At the beginning of the creative way every tattoo artist will have such an important working tool - as a tattoo-machine.
Everyone wants to get a device that will help to master the main skills quickly, will last a long time and allow to work in all necessary techniques. Thus there is a question of the price not less sharp: few of masters in the beginning of the career can brag of the big budget for purchase of tools and account materials.
Our article will help the future tattoo virtuoso learn the pros and cons, their key, to make the most important decision for a beginner.
Induction tattoo machine (spiral)
The classic heavyweight tattooing machine used mainly by mid-level professionals and a small layer of "old-school" tattoo artists who have been "at the machine" for decades.
The induction typewriter is quite bulky and requires skill to operate.
The movement of the needle here is provided by the force of induction between the magnetic coils. There are usually 10 to 16 of them in the induction machine.
The pluses of such a machine are: adjustable frequency of movement and power of the needle blow, which are strictly individual for each master and the client.
The advantages of the induction machine include convenience when working with large areas of the skin surface to be painted, as well as the possibility of optimal settings for speed and density of drawing based on a particular contour.
The disadvantages here include the relatively heavy weight of the device itself, the slow process of "adjusting" the machine to each specific drawing, as well as the "consequences" of errors of the master, which are not so easy to correct.
What device to choose
It is impossible to say which tattoo machine will be better for you, because in each category there are worthy models, and the choice depends on the individual preferences of a beginner or experienced master. The induction type wins in terms of speed: what you can do on it in an hour, on the rotor will take 2-3 hours. Plus such machines weigh quite a lot, which is not comfortable for some masters.
As for the quality of area and detail development, induction shaders and liners will be beyond competition. If you are willing to put up with the buzzing and vibration, you can opt for them. There is an opinion that this type is best for beginners, and the rotor is a tool for the experienced.
If price is a concern, induction will be more expensive, because you will need two machines at once - for contouring and shading. The rotary will do both functions for less money.
Thus, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which tattoo machine is better - rotary or induction. In capable hands they both will work wonders, so it is worth to be guided by your own feelings and comfort in work.
Rotary Tattoo Machine
A more modern, technological, and therefore expensive option. Such car car is rare to see at artisan level - it is the device of masters of premium class and expensive (well-publicized) tattoo-salons.
Movement here is due to the eccentric (disk with mismatched axes of rotation), which is driven by a motor that provides progressive and reciprocal motion of the tattoo needle.
The main advantages of this machine are its lightness, which significantly reduces the load on the master's hand (and therefore the probability of error) and the relative quietness (slight buzzing), which does not distract and allows you to concentrate carefully on the drawing being made.
The rotary model is well suited to girls masters. Thanks to the adjustable modes of pressure on the skin, it is most often used when creating artistic, multi-color compositions.
To the main disadvantages of the rotary machine can be attributed a relatively low quality of the contours (for the desired effect, one and the same line often have to be applied several times, which increases the pressure on the skin), and also poor adaptability to work on specific skin areas (cellulite, pigment spots, areas of fat deposits), requiring a master of special attention and experience in applying a specific pattern.
Must have for a beginner in the tattoo business
Besides the instrument for application of drawings on skin, each artist should have a lot of additional and necessary accessories. Such must-haves of the kit include:
- one or a couple of holders for the working tool (preferably several, in a number equal to the number of machines);
- power supplies for each machine;
- foot pedal control;
- needle sets;
- ink and ink sets for drawing;
- working and spare cartridges;
- ink caps;
- spouts or tips for typewriters;
- paper for sketches and a basis for stencils.
Exactly with acquisition of this set of working kit it is necessary to begin preparation for serious occupation of the tattoo master. But the main thing is the selection of the main working item that will not leave the hands of a specialist for many hours in a row.
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Pneumatic tattoo machine
The most modern, elite and professional machine. Work the needle here is done through an air compressor, which provides both ease of operation and quality of the applied pattern. Provides the most painless tattoo procedure, is safe in operation and does not require extensive training skills.
Disadvantages of such a machine: price and short life.
With improper operation, the pneumatic system often gets clogged and fails, which reduces the period of operation of the product in about one and a half to two times, compared to samples of other types.
Comparative characteristics
Rotary typewriter | Induction machine | |
Main use | Artistic, multicolor work of high brightness, drawings without much clarity, with an abundance of fine details | Creation of a clear contour, overlapping of large areas |
Weight | Minor | Significant |
Vibration | Weak | Strong |
Noise level | Low | High |
Operating Speed | Medium | High |
Skin penetration depth | Minor | Medium |
Adjustable settings | Yes (particularly impact hardness and speed) | Yes (impact force and frequency of needle movement) |
Tattooing
Also separately should stop on machines for a tattoo (a cosmetic tattoo of the facial area: lips, eyebrows, arrows on the eyes). Here are used special models of devices on the type of PEN (from the English writing pen).
The facial area requires a traditionally gentle attitude. The demand for a particularly delicate filigree pattern is high here.
Such work requires all the attention and concentration of the master. He should not be distracted by anything, and certainly not in the way of drawing.
This is why all PEN tattoo machines are very lightweight, compact devices that work with interchangeable cartridges.
They are completely safe, have almost no vibration and are the most comfortable of all the instruments available today for the application of tattoo patterns. Thanks to their anatomical design, they fit perfectly in any hand. Their only disadvantage is the high price.
Selection criteria
For any beginner in the art of tattooing, the most difficult thing is not to understand the techniques and styles of drawings, but to not know how to choose a machine for work. To this difficult decision should be approached consciously, beforehand weighing the pros and cons. On how good and easy to work will be the tool, directly depends on the degree of satisfaction of the client and how much pain he will have to endure a session.
But in any case, it is necessary to select a tool for the work on the basis of such parameters:
- Who is the manufacturer? On the market of such goods there are several manufacturers with clearly established leadership positions: EGO, FK Irons, Swiss Tattoo Machins and Stigma Rotary. If you have the opportunity to buy a device exactly of a well-known brand, you should do it, because there is a significant advantage - unlimited opportunities to buy consumables, spare parts or contact the service center. We should not say that the Chinese manufacturers are inferior to brand names, but it is necessary to carefully weigh all the facts and advantages of one and the other model.
- What can the machine do? This is basic, because it is because of certain technical characteristics that the device is bought.
- How is it made? It is important to know how well the working elements of the device are assembled, what quality the components themselves are made of and what materials they are made of.
- How does it fit in the master's hand? It is important to have an idea of how comfortable it will be to work with a tattoo machine, how it will lie in the hand and what sensations it causes.
Rating of tattoo machine manufacturers
As with and any equipment, tattooing tools have their own gradation of brands, manufacturers who are particularly strong in the manufacture of these or other types of products. Thus, the most deserved and demanded firms on production of tattoo machines:
- Cheyenne Hawk.
. Specializes in rotary models. Products from Cheyenne Hawk are durable, maximally adapted for easy use even by novice tattooists (made only of high-strength lightweight materials), easily adjustable to the individual depth of puncture and work with all types of skin. All in all, very decent mid-range units; - Fk Irons
. One of the world's most famous and recognizable brands of induction machines. The whole range is made of special reinforced aluminum, which makes Fk Irons products one of the lightest (130 grams) on the market. The brand produces both regular and trimmed versions of liners and shaders that excel in color mixing; - InkMachines
. A high-tech Swedish brand that specializes in making tattoo machines of all kinds. InkMachines products belong to the premium segment: they are very reliable, ultra-precise in patterning and are made only of ultra-modern materials. An additional plus for using the brand's products is the unification of charging modules, when a battery from one type of machine can easily be charged with a module from another. One of the best options for premium craftsmen; - Equaliser rotary
. Polish brand, is engaged in the production of rotary devices. The machines from Equaliser rotary can be called the "workhorses" of the novice craftsman. They are very reliable: a simple design is protected from "fools" as much as possible. At the same time, products from Equaliser are powerful (pulls needles from 7 to 15) and their steel body is almost impossible to break. In addition, the brand policy is to make the product available to everyone, which is reflected in a very democratic (to the stated characteristics) price; - Stygma Rotary
. Another manufacturer of rotary machines. Stygma machines are characterized by unsurpassed reliability, durability and ergonomics. Stygma Rotary machines are one of the traditional and long-time leaders of the world market; - Inkjecta
. Australian brand engaged in the production of high quality tattoo machines of all types and categories. In addition to the excellent balance of price and quality, products from Inkjecta distinguishes a professional approach and elaboration to each moment of the work of the tattoo artist. These machines have the greatest ability to customize to your work arm and are available with 3.0mm, 3.5mm, and 4.0mm interchangeable cam system.
In general, a beginner tattoo artist should buy a tattoo machine from Equaliser rotary or Cheyenne Hawk - this is the best choice of reliable devices with good functionality of the medium price category.
If the "master is a beginner" and takes his first steps in the craft, then you should look closely at the products from Inkjecta. Although they are positioned by the brand as professional, but thanks to the wide range of individual settings they can help to avoid many mistakes of beginners.
In the beginning it was...
Everyone roughly knows what a tattoo machine is. And many know that its inventor was a certain Samuel O'Reilly, but this is only partly true. In fact, O'Reilly only improved and adapted Thomas Edison's invention for the purpose in which he was interested.
Edison had invented a device he called the "electric pen. Its purpose was to copy printed or handwritten documents. This invention became popular among business people. This machine worked without ink, piercing through holes in the base - a stencil, which was then used to transfer the ink by means of a roller.
What to choose
It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. Every artist decides for himself which choice is preferable for him. Before buying, it is important to define for yourself what your priority requirements are:
- regulation of the frequency of needle punctures;
- absence of vibrations, noise;
- mobility, model design;
- compact size;
- the presence of the foot panel;
- low weight;
- stability of power;
- minimum injury;
- choice of needle configurations and much more.
It is worth considering that the operation of equipment for permanent tattooing may require additional consumables (caps, needles, cartridge, module). Many companies supplement the models with ready-made consumables.
When buying it is recommended:
- independently studying the technical models of the apparatus, reviewing reviews on specialized forums;
- Getting advice from practitioners;
- passing training courses that allow you to make an informed choice.
Where to buy the paint for a tattoo
The most popular colors are black, red, yellow and whitewash, you should buy them more than the others. Each color is better to take two shades: dark and light to make a smooth transition or mix the colors. I do not recommend mixing fluorescent pigments. Don't get too cheap or too expensive, it's better to consider options around $8-15. Do not buy used paints, without labels and seals, they may be diluted or used. What should quality paint be?
- Surgical plastic microgranules are favored by professionals. They are expensive, but they are bright and saturated and have a high durability.
- Mineral ones are slightly cheaper, but in quality they are not inferior. Paint does not react with cells, is not blurred and is economical due to its thick consistency.
- Fluorescent pigment does not cause allergic reactions, does not bleed, and looks spectacular in the dark.
I'm dead set against against organic and vegetable pigments.. They can cause allergies, don't hold the outline well, and fade quickly.
Distilled water, ethyl alcohol, and glycerin are used as thinners, but I prefer sorbitol the most. Pay attention to the composition of the paint, the presence of denaturates, aldehydes, or surfactants is dangerous to the health of your clients! Red paint may contain red mercury, cadmium, or ochre, which cause allergic reactions.
More on this topic: Best tattoos for men
Some of the best paints:
- Eternal provides 100 beautiful vibrant shades. Intenze preserves the paint structure, is easy to apply, and is suitable for most tattoo styles.
- Intenze paints are less likely to fade. I recommend Suluape Black Samoan for a dense paint over a large area, and Zuper Black for other work.
- Dynamic is the paint that most craftsmen work with. It is thick and easy to knock in, great for heavy paint. The black color is ideal for contouring.
The question "Where to buy tattoo paint?" is usually answered the same way - in specialized online stores. Many masters with good customer flows are ordered from Europe in bulk, which comes out not much more expensive than in Moscow or any other city, although still have to wait for delivery much longer.
https://xn--7sbfc2acmcfwdeckm2a8j.xn--p1ai/organizatsiya-prazdnikov-v-moskve/
Skin for tattoo practice
In the process of imposing a pattern you can insert the needle too deeply and damage the epidermis, after which there are inflammations and infections. For training, there is a silicone skin for tattoo practice that resembles the real thing. There are several variations: skin with and without pattern, 3D skin that you can put on your hand.
I would recommend practicing on the skin of a young pig (from the belly only). It can be purchased for pennies at meat markets. Pay no attention to minor imperfections, as you can't avoid them on artificial leather. The more you practice and get into the nuances and analyze mistakes, the faster you will learn. Do not forget to use petroleum jelly and soapy water, otherwise the excess paint will smudge all over the skin and you will not see the work done.