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Buying a Tattoo Gun
A tattoo gun is the most critical, important piece of equipment any tattoo artist will invest in. It's the key to it all. If you are happy with the feel, weight, vibration, and power of your gun, you are a happier artist. As in any job, better tools mean a better job. Perhaps, a super cheap model would suffice for practicing but when you are ready to get serious, do your homework and invest in quality tattoo machine when you purchase your equipment.
The first thing you would research would be the materials the tattoo gun is made of. The best would be any high quality metal such as iron, brass or copper. These various metals will be a major factor in the weight of the machine.
The second concern is the size and variety. Traditionally, tattoo guns were either a liner or a shader. Some machines are built to serve both purposes with some adjustments. It would be better for a more experienced artist to utilize these types. Experience will go a long way when it comes to tuning and servicing your machines.
Machines come with various coil sizes. Eight wrap coils are primarily used for outlines when using smaller needle groups. Ten wrap coils are recommended for 8 + needle grouping. Ten wrap is fine for shading machines using smaller needle groups and 12 for the larger magnum sizes. If you can afford to buy more than one machine, be sure you have one on the lower end and one on the higher end so you are able to handle all types of needle groups.
If you have the opportunity, hold the machine in your hand and see how you like the feel and the weight of the tattoo machine. Some artists prefer the heavier machine because they say it the weight helps keeping their lines straight and even.
Machine choices are an individual choice. Some people prefer a heavier machine while others prefer a lighter feel. Chances are you will purchase machines you will later regret in your quest to find your favorite and best performing machine. This type of progression is normal in any craft and tattooing also follows this same progression.
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