Tattoos Forums » Scratcher Rehab

**Tattoo machines** Posted: 8/21/2008 10:15:53 AM

I'm interested in starting to learn to tattoo and would like to know what some of ya'll like or don't like about the kit's you see on the marketplace. The kits look interesting as a easy way to one stop shop, but as someone just looking to get a feel, I don't want to purchase one of these if it isn't really going to work correctly.
I'd like to hear from those that have recently purchased a kit... if you liked what you got, if you'd suggest not getting a kit but purchase items individually, what machine/power supply do you like or dislike.
Thanks,
Tutor

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 9/2/2008 12:15:53 AM

dont go for the kits bro... a good machine will cost some money ..

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 9/2/2008 12:54:21 PM

http://www.eternaltattoos.com/
Check them out for real machines

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 9/24/2008 11:45:54 PM

dont let anyone bullshit u...the difference between the kits and "Good machines" is like the difference between a wood pencil and a clicky pencil..they do the same thing but one just does it a tad better....the kit machines wear out and break faster,thats all... if your just learning then it doesnt matter what machine you have(for now). the kit has everything you need...do it right and go to a shop and apprentice....and you'll see why hand control,trouble shooting and position are the only things u need to worry about for a while...my"cheap" kit works great and i work on clients everyday...but as i advance a better machine will follow

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 4/29/2009 6:46:18 AM

I have an engineering background and I will tell you what I believe to be true.Most of the machine is just coils,capacitor,and frame.There are a few other parts but most are within spec to perform the job exactly the same.Yes a "good" machine will do the job a "bit" better but I have seen some jailhouse pieces that were done with far less in regards to ink and equipment,and some of those pieces blow away art done by some so called "professionals".I think some of the pros will tell you to get the 400$ + machines for two reasons. They can buy them because they make the big bucks and can afford them.Some,not all artists want to throw hurdles into your way to becoming an artist because you are what? THE COMPETITION. If you can't afford to spend 5 grand on piecing together a real pro kit then you aren't ever going to learn to tattoo.
If you are stinking rich,get the expensive stuff.It will last longer and does a slightly better job.The biggest difference in the kits is the ink.Do some research and find what colors stay in the skin best and look the best when applied to the skin.One brand might make a white that stays in and looks good,but you might have to go to another company for some other colors.Realize this: You are putting this stuff under someone's skin for LIFE,try to use the best please,i do.
Learn to be clean.Sterilize and prevent cross contamination.
The best kit in the hands of a noob can produce crappy art.The worst kit in the hands of a pro at heart can produce stunning pieces rivaling the pros.

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 5/17/2009 9:40:05 AM

Good post Capn! A

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 5/18/2009 5:13:12 PM

spend the 250 to 300 for good machines. they make a world of difference from the geometry of the frame for better magnetic flow to the quality of the springs coils etc. yes you can tattoo with a kit but you will get garbage inks, needles etc. you need to learn the tech. aspects of the machines and how to properly tune them for them to run properly. the machines in kits are good to breakdown and rebuild to learn on but you get what you pay for.

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 5/25/2009 5:54:23 PM

Dumb as F..k!!What are general thoughts on volts and amps,are their guidlines or is it all down to what it sounds like n forget the numbers?? Just wen tuning am noticing vast differances,one liner running at 5v another supposedly better machine wont chug until 7.5 or higher,I go buy sound,but, should I be abiding aswell by some other medium to tune?Magnetic flow?any ideas? A

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 5/28/2009 6:29:42 PM

i tune by ear and feel. there are other aspects to tuning your machine like stroke spring length and guage. the angle of your front binding post and contact screw. magnetic flow really stems from how your machine is built

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 7/11/2009 10:24:42 PM

Magnetic flow stems from how many wraps are around the coils,the size of the wire used to wrap the coils and the size and composition of the ferrous metal that makes up the coil's core.Look it up, it's basic electronics, but what do I know, my father was a t.v. repairman and taught me most of what he knows. If I am lying, I am dying.

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 8/23/2009 12:40:21 AM

Hey KaptainHowdy or anyone who feels they can answer this question, would it be physically possible to build a machine's frame out of carbon fiber if there was still a way to achieve all needed circuits or connections? Though it'd probably be a waste of time or money to attempt such a thing (as carbon fiber is a bit expensive) I thought it'd be pretty cool.

**Re: Tattoo machines** Posted: 8/26/2009 2:47:04 AM

CF would be make for a crappy frame. Too much flex, and would not take the vibrations well. I would try overlaying CF mylar (from Autozone) on a steel frame. Should give you the same look. Or you could get your frames powder coated like I did. I color coded all my machines. Awesome results!

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Tattoo machines

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