As a beginner tattoo artist, you might be excited to try out different equipment, including tattoo machines, cartridges and inks. When considering which machine to use, the decision often starts with choosing between a rotary or coil machine.
For some artists, starting with a rotary tattoo machine is more affordable as they are more versatile in what they can do and they allow artists to practice more techniques at a lower cost. Other artists might want to start with a coil tattoo machine to help them develop a better understanding of the way machines work and how to get the best out of them for specific techniques.
As there are so many choices, we have put together a helpful guide for beginners on the best coil machines and how starting with one of these can benefit your tattoo career in the long-run!
Rotary Vs Coil Tattoo Machine
Although they can be less affordable than rotary machines, there are many benefits to choosing a coil tattoo machine to start out your tattoo journey:
- More control and precision: Coil machines are easier to customise with artists having the option to adjust needle depth, speed and give.
- Better ink saturation: Coil machines offer more consistent ink saturation resulting in more vibrant and longer-lasting tattoos.
- Depth of knowledge: Starting with a coil machine can help you develop a better understanding of what tattoo machines can do which can make it easier to move onto and get the most out of a rotary machine.
Considerations When Using A Coil Tattoo Machine
Diving into tattooing with a coil machine requires a good understanding of its mechanics and a dedication to regular maintenance. Unlike rotary machines, coil machines are more technical and demand attention to detail. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
- Understanding the Contact Gap
The contact gap is the distance between the tip of the front spring and the contact screw. This gap affects the machine’s stroke length, as it dictates how far the armature bar travels when the machine is running. Adjusting this contact gap is crucial; if the contact screw tip doesn’t touch the front spring, the machine won’t engage when the pedal is pressed. It’s essential to understand and adjust this element properly for smooth operation.
- Familiarising Yourself with the Parts
Coil machines consist of multiple parts that interact closely. To operate and maintain it effectively, take time to learn each part’s function and how they work together. For beginners, learning how to disassemble and reassemble the machine, especially for tasks like cleaning and spring replacement, is essential. Remembering the order of parts is key to successful reassembly—taking a photo during disassembly can be a helpful guide.
- Regular Maintenance for Longevity
Routine maintenance is vital for keeping a coil machine in top working condition throughout your career. Coil machines benefit from consistent cleaning, lubrication, and occasional part replacements. If maintained correctly, they’re built to last, making this investment worthwhile for both beginners and professionals.
- Choosing the Right Machine for the Job
Coil machines are typically tuned for specific tasks, such as lining, shading, or color packing. For a beginner looking to use a single machine for multiple tasks, look for options labeled ‘Universal’ or ‘Liner/Shader/Colour Packer’ in the description.
So, what are the best coil machines for beginners?
Low Budget
If you’re on a budget, the following coil tattoo machines are on the lower end of the price scale making them great for beginner tattoo artists:
- Nemesis Liner / Shader Tattoo Machine - The Nemesis is a versatile option that can function as both a liner and shader, ideal for beginners exploring different techniques without needing separate machines for each style.
- Danny Harkin’s Micro Aluminium Liner / Shader Tattoo Machine - This lightweight aluminum machine offers an adjustable spring saddle, allowing artists to easily switch between lining and shading. Perfect for beginners, it’s durable and easy to handle.
- Danny Harkin’s Eclipse Aluminium Liner / Shader Tattoo - The Eclipse machine, crafted from durable aluminum, also features an adjustable spring saddle, making it an easy-to-use, high-quality tool for beginners who want to experiment with both lining and shading.
- Micky Sharpz MkIV Custom Telephone Dial Tattoo Machine / Blood Red Version - The MkIV Telephone Dial machine is known for its versatility, suitable for lining, shading, and color packing. With its durable cast iron frame and smooth, powerful performance, it’s a favorite for beginners wanting quality without overspending.
- Micky Sharpz Iron Hybrid Tattoo Machine - This coil machine combines durability with flexibility, designed for lining, shading, and color packing. Its balanced cast iron frame and high-resolution magnetic coils make it a robust option for novice artists.
- Micky Sharpz - Original Iron Micro Dial Tattoo Machine - Liner - Ideal for precise outlines, this cast iron machine with high-resolution coils is reliable and smooth-running, giving new artists an excellent introduction to coil machines with a classic feel.
Mid Budget
If you have a slightly bigger budget or are looking for a coil machine that has one function, you could look at any of the following machines:
- Bristol Tattoo Club Machine Liner / Shader - Hand-built and unique, this machine is crafted to be both a collector’s item and a reliable daily runner, offering versatile use for lining and shading.
- Bristol Tattoo Club Tattoo Machine - Circle Large - This hand-built machine combines reliable performance for daily use with a unique aesthetic appeal, perfect for tattooists who want a functional tool that also carries a piece of tattoo history.
- Micky Bee Insignia Black Sting Tattoo Machine Liner - This liner machine, inspired by the classic Paul Rogers design, is perfect for clean lines, making it a go-to for beginners aiming to master their lining work.
- Original Micky Bee Gun Metal Grey Lightning Tattoo Machine - Colour/Shader - Designed specifically for color packing and shading, the Gun Metal Grey Lightning model offers precision and efficiency, suitable for apprentices building their skill set in these techniques.
- Micky Sharpz - Bronze T Dial Tattoo Machine - Colour / Shader - This phosphor bronze machine is perfect for color packing and shading, with high-resolution coils and a sleek design, giving beginners a mid-range option with excellent performance.
- Micky Sharpz - Bronze Micro Dial Tattoo Machine - Liner - This high-quality liner machine has a durable, hand-polished bronze frame, making it a visually appealing and functional choice for beginners looking for efficient lining.
High Budget
For those with a higher budget, these high-quality coil machines are perfect:
- Bavarian Custom Irons Knuckle Tattoo Machine - Liner - Handmade, the Bavarian Custom Knuckle is designed for clean, single-pass lines, making it a worthwhile investment for beginners seeking a premium liner.
- Bavarian Custom Irons Pineapple Tattoo Machine - B+G Shader - Crafted in Germany, this high-quality shader specialises in black and grey work, giving beginners an excellent tool to perfect soft shading.
- Vlad Blad Wolf Tattoo Machine - Pro Liner - This pro liner machine from Vlad Blad is designed for effortless single-pass lines, making it highly efficient for both beginners and experienced artists who prioritise precision and speed.
- Vlad Blad Wolf Tattoo Machine - Power Shader / Power Colour Packer - Known for its power and versatility, this shader and color packer is ideal for whip shading and dense color work, catering to beginners looking to explore shading techniques.
- FK Irons AL13 Exactor III Aluminium Tattoo Machine in Gunmetal - Colour Packer - Lightweight yet powerful, this color-packing machine is perfect for beginners working on large, color-dense areas.
- FK Irons AL13 Galaxie III Aluminium Tattoo Machine in Seafoam - Conventional Liner - With its featherweight frame and smooth handling, the Galaxie III provides precision lining and consistency, offering beginners a high-end, reliable liner for long tattooing sessions.
While coil tattoo machines may require a bit more investment, both of time and money, they offer significant benefits for beginner artists. Machines like Bavarian Custom Irons, VladBlad, and FK Irons provide high-quality builds that allow for better control over needle depth, speed, and give, which helps improve precision and ink saturation.
Additionally, using coil machines offers beginner artists an opportunity to learn the mechanics of tattooing deeply, making the transition to rotary machines smoother down the line.
