How to Choose a Tattoo Machine! Also Introducing Machines for Beginners

The image of tattoos is gradually changing, especially among younger generations, and as a result, more people are getting tattoos. Among them, it is not uncommon for people who like drawing or who want to tattoo their own body art themselves to become interested in tattoo machines.

However, I think there are many things you may not know, such as how to choose a tattoo machine, the typical price range, and what else you need besides the machine in order to tattoo.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the key points and features to consider when choosing a tattoo machine, as well as the minimum things you need besides the machine!

There Are Broadly Two Types of Tattoo Machines

Did you know that there are broadly two types of tattoo machines to begin with?
They are called coil machines and rotary machines, and because the mechanisms by which they move are different, their advantages and disadvantages are also different. Below, we will explain these two types of machines.

What Is a Coil Machine?

As the name suggests, a coil machine is a machine that moves the needle by creating up-and-down motion using the magnetic force generated by a pair of coils.

To explain more precisely, when the front spring (a metal plate) and the contact screw are touching, electricity flows through the coils and they become magnetic. Then, the front spring is pulled in by the magnetic force. As a result, the contact screw separates from the front spring, so electricity no longer flows and the magnetic force is lost. Then the front spring returns to the position of the contact screw, electricity flows again, and the same motion repeats.

In other words, a coil machine is a machine that makes the front spring move up and down by using the magnetic properties of the coils, and in the same way makes the needle move up and down.

What Is a Rotary Machine?

A rotary machine works by using the rotation of a motor, like a Mini 4WD motor, to move the needle.

More precisely, it converts the rotational motion of the motor into up-and-down motion using a mechanism such as a cam that redirects the direction of movement. Mechanisms that convert up-and-down motion into rotational motion are also used in automobiles, and a rotary machine is doing the opposite. Also, because it uses the movement of a motor, it has a very simple structure compared to a coil machine.

In other words, a rotary machine is a machine that moves the needle by converting the motor’s rotation into up-and-down motion.

Comparison Between Coil and Rotary

Next, after the principles, we will compare coil machines and rotary machines. While looking at the following points, think about which one may be better for you.

Sound

Because the front spring repeatedly hits and separates from the contact screw, a coil machine tends to produce a loud “beee” sound as metal parts strike each other at high speed. In contrast, a rotary machine is relatively quiet because only the motor is moving.

Difference in Operability

Because a coil machine has many parts such as two coils and an iron core, it is heavier than a rotary machine.

However, a rotary machine converts rotational motion into linear motion, so strictly speaking, it does not move in a perfectly straight line. In contrast, a coil machine already operates with vertical motion from the start, so it can be said that a coil machine is more suitable when putting in fine linework, for example.

Adaptability / Versatility

A coil machine has many parts, and you need to change the parts settings depending on whether you are pulling lines or applying shade (shading). For professionals, being able to make these settings allows for fine adjustments, so it can become a very versatile machine, but for beginners, while learning how to tattoo, they also need to think about and learn machine settings at the same time.

In contrast, a rotary machine can be used almost as-is for both linework and shading, so it can be said to be convenient.

Price

Compared to the primitive mechanism of a coil machine, the mechanism of a rotary machine is simple and uses more modern technology, so rotary machines are often more expensive.

Maintenance

A coil machine has many parts, and there are places that wear out, so it requires maintenance such as replacing parts. On the other hand, a rotary machine only requires simple maintenance, such as adding oil to keep the motor running smoothly.

Liner and Shader

As the names suggest, a liner is a machine specialized for drawing lines, and a shader is a machine specialized for filling and shading.

Structurally, a liner has a short front spring, while a shader has a long front spring. As a result, in a liner, because the front spring is short, the distance between the front spring and the contact screw becomes shorter. Therefore, the needle moves up and down at high speed and operates powerfully.

Normally, when doing linework, the needle does not pass over the same area again and again. Because it follows the transferred stencil lines, it has a powerful structure so that it can move forward in one pass.

A shader has the opposite structure and characteristics.

How Beginners Should Choose a Tattoo Machine

At first, we recommend choosing by considering weight, versatility, and whether accessories are included.

Because tattooing is something done over many hours, if the machine is heavy, long sessions become difficult. Also, if, like with a coil machine, you have to change settings for linework and shading, practice efficiency drops, and you have to learn settings at the same time as learning how to tattoo (unless you own multiple machines).

Also, so-called beginner sets come with things needed to tattoo, such as a power supply and tattoo ink. Depending on the set, you can start tattooing right away, which makes them very convenient for beginners.

For that reason, it can be said that choosing a lightweight rotary machine with accessories included is recommended.

What You Need Besides the Tattoo Machine to Tattoo

You cannot tattoo with only a tattoo machine. So below, we have listed the minimum things a beginner needs in order to practice.

• Power supply
• Cable
• Needles
• Grip / tube (some are integrated)
• Tips
• Ink
• Ink cups
• Transfer paper
• Thermal copier
• Foot pedal (not necessary depending on the power supply)
• Rubber gloves

In addition to these, there are some things needed only for coil machines.

• Nipples
• Rubber bands

These are only the minimum things needed when practicing on fake skin rather than on a human body. If tattooing on a person, many other things are needed, such as sanitation supplies. If tattooing on the body, there are also risks such as infection, so be sure to prepare absolutely clean tools and a clean environment!

Tattoo Machines for Beginners

This is a wireless, rotary-type tattoo machine. In addition to fake skin, it comes with everything needed to start tattooing, so you can begin as soon as it arrives.

This is also a wireless, rotary-type tattoo machine. The included accessories are not very different from the one above, but the design is in black and gold, making it a color scheme that is easy for men to use as well.

Conclusion

This time, we introduced the types of tattoo machines, compared them, and explained how beginners should choose a tattoo machine.

最初から値段の高いマシンやハードルの高いコイルマシンを買うよりも、ライナーにもシェーダーにも使えるロータリーマシンで練習をし始めることがおすすめです。彫りながら学習して、自分のスタイルに合うより良いマシンに買い換えるのが一番無駄なく効率的に練習できるのではないでしょうか。