Possible first machine and supply options. Help choosing the right one.

[Juneau23]

Hi everyone.

I'm Julian from Spain. After many years doubting about jumping into the tattoo art game at 31 years old I'm decided to try and see if something I would like to pursue. (Age has been one of those things pushing me back at the time of getting a tattoo machine, as I can understand is a commitment and a responsibility) I consider myself a tattoo collector I have some awesome pieces from Kelly Violet (UK), Jeroen van Dijk (NL), Luca Font (IT) among some other artist, so I have a clear image of what a good piece could be and where I would like to see myself in 10 years as an artist.

My experience with machines is zero. A few years ago I did a couple of basic hand poke with a very good result. So this is going to be my very first contact with a professional tattoo machine and as my first tool I would prefer it to be an all around machine (shading, color, and lining) I'm open to rotary or coil (leaning more towards coil as I would like to master the traditional tattoo style)

There are my options at the moment but before pulling the trigger I would like to get some advice of people with experience:

Machines:

1. Rotary Works plain brass

PLAIN BRASS

Due to the Brexshit situation, any machines bought will be delayed by a few days due to customs starting from the 23rd March 2020. **To protect...

www.rotaryworks.uk.com

2. Micky Sharpz Hybrid

Brass Hybrid Tattoo Machine

Designed to include the main features of the world's finest machines. Very robust and smooth running. Nicely balanced and powerful, ideal for shading and colouring .Featuring - high quality precision lost wax casting, ensuring perfect alignment of compone

www.mickysharpz.com

3. Micky Sharpz Custom Telephone Dial

Micky Sharpz - MkIV Custom Telephone Dial Tattoo Machine - Liner / Colour / Shader

The MkIV Custom Telephone Dial Tattoo Machine from Micky Sharpz is a high-quality coil machine that is perfect for lining, shading and colour packing.Micky Sharpz has designed the MkIV Custom Telephone Dial to be finely balanced, with a very smooth yet powerful tattooing action.Constructed from...

www.killerinktattoo.co.uk

4. Hummingbird GEN2

Hummingbird Gen2 Rotary Machine in Black

Hummingbird Gen2 Rotary Machine in Black

www.thetattooshop.com

5. Dragonhawk Raven Ⅱ

Dragonhawk Raven Ⅱ Rotary Tattoo Machine One Touch Hit Adjuster Machine

Raven rotary tattoo machine could be used lining, shading, color packer. The Raven rotary machine is designed to operate over a variable voltage range depending on personal perference and the type of work being created.it can be connected to a power suppl

www.dragonhawktattoosupply.com

Power Supply:

1. Hurricane HP-2 Digital Power Supply

Hurricane HP-2 Digital Power Supply-Black-4230

www.tattoousupplies.com

2. Aurora II Touch Control Tattoo Power Supply

Premium Aurora II Touch Control Tattoo Power Supply - For Professionals | Premium Tattoo Supply Manufacturing & Distribution

The Original Aurora II Touch Control Power Supply featured with the strong magnets and can be attached on the iron workstation.It is very easy to operate resulted from the touch control,single/dual machines model,two footswitches models and max output 2.5A electricity.

www.premiumtattoosupply.com

3.Nemesis Power Supply

Nemesis Power Supply White - Kwadron Tattoo Needles and Supplies

High quality, precision power tattoo supply. The casing is made from a single piece of aluminum machined by CNC. NEMESIS power supply is a fully functional device, ensuring long-lasting, trouble-free operation. Despite the small size , has plenty of power!

www.kwadron.pl

4. Carved Flowers Dual Tattoo Power Supply

3.4A Carved Flowers Dual Tattoo Power Supply

3.4A Carved Flowers Dual Tattoo Power Supply

www.powerdragontattoo.com

If you have any other recommendations please don't hesitate to drop me a line. I tried to stay away from the amazon/ebay kits as much as I wanted some of them.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Chustik]

Hello fellow spaniard!

As for power supply i'd say the Nemesis from kwadron. I have a hurricane myself and it's not good. But i dont have a lot of experience with power packs as I use a Lab power supply. I think you can't really go wrong with critical either.

As for machines, micky sharpz ain't what they used to be and those machines generally need to be tuned out of the box (If you want to learn how to set them up then there is no problem). You can check out @red.beards and @blacksmithirons on instagram, i have heard good things from both.

Rotary machines I see generally better suited for coloring and shading. Rotary works is a solid option and i believe artisan rotary makes some good ones too.

I think coils are good to start with, they have a bigger learning curve than rotary machines but they are (imo) far more versatile and can be configured to your liking, but rotaries are far simpler and will never need readjusting.

 

[Juneau23]

Hola Chustik! Damn, @red.beards and @blacksmithirons have some very beautiful machines at interest prices.

By any chance has you heard about Hades irons, Ruski irons or Veneno machines from Bcn? I found some interesting deals in Wallapop, but I couldn't find much on the internet about them.

What are your thoughts on a hybrid machine (shading, color, and lining)? Or might be wiser to get two separate?

Definitely, I'm most likely going to get coils.

¡Muchas gracias!

 

[Chustik]

I know that all 3 of those are sold thru Akira, they look like decent machines but i have not held them in my hands, but from what i have heard Rusky seems like the best. I do remember a builder from Bcn that has a 2 machines for 300€ package/deal (@sergio_garate_original on instagram) His machines are good for the price, they run a little fast for my taste.

For hybrid machines, depends. You are getting something thats okay at both tasks but not good at either most of the time. If you could only get one machine I would get a good liner. You can absolutly do everything in a traditional style tattoo with only a strong liner but for something more complex like realism I would use more than one machine/needle grouping.

For starting out i'd say get a liner and a shader, it's easier that way. Don't make things more dificult for yourself and try to shade with a linning needle starting out

¡Buena suerte!

​

 

[Torb]

Hi and welcome. I have always been a die hard coil user. I have many expensive coils. Recently I purchased a vlad blad avenger hybrid rotary. It is an amazing machine that can do everything. They have a really nice package deal. I can definitely recommend them ?

 

[MalligaMallan]

I used to have a Rotary Works mk2 Springer. RW is great quality and great machines. If it says "sold out" you can email them and they will probably make one.

 

[Juneau23]

Hi and welcome. I have always been a die hard coil user. I have many expensive coils. Recently I purchased a vlad blad avenger hybrid rotary. It is an amazing machine that can do everything. They have a really nice package deal. I can definitely recommend them ?

Thank you Torb!

I'm going to save this as an upgrade machine as it's a bit out of my initial budget right now but hell... It looks amazing! And the few reviews I've seen performs like a charm.

 

[Torb]

Thank you Torb!

I'm going to save this as an upgrade machine as it's a bit out of my initial budget right now but hell... It looks amazing! And the few reviews I've seen performs like a charm.

Yes its a great little machine. Though I still love my coils. Don't be afraid of buying second hand either. I got some great second hand coils at a fraction of the new price. And there is definitely nothing wrong with the hurricane power supply either. ?

 

[MalligaMallan]

Second hand rotaries on the other hand has its risks. Often over lubricated which makes engine seizeing up (I believe is the term?).

 

[Chustik]

Yes its a great little machine. Though I still love my coils. Don't be afraid of buying second hand either. I got some great second hand coils at a fraction of the new price. And there is definitely nothing wrong with the hurricane power supply either. ?

Absolutly! Sometimes they need some tweaking but they are good to go most of the time. Recently got a Seth Ciferri Belmont this way and it's a total beast!

 

[Torb]

Second hand rotaries on the other hand has its risks. Often over lubricated which makes engine seizeing up (I believe is the term?).

Yes I agree. I wouldn't buy a used rotary unless you know the person who owned it or if its very cheap and you think its worth the risk. ?

 

[Juneau23]

Thank you guys.

I finally pulled the trigger on a custom set from @red.beards on IG. I liked the look, the reviews, warranty policy and of course the price. I'm getting a coil liner and a rotary for color and shading from him, so I can taste both machine flavours and as a power supply got the Hurricane. Time will tell... And I'll be upgrading my game step by step.

Now time to get the rest of materials... As I was going through the manual they recommend to start and stick to round tips at the beginning is that a good practice? Regarding the grip I see is a more personal preference, but I'm curious about your choices fat or thin grip? Stainless steel or disposable?

 

[Juneau23]

I forgot to add should I be sorted to start with a bottle of Silverback Ink Instablack?

 

[Torb]

Thank you guys.

I finally pulled the trigger on a custom set from @red.beards on IG. I liked the look, the reviews, warranty policy and of course the price. I'm getting a coil liner and a rotary for color and shading from him, so I can taste both machine flavours and as a power supply got the Hurricane. Time will tell... And I'll be upgrading my game step by step.

Now time to get the rest of materials... As I was going through the manual they recommend to start and stick to round tips at the beginning is that a good practice? Regarding the grip I see is a more personal preference, but I'm curious about your choices fat or thin grip? Stainless steel or disposable?

Sounds like a good decision. Coils are great for lining. I have a hurricane power supply that I've used for years and it never let me down. I found that you need to up the volts a bit more with a hurricane though. Definitely go with disposable grips. I prefer the fatter grip. Its worth spending a bit extra on good needles. I think kwadron are great. As far as black ink goes, as long as its a reputable brand and bought from a good supplier. I use dynamic because I like the consistency.

 

[NotJasper]

I’ve got an FK irons Halo 2 and I have been thinking about refreshing on coils for some things but so far it’s done a lot of lining and shading and some light color packing. I rely on it for everything might be the only rotary i will ever buy.