center of the timing mark on the frame.
3. If the timing mark on the cam is on the high side, the impact is too far in and needs to be backed out (loosened) until the timing mark on the cam is in the center of the timing mark on the frame.
5. Use the 1.5mm wrench to tighten the set screw on the side of the armature bar.
6. Your machine is now upgraded and ready to use. One note would be that the new impact works well with the rubber band pulled slightly higher on the needle bar so it is perpendicular when the armature is in the down position.

Official DK Thumbscrew - 8-32 Thread, Full 5/8" Length, compatible with most Kubin Vise Styles.

Workhorse Black/Navy Rubber Bands

Specs:
- Band No. 12
- Length: 1-3/4"
- Width: 1/16"
- Gauge: 1/32"
- Platinum Crepe Grade
- Thin Rubber Bands come in 1/4 lbs bags (875 pieces), Thick Rubber Bands come in 1/4 lbs bags (350 pieces)

Dan has used many different o-rings for his many different machines and different versions of those machines. This is not an end all list of o-rings for any and all machines, but hopefully it is enough to get you what you need. These are the ones we have, if you need something not listed or if you are unsure, please contact us and we will do our best to get you what you need. 

Each O-Ring comes in a pack of 5.

Stroke Wheel O-Ring Viton = Used for Stroke Wheel on most Sidewinders. Can also be used on Cams. 

Standard Cam O-Ring EPDM = Holds Bearing on Cam on most any Sidewinder

Mojobox Armature O-Ring = Connects Armature to Linkage on Mojobox V2

MCi Armature O-Ring = Connects Armature to Linkage on MCi

MCi Cam O-Ring = Holds Bearing on Cam on MCi

Dan Kubin Custom High End Bearings

These are the same bearings Dan uses on most all of his machines. Pivot bearings come in a paired set as it is best to replace both at the same time. Cam bearings are individual and easy to swap out if needed. 

Workhorse Small O-Rings, ideal for use as spacers on Armature Bar nipples. Also applicable for use on Dan Kubin Sidewinder Armatures to silence them.

Softer than standard Buna-N O-rings for a better seal in low-pressure applications, these are also resilient and offer excellent tear resistance. They resist hydraulic oils and motor oil. These O-rings have a round profile and are suitable for a wide range of static and dynamic sealing applications.

5/64 ID, 13/64 OD. 50A Soft Durometer.

Available in 10 packs or 100 packs.

DK Offset Cartridge Grip! 

The offset helps put the machine over the top of the user’s hand, making it more ergonomic and easier to keep the machine upright when pulling those large square looking lines.

• TWO Versions Available: 
  
  • Heavy Weight 1.25" BRASS Grip and Stainless Steel backstem (8oz)
  • Feather Weight 1.25" ALUMINUM Grip and Stainless Steel backstem (2.75oz)
• Brass is heavier but absorbs vibration more and offsets the pull of a clip cord and or any ass end tattoo machine weight, balancing more over the hand
• Aluminum is much lighter and pairs well with use of a battery to reduce overall weight. Balance is a bit better with the Brass version, but it is a trade off for weight. 
• Offset for better balance and visibility 
• Made of naturally anti-microbial Brass
• Please cover with barrier film for extra protection!
• Made in the USA by Dan Kubin 

Better tools to make better tattoos.