Are you on the hunt for a rotary tattoo machine? You’ve come to the right place. After you’ve read this guide thoroughly, you will have no trouble finding the right one for your needs.
Rotary tattoo machines offer a wealth of benefits and they can help you make money. If you’re a skilled artist and you want to make money, you can do so by giving people tattoos. To do that, you’ll need the right equipment. You’ll need a good tattoo machine that can perform under pressure. With that being said, you’ll be glad that you’ve come to the right place. Finding a good tattoo machine can be difficult. By reading this in-depth guide, you won’t have any trouble finding the right rotary tattoo machine kit for your money.
This guide will provide you with reviews for the top machines and tips for finding the right one for your individualistic needs.
1. Dragonhawk Mast Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine
The Dragonhawk Tattoo Machine is a good option for many. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been doing tattoos for many years, there is a good chance that you’ll feel comfortable with this machine. And, you can guarantee that it is going to last a lifetime and put in a good performance every time. It offers numerous benefits despite being very affordable. Even if you’re just getting started, you can guarantee that you’ll be able to afford this machine.
Transportable
As a tattoo artist, there is a good chance that you’ll have to travel. With that being said, you need to make sure that your equipment is lightweight and easy to transport. This is one of the best things about the Dragonhawk. It comes with a gift box that will hold all of the included items. On top of that, the most important component only weighs 120g. You’ll be able to take this kit with you everywhere you go.
Compatibility
If you have cartridge needles sitting around, you’ll want to make sure that they’ll work with your new tattoo kit. Don’t worry about that with the Dragonhawk. This one is compatible with all cartridge needle types so you won’t have to buy any new ones.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to take with you
- Compatible with all cartridge needle types
- Great for beginners and veterans
Cons
- Motor durability is questionable
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2. Dragonhawk Cartridge Tattoo Machine Kit
You’ll find that there is a lot to like about the Dragonhawk Cartridge Tattoo Machine Kit. It is very affordable so it is suitable for almost everyone. Even if you’re a hobbyist and you’re not going to be making any money from your trade, you can still buy this machine. On top of that, you’ll find that it offers numerous perks. For instance, it produces little noise so you won’t have to worry about the machine bothering anyone. You can get rid of those earplugs since you won’t need them.
Everything You Need
One of the best things about this kit is the fact that it comes with almost everything you need. If you want to start tattooing right away, this kit will get you very close. Just remember that you’ll need to buy ink elsewhere. Otherwise, you shouldn’t have to buy anything else. This makes the low price tag even more justifiable.
Take It Anywhere
There is a good chance that you’ll find yourself traveling your city to give tattoos. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that you can haul your equipment without any difficulty. The Dragonhawk Atom is designed for this purpose. It comes with a convenient carrying case making it easy to take your equipment anywhere.
Pros
- Easy to transport and lightweight
- Works with all cartridge needles
- Comes with 20 needle cartridges
- Not too loud
Cons
- Power supply is not great
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3. BRONC Premium Quality Rotary Cartridge Tattoo Machine Gun Kit
If you’re looking for something better than cheap rotary tattoo machines, you should check out the Bronc Premium Quality Tattoo Machine Gun Kit. This is a great tattoo starter kit for people who are serious about the trade. This kit will get you started and allow you to perfect your skills. On top of that, you won’t have to worry too much about running into quality issues. When it comes to tattoo kits, you get what you pay for. With this one, you can guarantee that it is going to last longer and put in a better performance.
Fun To Use
One thing to note is that this machine is very fun to use. It isn’t too loud and it is very lightweight. This means that you’ll be able to give tattoos without becoming exhausting or putting in earplugs. If you want a machine that is fun and convenient to use, you should look no further than this one. It will not disappoint.
Reliable
As a professional tattooist, you need to make sure that you’re working with reliable equipment. Otherwise, something will break down and you’ll customers will start leaving. This shouldn’t be an issue with the BRONC Premium Quality Tattoo Machine Gun. This one features a reliable Swiss motor to ensure that you’re going to get the maximum stability and reliability.
Pros
- Very fun to use
- Aircraft aluminum is lightweight and tough
- Doesn’t produce a lot of noise
- Swiss motor is very reliable
Cons
- Might be too expensive for some
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4. Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit
Are you looking for the cheapest rotary tattoo machine pen? If so, you should not hesitate to check out the Stigma Complete Kit. This is one of the cheapest kits out there so it is suitable for hobbyists. If you’re a professional and you’re just getting started, you may find that this is a good investment for your business too. It comes with everything you need including 20 needs. There are numerous needle sizes to choose from as well. You’ll also receive 5 popular color inks so you can get started immediately. However, you should know that the ink is only recommended for practice.
Warranty
With many tattoo machine gun kits, you’re on your own. Once you’ve bought the machine, you’ll have to replace it when something goes wrong. This isn’t a problem with the Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit. This one is protected by a 1-year warranty. If anything goes wrong during the first year of ownership, you can guarantee that the company will solve the problem.
Includes Ink
Many tattoo machines do not come with ink but this one does. Just remember that this ink is only s suitable for practice. If you’re going to be tattooing on human skin, you should use professional ink. Nevertheless, this kit will get you started.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes with everything you need and then some
- Great for beginners
- Protected by a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not good for professionals
- Ink isn’t much
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5. Dragonhawk Essence Tattoo Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine
Dragonhawk is one of the leading manufacturers of tattoo pen machines. With that being said, you can guarantee that you’re going to get your money’s worth from their products. The Dragonhawk Essence Tattoo Pen is a good option for beginners since it is very affordable. On top of that, it is lightweight, easy to use, and reliable. If you want a machine that is going to be quiet from start to finish, this one is worth checking out. This tattoo machine comes with an RCA cord so you won’t have to buy one later. It also has very little vibration making things easier for the artist.
Easy To Use
Some pens are fat, clunky, and difficult to use. You shouldn’t have any trouble with the Dragonhawk Essence Tattoo Pen. It is lightweight and ergonomic. This ensures that you’ll be able to hold it in your hand without any trouble. If you’re looking for a tattoo pen that will be easy to hold and use, this one is worth checking out.
Quiet And Low Vibration
This pen is very quiet and it produces very little vibration. This means that you’ll be able to create precision lines when giving someone a tattoo. If the machine vibrates too much, you’ll likely make a lot of mistakes. With this machine, you won’t have any problems whatsoever.
Pros
- Not too expensive
- Ergonomically designed for your comfort
- Comes with an RCA Cord
- Not very loud
Cons
- May lose connection from time to time
Check on Amazon
Buying Guide
Rotary tattoo machines are a dime-a-dozen on the market. In fact, you will find a long list of brands to choose from, making your shopping experience even more frustrating. The best way to approach the task of buying a new machine is to narrow down the options. You can do that by considering the most important factors, including warranty, capabilities, motor, weight, and frame design. Below, you will discover a buying guide that will help ensure you make the right purchase the first go-round.
Warranty
Rotary tattoo machines are embedded with various tiny components and technologies, all of which play a role in the tattooing processes. It is definitely worth mentioning that all machines do not stand up to the manufacturer’s guarantee. How do you protect your investment? Well, you start with a good manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty should cover the motor, frame, and other vital components.
Weight
The Prehistoric Era is long gone. No longer do tattoo artists need to rely on equipment made of stone to create their works on art. Today, they can choose from a large selection of lightweight rotary machines. Lightweight designs will ensure a high level of flexibility, accuracy, and productivity. Heavier machines will not even come close to offering the same output. So, avoid brands that weight more than half a pound.
Length
Length is also important when it comes to a rotary tattoo machine. Most professional tattoo artists are working with limited space. They are also working with human skin, which makes their jobs that much more difficult. A rotary tattoo machine should be at least 4-1/2 inches in length. If would not be wise to go larger than five inches in length. Doing so could compromise the outcome.
Motor
The motor is one of the most crucial components of a rotary tattoo machine. The motor is responsible for powering the machine. Unfortunately, too many brands utilize motors that are cheap and low-quality. To protect your investment and ensure the best outcome, it is crucial to only consider brands with high-quality motors. The Japanese rotary tattoo machine motor is considered one of the best. So, if you do not know much about these motors, you can opt for a model with a Japanese motor.
Capabilities
A rotary tattoo machine should have multiple capabilities, including lining, shading, and coloring. For tattoo artists, utilizing a single machine throughout the entire process only makes sense. Switching from one machine to another during the tattooing process increases the risk of error.
Conclusion
All tattoo articles, professionals and amateur, need a rotary tattoo machine that works efficiently. Unfortunately, not all of these machines are created equal. So, be sure to do your homework before making an investment. Look for a machine that is diverse, ergonomic, lightweight, and flexible. All of these qualities will ensure a smooth tattooing experience for artists and their customers.
FAQ
Why are ergonomics so important for tattoo machines?
Tattoo artists can spend hours perfecting their works. To avoid discomfort during the process, ergonomics is a necessity. To achieve efficiency and comfort when tattooing human skin, artists rely on rotary tattoo machines that are ergonomically designed.
Is it a good idea to buy a rotary tattoo machine that supports all types of cartridge needles?
Yes, because it may be that one day you find yourself with only one type of cartridge needle. If the machine supports what you have on-hand there will be no delay in you getting your work done. If it doesn’t, you will have to make a run to the supply store, which could lose you a customer in return.