Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to a recent survey, approximately 26 percent of American adults have at least one tattoo. Thanks to many famous celebrities, such as Chrissy Teigen, Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber, who are all fans of this style of body art.
Some people have even considered becoming tattoo artists as the popularity of tattoos has grown. Are you one of them?
If the answer is yes, then, first and foremost, educate yourself on the various types of tattoo machines. You may have noticed that your tattooist used various tattoo machines and styles while he was inking you. Curious about the difference? Don't worry; we'll go over each one separately below.
According to a tattoo artist at Spiritus Tattoo, tattoo machines are divided into two categories: technology (components and parts) and function.
Types of Tattoo Machines (by Technology/Design)
A. Coil tattoo machine
One of the most distinctive features of a coil machine is a pair of barrels containing coil wraps. They serve to form an electromagnetic field, which then leads to the up-and-down motion of the armature bar. During the flow of the electromagnetic current, the circuit will be broken, which pushes the bar back to its original position.
The repeated process is what triggers the ongoing movement of the needle. This mechanism also exerts such a strong force, which shows from the high decibel produced.
Is it the right type of machine to work with? Coil tattoo machines generally require a bit of technical knowledge, so they can be cumbersome for beginners to use. Despite that, they still deliver fantastic results, especially for shading and sophisticated line work.
B. Rotary tattoo machine
The easiest way to identify a rotary machine is by observing the presence of coils on its frame. These machines have none of them. They are also devoid of other components that make up a coil machine. When it comes to the form factor, they look rather simple, particularly the ones touted as rotary pens.
Another differentiating factor is the working mechanism. A rotary machine operates on an electric motor that rotates endlessly to move the needle grouping. They also have the advantage of generating less noise. And in terms of impact, they don't cause much damage due to the fast tapping movement.
Rotaries are best suited for smaller needle groupings, so not ideal for shading. All in all, both machines have strong and weak points. It's not easy to favor one over the other.
C. Pneumatic Tattoo Machine
There's another type of tattoo machine that utilizes an air compressor to drive the needle. Carson Hill, a high-profile tattoo artist, is credited with the invention. He introduced the incredible machine back in 2000, which earned a patent under the name of Neuma tattoo machine.
Design-wise, it bears a close resemblance to a pen, but not in the way a rotary pen looks. Both are still distinguishable without inspecting in detail. The upgraded version takes versatility to the next level. The kinds of techniques they're able to perform are incredibly diverse.
Types of Tattoo Machines (by Their Function/Intended use)
A. Liner
Coil machines don't just vary in design. They're also grouped into several types, with the most popular ones being liners and shaders.
You don't need a keen eye to tell the difference. Just have a look at the front spring. If it's a shorter one, then it has to be a liner. This machine, as the name implies, is strictly for the lining. The way everything is configured makes it reliable to perform this technique. Artists use them to create outlines due to the faster strokes.
B. Shader
As opposed to liners, shaders show the most desirable results when used for shading. They're set up differently than liners. In a package containing a pair of coil machines, you can rest assured that the liner is the one featuring a longer front spring.
These machines deliver long strokes, suitable for incorporating gradients. And they're just as effective for covering an area with large blocks of color. Shaders glide slowly across the skin to ensure the even distribution of ink.
C. Color Packer
Tattoo artists use a color packer machine to apply solid color ink to the skin quickly and evenly while keeping its integrity. This machine is set up similarly to a shader because it fills in the colors and blacks in the scene.
However, this type of machine is not recommended for black and grey shading. Color packer is designed to aggressively pack ink into the skin rather than progressively depositing it like a shader machine does.
What to Consider Before Picking Your First Tattoo Machine
1. Ease of operation
This is a major concern for someone who has never had an experience with tattoo machines before. Coil machines simply demand more technical skills to use. There's something called tuning to ensure a machine works smoothly. Failure to set it up properly would affect the outcome big time.
If you want a machine to create a precise outline, it has to be in tune. And many factors contribute to that, such as the condition of the o-ring, armature bar, contact screw, etc. For this reason, if you're a beginner, take the time to pick a machine that works best for you.
2. Maintenance
Maintaining a machine needs vigilant monitoring of the components that make up the unit. In general, coil machines are more high-maintenance due to the larger number of moving parts. This is also related to the first point because if you don't keep tabs on the parts and some are worn out, they could affect the results.
3. Versatility
A rotary machine shows more versatility in shading and lining because it can do both without swapping machines. The same can't be said about a coil machine. It's either a liner or a shader, not a combination of both. Each variant is strictly designed for performing one technique.
In this respect, rotary machines do seem like they offer more convenience. That said, these lightweight machines are not perfect. They still fall short in some areas compared to their coil counterparts.
Final Word
If you've made it this far. Congratulations! This indicates that you are serious about learning about tattooing.
You may be perplexed by the various types of tattoo machines available, but understanding their characteristics will help you make the best choice. In general, they are broadly classified into three types: rotary, coil, and pneumatic machines. The first two are extremely popular and widely available on the market.
Rotary machines are popular because they are quiet, fast, and versatile. They also cause less damage to the skin tissue, which promotes more rapid healing. On the other hand, coil machines have a punchier feel, but they require proper tuning to work accurately. They're also fantastic at creating intricate line work and refined lines.
Finally, if you're interested in learning more about tattooing, an apprenticeship may be the best route to take because you'll get to work directly with an experienced professional Tattoo Artist.