The tattoo machine is the main and most important tool for every Tattoo Artist. Below, we offer a short guide to help you correctly choose the ideal tattoo machine for your art.
The origin of this tool dates back to the late 1800s in the United States: it was Samuel F. O’Reilly, a famous New York artist, who gave life to the first electric tattoo machine model by adding needles and an ink reservoir to the electric pen invented by Thomas Edison.
Since then, the tattoo machine has undergone significant evolution, with increasingly innovative and cutting-edge models.
Today, there are many different types of machines on the market, and choosing the right one is essential not only to ensure the highest quality tattoo, but also to have the best experience during the tattooing process.
Do you want to learn more about the history of tattoo machines and discover tips from MTS instructors?
Read also The Tattoo Artist’s Machine
What are the parameters for choosing a tattoo machine?
The first thing to consider is the type of tattoo machine you want to use. The three main and most popular types among professional tattoo artists today are:
- coil tattoo machines, more traditional and guaranteeing greater power
- rotary tattoo machines, lighter, quieter, and easier to handle
- wireless tattoo machines with batteries (integrated or removable) that work without cables and power supplies
The quality of the components is an important factor to evaluate: tattoo machines built with high-quality materials guarantee better performance and long-lasting durability.
The budget also matters: tattoo machines can vary significantly in price, so it is important to set a budget before starting your search.
Finally, remember that to choose the right tattoo machine, you must above all consider your own style and manual skills, to ensure you have the best possible equipment in your hands.
Types of Tattoo Machines: Coil, Rotary, or Wireless
Coil tattoo machines are the most traditional and commonly used in the tattoo industry.
They use a system of electromagnetic coils inside the machine body. These move a metal bar to which the needles are attached, which penetrate the skin and release pigments into the dermis.
They guarantee better needle penetration into the skin and maximum power and precision, making them perfect for creating lines or tattoos with particularly thick strokes.
On the other hand, they require a certain amount of experience to be used correctly.
Rotary tattoo machines use an electric motor that moves the needles in a continuous and smooth way. Easy to handle and practical, they require minimal maintenance and are perfect for shading and packing color.
They are quiet and have low vibration compared to coil machines, making them the ideal choice for beginners.
Wireless tattoo machines are the most innovative: they combine the quality of materials and motors of traditional tattoo machines with the innovative technologies of recent years.
They guarantee greater precision and ergonomics, less vibration, and less noise.
They are perfect for long work sessions and represent a major revolution in the tattoo world because they ensure maximum freedom of movement, better handling, and total comfort of use.
Tattoo Machine Component Quality and Accessories
Reliability is everything, even when it comes to tattoo machines.
Opting for a machine made with high-quality materials and components means having equipment that is:
- functional and efficient
- compliant with required safety standards
- strong and durable over time
- low maintenance
Since it is a long-term investment, this is an aspect that should not be underestimated.
Furthermore, using low-quality tattoo machines can risk not only the success of the tattoo but also the health of the clients.
Our advice is to always opt for safe and certified products and to turn to reliable suppliers.
Tattoo Machines: The Best Brands to Choose From
Among the best brands of tattoo machines, Dormouse certainly stands out, a leading Italian company in the tattoo industry. The brand produces and markets professional tattoo equipment that is 100% Made in Italy, designed to best serve the tattoo community.
Dormouse tattoo machines stand out for their reliability and precision and are built to be powerful, easy to handle, and reliable, ensuring optimal results during the tattooing process.
The materials used in their production are of the highest quality and ensure durability and resistance to wear.
Build quality, but also aesthetic beauty, with a refined and modern design that makes this equipment the top choice for professional tattoo artists.
Another established brand in the tattoo world is Dynamic Tattoo Machines by Dormouse, which offers a wide range of tattoo machines, power supplies, and accessories from entry-level to high-end.
Finally, we suggest Ez Tattoo, one of the largest tattoo supply companies in the world, specializing in the research, development, and production of innovative and high-quality products capable of meeting the needs of modern tattoo artists.
DORMOUSE is an Official Partner of Milano Tattoo School
This partnership, which began about 15 months ago, allows our school to exclusively receive all the tools and products used in tattoo courses, to promote excellence and creativity during training.
In addition, Dormouse provides MTS with the best and most innovative equipment on the market, ensuring high-quality work and teaching for all students and for all tattoo style and type requirements.
Would you like more information on tattoo machines or on courses to become a professional tattoo artist?