Joshua Bowers 2 Stroke Drect Drive+

A Few Words From Joshua about this machine:
The time is finally here to introduce my new direct drive project that I’ve been developing with @workhorseirons . I’d like to introduce the 2 Stroke. I called it the 2 Stroke because it has the unique ability among direct drives as having two very unique and different stroke characteristics in one machine. When the machine is hooked up with the positive to the top binding post the 2 Stroke is a killer, snappy super capable long stroke direct drive. Flip the clip cord so the positive is on bottom and it changes the stroke completely. The 2 Stroke has a torsioned swing arm in the cam that reacts to the resistance of the skin. On the “give” setting the needles hit the skin softer and less abrasive but the best part is that unlike typical “give” mechanisms the give on the 2 Stroke doesn’t control needle depth. The needles will hit the skin with less force but still penetrate the skin the same depth as if no give was used. This ensures that all ink is deposited in the depth of retention, needle depth is more predictable and tattoos heal more solid on all the different types of skin.

Specs:

• 3 Piece Bolt-Up Body
• Blackened Steel Vise
  
• Anodized Black Aluminum Motor Cover and Frame
  
• Deluxe Brass Hardware
• Now with Bowers Brass Weighted Wingnut to balance Clip Cord Pull
  
• Weighing in at a mere 4.65 oz!
• Runs best between 3-6 Volts
• 5mm Stroke
• Pushes any grouping with ease...big stuff, small stuff, no problem
  
• Good with Carts or Needle on Bar
• Lining, Color Packing, Stippling, B&G....it does it all

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Limited Verdigris Patina Brass Frames and Motor Cap (*Finish may vary)
  
• Black Oxide Parts
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
  
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder 

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Limited Pink Powder Coated Brass Frames
  
• Blackened Parts
• Black Anodize Aluminum Motor Cover
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
  
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

• 3.5 Ounce Weight

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Black Oxide Brass Frame with Black Hardware(*Finish may vary)
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

*Completely black oxided.  *please note that the brass will peak though over time where it sees heavy wear, adding to its character.

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Polished Raw Brass Frame (for earned natural patina it will gain over time and use) plus Blackened Hardware
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin. Also good for shading and color blends if you adjust your stroke and voltage.
  
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Black Polished Aluminum Frame with Blackened Hardware
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
  
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Raw Polished Aluminum Frame with Blackened Hardware
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

New Mike Pike PMA Direct Drive Rotary!

After a couple years of minor tweaks and lots of testing, the new Mike Pike Direct Drive Rotary is finally ready! Not necessarily a reinvention of the wheel, but applying his years of knowledge tattooing and building rotary machines, Pike dialed in these Direct Drives and simply made a great running Rotary.

Built using only the finest components to produce a great all around direct drive that is smooth running, consistent, and rock solid for years of trouble free use. Made with powerful high end motors, an adjustable Cam to accommodate any stroke, vertical swing gate vise guarantee to grip tubes with no issue, and top of the line aluminum that is both lightweight and strong enough to stand the test of time.

-High-grade Aluminum body precision milled with a durable Black Anodize Finish
- Powered by a top of the line Maxon motor described by Mike Pike to be the "best motor he has ever used in a rotary"
- Comfortable and well balanced with a vertical swing gate tube vice that will bite and hold all disposable and stainless tubes
- Adjustable Brass Cam with PMA reference marks to help keep track of stroke settings and adjustments. Simply loosen the cam set screw, pull out the inner cam and insert it back in at either a shorter or longer setting to change the stroke quick and easy
- Pushes up to 25 mag and up to 18 Rounds no problem, Needle on Bar or Cartridges
- Runs best anywhere between 5 and 10 volts depending on what you are pushing and how you are tattooing
- Lightweight weighing in at a mere 4.5 oz
- Clipcord Connection

Made with love in the USA by Mike Pike and his 40+ years of experience tattooing and building machines.

Thanks and enjoy,
Mike Pike

New Mike Pike x Cory Rogers Linear Rotary!

Built and designed by Cory Rogers and Mike Pike, these collaborative linear rotary machines are smooth running, consistent, and built with only the finest components to ensure years of problem free use.

Here are the specifics:
- High-grade Aluminum body precision milled
- Powered by a top of the line Maxon motor described by Mike Pike to be the "best motor he has ever used in a rotary"
- Comfortable and well balanced with a tube vice that will bite and hold all disposable and stainless tubes
- Forward facing wingnut that won't ride your hand or get in your way
- Available with either a 3.5 mm LONG stroke that works great for color packing, shading and also power lining OR a 2.75 mm SHORT stroke for lining and certain types of B&G work
- Pushes up to 25 mag and up to 18 Rounds no problem
- Runs best anywhere between 5 and 10 volts
- Lightweight weighing in at a mere 4.5 oz
- Available with an RCA or Clipcord connection

Made with love in the USA by real tattooers Mike Pike and Cory Rogers.

Thanks and enjoy,
Mike & Cory

Joshua Bowers Big Can Rotary Tattoo Machine
 

A Few Words From Joshua about this machine:
Super smooth and consistent machine. Powerful through the whole stroke but designed to back off slightly in the middle and back end of the stroke to prevent overworking the skin. Super versatile, great for color saturation, blending, and even black and gray. Plenty of stroke to hang out for nice traditional whips or back it up and increase the voltage for smooth saturation. Has a penetrating stroke down to 4 volts which is great for stippling.

• 3 Piece Bolt-Up Body
• Black Zinc Finish
• Deluxe Brass Hardware
• Now with Bowers Brass Weighted Wingnut for better balance
• Weighing 4.75oz
• Runs best around 7-7.6 Volts
• Pushes any grouping with ease

MADE IN THE USA


Joshua Bowers Big Can Care Instructions

Joshua Bowers Rubber Band Placement Diagram

Joshua Bowers Micro-Liner Rotary Tattoo Machine


A Few Words From Joshua about this machine:
This machine is designed,built and tuned to run like a coil machine. The tuning is in the frame geometry and setup so there's no knobs or settings to fall out of adjustment. Ready to tattoo out of the box. Light, but not too light. Very punchy and snappy on the tip of the stroke and backs off slightly in the middle of the stroke. Great for sculpting fine finesse lines ran off the needle tips and also great for burying a large grouping liner and pulling a solid single pass lines quickly.

Specs:

• 3 Piece Bolt-Up Body
• Blackened Steel Vise and Spring Shelf
• Anodized Black Aluminum Body
• Deluxe Brass Hardware
• Now with Bowers Brass Weighted Wingnut for better balance
• Weighing in at a mere 3.65 oz!
• Runs best between 6-7 Volts
• Pushes any grouping with ease

Joshua Bowers Micro Liner Care Instructions

Joshua Bowers Rubber Band Placement Diagram

Limited Joshua Bowers Polished Aluminum Big Can

A Few Words From Joshua about this machine:
Super smooth and consistent machine. Powerful through the whole stroke but designed to back off slightly in the middle and back end of the stroke to prevent overworking the skin. Super versatile, great for color saturation, blending, and even black and gray. Plenty of stroke to hang out for nice traditional whips or back it up and increase the voltage for smooth saturation. Has a penetrating stroke down to 4 volts which is great for stippling.

Specs:

• 3 Piece Bolt-Up Body
• Blackened Steel Vise and Spring Shelf
• Polished Aluminum Body
• Deluxe Blackened Brass Hardware
• Weighing 4.4oz
• Runs best around 7-7.6 Volts
• Pushes any grouping with ease

MADE IN THE USA


Joshua Bowers Big Can Care Instructions

Joshua Bowers Rubber Band Placement Diagram

Dan Kubin Rubbed Bronze V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Rubbed Bronze Plated Brass Frame with Black Hardware(*Finish may vary)
  
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video:

Dan Kubin V3R Sidewinder

"It is now our one year anniversary of our co-op V3R endeavor. Based on what I’ve learned this last year, and what my customers have expressed, I made some updates to the V3R. First, you will now get the coveted DK thumbscrew! Second, I positioned the most crucial and misunderstood tuning element, the impact screw, on the front end. Accompanied by a hardened steel impact pin, the machine will be easier to reset, and will hold its tune much longer. For the A-bar, I used a few tricks from the V7 to reduce spitting and make it hit a bit more rigid on the low end. I also added the backer springs as well to prevent spring breakage.

These updates are in addition to the 2019 updated version which still has the same dependable and proven geometry as the original v3, but now revisited and remastered with subtle differences to improve overall performance. This is the most user friendly Sidewinder yet. The differences, others than aesthetics, is the numbered stroke wheel, an impact screw timing mark on the cam and frame (like the v5-6). Additionally, I did a new spring loaded vice lock setup that effortlessly clamps down your tube. The stroke wheel is indexed in 10 positions, and numbered accordingly."

Thanks - Dan.

Machine Specs:

• Limited Verdigris Patina Brass Frames (*Finish may vary)
  
• 24k Gold Plated Parts and Motor Cap
• DK Thumbscrew, new Armature Bar, and updated Stroke Wheel for improved performance
  
• The renowned rotary liner.  Effortlessly sink any size line by just grazing the skin.
• The motor is the same as the  V2-V4 Sidewinder, which has proven the test of time.  It has been a favorite of the long time Sidewinder collectors.
• Vice-Lock that easily tightens on nearly any tube
• Great for all varieties of Line Work or as a Fast Shader/Packer
  
• Timing mark on the cam and frame for setting the impact screw. (Just like the V5 and V6)

• Numbered stroke dial so you can easily play with the stroke without fear of losing that sweet spot.  You can’t make it too long or too short

Machine Setup:

• Standard Needle on Bar: wrap a thick rubber band around the motor cap and across the front of the machine to add needle bar tension. It is recommended that you use Thick Rubber Bands and Dan's Perfect Nipples.
  
• Cartridges: wrap a rubber band around the motor cap and over the top of the armature bar to counteract the cartridge's upward tension. Thick or standard rubber bands both work, it will just depend on the tension of the cartridge membrane or band to determine with rubber band provides the proper counter resistance.
  

For more info please watch the V3R Setup and Tuning Video: