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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.
- Liners are designed to work with outline needles. They have greater sharpness and speed of needle return, which allows you to make a clear line and smooth contours.
- Shaders – are used for shading, coloring, and creating shadows. They have less speed, but a stronger stroke, which allows you to use needles for shading.
Pros of coil machines:
- A clear division to liners and shaders with clear settings designed for contours and coloring
- The high speed of the return movement or the so-called “trigger torque”. It allows the pigment to enter the contact point under the skin much more than if you run the rotor
- Stable operation; if you have a perfectly tuned coil, you won’t want to change it for something else
- Affordable price
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:
- Strong vibration, heavyweight, and noise. Even though coils have recently been made with lightweight frames, their weight is still noticeable, especially for novice tattoo artists.
- Difficulty in setting up by yourself. If you are a beginner and do not have skills of self-adjustment, it can be a problem for you. Although now many manufacturers of tattoo machines are happy to help with the setting up and the sellers in the store will not leave you in the lurch and set up a machine for you.
- Demanding power supply: be prepared to have a very good power supply that will be able to run your machine.
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.
