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Aug 14, 2023

HOW TO CHOOSE A TATTOO MACHINE? TIPS FOR BEGINNER TATTOO ARTISTS

admin February 8, 2021 Shopping Leave a comment 7 days ago 1 week ago 1 week

admin February 8, 2021 Shopping Leave a comment

7 days ago

1 week ago

1 week ago

What tattoo machine to choose from? This question is most often asked by novice tattoo artists but also experienced tattooists sometimes want to expand their toolbox and buy something new.

The tattoo industry does not stand still and every year there are new tattoo guns that are perfect for different styles and techniques, helping to raise the tattooists’ skill to a new level.

This article will tell you what types of machines there are, their features and their differences from each other. Let us give you tips and recommendations that will help you to choose the most comfortable working machine at the best price for you.

Types of tattoo machines

There are two main tattoo machine types – coil and rotary.

Looking at the history of tattooing, the first tattoo machines were coil machines. Although their operating principle has been preserved to this day, the new coil machines are different compared to what they used to be. Tattoo artists of all levels still use them to this day in their everyday routines, and some old-school enthusiasts use them as a tribute to history.

Coil tattoo machines

Coil tattoo guns work using an electromagnet. They are relatively easy to operate, have less error, and it is also possible to adjust the amplitude of the needle movement. There are two types of coil tattoo machines according to their purpose: liners and shaders.

Pros of coil machines:

That's where the pluses end, although it may be noted that many experiment lovers with self soldering needles choose coils because their solderers don't fit anywhere else. Also, if you’re planning on tattooing old-school tattoos, the coil gun is for you!

Cons:

Now there are a lot of companies and builders on the market that make coil tattoo machines. So if you decided to get a coil machine, check the reviews, look at the most popular manufacturers or feel free to contact a tattoo store consultant.

The main thing to remember, no Chinese tattoo guns! A decent tattoo machine cannot cost 30 dollars.

Rotary tattoo machines

Rotary machines are powered by a motor. They have much less noise and lower vibration. The same machine can be used for contouring as well as for shading and coloring, unlike coils.

Let's distinguish 3 main types of rotary machines.

Direct-drive

This machine transmits the force of the motor directly to the rod of the needle or pusher, to the holders under the cartridges by rotating the motor and creating a rotational motion, due to which the rod is in constant oscillation. Such machines consist of a frame and motor and are made by almost all decent builders and tattoo manufacturers.

Armature Bar

The Armature Bar rotary machine is different from the direct drive, but like the coil tattoo machine, it has a striker that is driven by a connecting rod attached to the rotary motor on a spring or bearing. This prevents the needle from oscillating from side to side.

Slider

The slider uses a bearing or eccentric to transmit the force from the motor to a small element called a slide. A return spring on the bottom of this element returns it to its original position. This causes the needle to move up and down.

Pen

As the name suggests, this machine is similar to a pen. This is the reason why many beginners prefer to buy them.

Pen's design uses a more complex architecture than other rotors. It is because of this the cost of the machine and its maintenance come out a little more expensive. Pen machines are ideal for both contouring and coloring but only work with cartridges.

Bottom Line

The pros and cons of these types of machines are more of a matter of your personal preference and the ergonomics of the machines. Choose with your eyes, test, or ask salespeople for help.

Some manufacturers give their equipment for a test drive, so if you have any doubts or are not sure about buying the perfect tool, take a machine on loan.

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.