Ars Tattoo Blog

If you are just starting to tattoo, choosing your first machine can seem complicated. Pens, rotary machines, coil machines, wired and wireless models, different stroke lengths, motors, and power systems – it is easy to get lost in the parameters at first. So let's start with the most important thing. In a nutshell For most people starting their tattooing journey, the best choice today is a rotary pen-style machine that works with cartridges. With a smaller budget, a wired pen with a stroke of around 3.5 mm is a good solution. If you can spend more on your first machine, it is worth considering a wireless model with a 3.5–4.0 mm stroke or a machine with an adjustable stroke. A pen is easy to use, versatile, and allows you to focus primarily on learning hand control, lining, shading, and filling, rather than on adjusting the machine itself. A coil machine can still be a good tool, but nowadays it is more of a conscious choice than a mandatory stage of learning to tattoo. Pen, rotary, or coil machine? The first machine should above all allow you to focus on learning. It should not require a beginner to constantly adjust mechanics or learn about many technical components. Machine type Operation For a beginner Key features Wired pen Very simple Very good choice Ergonomic, cartridges, lower entry cost Wireless pen Very simple Very good choice No cables or power supply, high freedom of movement Classic rotary Simple Good choice Versatile, available in many designs Coil More demanding For those consciously choosing this technology High adjustability, classic design Example machine designs Wired pen Blackbird Pen 3.5 mm Wireless / hybrid pen Zenith Infinite 2 3.5 mm Coil machine Ars Liner Pen-style machine A pen is currently the simplest entry point for modern tattooing equipment. It has a shape similar to a thick marker, making it sit naturally in the hand and easy to master. Most such machines work with standard cartridges, and needle depth is adjusted by rotating the grip. One versatile machine can be used for learning lining, shading, and filling. This does not mean, of course, that a good machine will teach you how to tattoo. Equipment won't replace practice and knowledge, but a well-chosen machine removes many technical problems that a beginner doesn't have to deal with right from the start. Classic rotary machine A pen is actually one type of rotary machine. However, there are also classic rotary designs with a different shape. Depending on the model, they may work with cartridges or classic needles. For a beginner, the way the machine is configured, its ergonomics, stroke length, and the type of needles used are more important than the "rotary" label itself. Coil machine A dozen or so years ago, learning to tattoo very often started with a coil machine. You had to learn not only how to tattoo but also how to properly configure the machine itself. Coils, springs, armature bar, contact screw, voltage, and needle setting influenced the character of its operation. Today, a beginner doesn't have to go through that. Coil machines still have their fans and offer great configuration possibilities, but it is not true that every tattoo artist must start their learning journey with a coil machine. Wired or wireless machine? In terms of learning to tattoo, both solutions can be equally good. The biggest differences concern convenience, price, and power supply method. Wired machine A wired pen is a good solution if you want to limit the cost of your first equipment. The machine itself may be cheaper than a comparable wireless model, but you must remember that you will also need a power supply and a suitable cable. The advantage of a wired pen is often its lower weight. You also don't need to remember to charge the battery. Wireless machine A wireless pen has its own battery and control system, so it does not require a classic power supply or a cable leading to the machine. The workstation is simpler, nothing pulls on the machine or restricts hand movement. For many people starting to tattoo, this is simply the most comfortable solution. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the weight of the machine, battery life, and the ability to replace the battery. Hybrid models, which can operate both on battery and when connected to a classic power supply, are also an interesting solution. If the budget allows, a wireless pen is currently one of the best choices for someone starting their tattooing journey. What machine stroke should you choose to start with? Stroke length is one of the most important parameters of a machine. Simply put, it defines the path the mechanism takes during needle movement and influences the character of the device's operation. However, it is not the only parameter that matters. The way it works is also influenced by the mechanism design, motor, cartridge used, and the settings of the machine itself. 3.5 mm stroke – the most versatile choice. If you are buying your first machine and don't yet know what style you will specialize in, 3.5 mm is a very safe choice. Such a stroke works well for learning various techniques: lining, shading, and filling. 4.0 mm stroke – a more decisive operating characteristic. Machines with a stroke of around 4.0 mm work well for lining and saturating color. However, many modern 4.0 mm designs are versatile enough to be successfully used for other techniques as well. If you know you are interested in stronger linework, color, or a more assertive machine operation, 4.0 mm can also be a good first choice. Shorter and longer strokes. Shorter strokes may be preferred for delicate work and shading, while longer ones are more often chosen for more assertive lining and saturation. For a first and only machine, however, it is not always worth choosing extreme values. Adjustable stroke. More and more machines allow you to change the stroke length without replacing the entire device. This is an interesting solution for someone who is just learning different tattooing techniques and wants to check which operating characteristics suit them best. An adjustable stroke is not a necessity, however. A good machine with a 3.5 mm stroke can easily suffice for both learning and later daily work. Cartridges or classic needles? It is definitely easiest for beginners to start working with tattoo cartridges. A cartridge is a complete module containing the needle and tip. You just need to place it in a compatible machine or grip. Changing the configuration from liner to shader or magnum takes seconds. When choosing your first machine, it is worth checking if it works with standard cartridges available from many manufacturers. Thanks to this, you are not limited to one closed needle system. What to pay attention to when choosing your first machine? Stroke and design type aren't everything. Ergonomics also play a very large role. The machine should sit well in your hand. A light and slim wired pen will be more comfortable for one person, while another will prefer a heavier wireless machine with a larger grip. The number of grams alone does not tell the whole story either. A well-balanced machine may feel more comfortable than a lighter device whose weight is poorly distributed. When choosing, it is worth paying attention primarily to: stroke length, weight and balance of the machine, grip diameter, power supply type, operating time and battery replacement options in wireless models, compatibility with cartridges, availability of spare parts and additional batteries, warranty and possibility of future maintenance. So, it is not worth choosing your first machine based solely on appearance, number of functions, or maximum motor power. How much does a good first tattoo machine cost? You don't need to buy the most expensive equipment on the market right away. There are wired pens available for sale that cost a few hundred zlotys, allowing you to start learning without investing a large amount. A larger budget opens up access to wireless machines, replaceable batteries, adjustable stroke, or more advanced electronics. Even more expensive professional machines are designed primarily for tattoo artists who work regularly and perform sessions lasting many hours. Price, however, should not be the only criterion. For your first machine, it is better to choose a simple, versatile, and proven model than a device full of functions that you won't use while learning. Which machine would we choose to start with? If we had to point out a starting point today for a person who is just beginning and doesn't yet know in what direction they will develop their style, it would be a simple, versatile configuration. Our starting point for beginners Rotary pen + standard cartridges + stroke around 3.5 mm Smaller budget Wired pen Larger budget Wireless pen More possibilities Adjustable stroke A 4.0 mm stroke can also be a very good choice, especially if you are interested in lining, color, and more assertive work. We would choose a coil machine, however, if you consciously want to learn classic technology and its adjustment. See tattoo machines Or perhaps a ready-made tattoo kit? If you are assembling equipment from scratch, the machine itself is only one of the necessary elements. A wired configuration will require, among other things, a power supply and a cable. For learning, you also need appropriate cartridges, ink, artificial skin, and the equipment needed to prepare your workstation. Therefore, a ready-made tattoo kit, in which the most important elements have already been matched to each other, can also be a convenient solution for a beginner. Why is it worth buying a machine at Ars Tattoo? Your first machine often raises more questions than subsequent ones. That is why when buying equipment, it is worth considering not only the product itself but also the possibility of getting help before and after the purchase. At Ars Tattoo, we help select a machine based on your level of experience, work style, and budget. Machines purchased in our store are covered by a warranty, and post-warranty service and technical support are also available for the equipment. If you don't know which model will be suitable, you can contact us before you buy. Instead of choosing a machine based solely on the parameters in a table, we will help you select a device suitable for your needs. Frequently Asked Questions Which tattoo machine is best for a beginner? For most beginners, a good choice will be a rotary pen-style machine that works with standard cartridges. It is easy to use, ergonomic, and can be used for various tattooing techniques. What machine stroke should I choose to start with? The most versatile choice is around 3.5 mm. A 4.0 mm stroke can also be a good solution, especially for more assertive work. If you want to experiment with different techniques, you can choose a machine with an adjustable stroke. Should the first machine be wireless? It doesn't have to be. A wired pen can work just as well and will usually be cheaper. A wireless machine, however, gives more freedom of movement and simplifies the workstation. Do I have to start with a coil machine? No. Coil machines are still used, but learning how to configure them is not a necessary stage of learning to tattoo. Nowadays, many people start with rotary machines and pens. Is it worth buying an expensive professional machine right away? It is not necessary. Matching the machine to your needs is more important than the price. A good versatile model will allow you to learn the basics, and with experience, you will discover your own preferences regarding stroke, weight, ergonomics, and operating characteristics. Still don't know which machine to choose? Check out all tattoo machines available at Ars Tattoo or contact us. Tell us what your budget is, whether you are looking for a wired or wireless machine, and what you want to learn with it. We will help you choose the right model.