Tattoos have now become all the rage and so has the demand for tattoo artists. If you have a passion for the art, you are probably looking for the right tattoo machine to kick start your hobby or career. Every tattoo artist faces this dilemma of finding the right machine when they start off. This is because a lot depends on the tattoo machine you use and so it is important for you to find the right kind to master your art. We have here 5 best tattoo machines for beginners in the market right now.
Best Tattoo Machine for Beginners Reviews
Without further ado, here are the 5 best picks of starter tattoo guns.
1. Dragonhawk 2 Tattoo Kit – Best Overall Beginner Tattoo Machine
DragonHawk is dedicated to manufacturing unique tattoo machines to meet different artistic requirements. Their latest Dragonhawk 2 Tattoo Kit is without a doubt one of their top-rated merchandise. It features a full set of equipment, including 10 tattoo inks, foot medal, grips, machines, energy provide, and needles.
Their tattoo inks are clinically tested and safe on the skin. It comes with two separate tattoo machines for lining and shading purposes, so that you don’t have to take the tool apart every time you want to switch from lining to shading and vice versa.
It has a high-elastic and anti-fatigue copper coil spring to make sure you don’t tire out during long hours of work on clients. The machine itself is made of superior composite material, making it sturdy and durable. Additionally, the digital energy comes with a foot pedal and clip twine for fast and correct voltage or make activation changes.
With a clean and consistent energy output, you can enhance the reliability and effectiveness of your tattoo machine. Overall, this is a great choice for new tattoo artists out there.
Pros
- Features 2 tattoo guns for lining and shading
- High-elastic and anti-fatigue spring for long working hours
- Fast and correct activation
Cons
- Tattoo ink may not be the best quality
- Power supply can be fussy sometimes
2. Solong Tattoo TK459 – The Runner Up
If you don’t want to spend too much on your first tattoo gun yet you want something highly effective, then the TK459 Pro Tattoo Kit from Solong is your perfect choice. This one comes with quite an impressive collection of professional equipment for a beginner tattoo kit. As a matter of fact, this kit can help you kick start your first freelancing job as a tattoo artist.
It has an LCD power supply complete with clips word and foot pedal to make it easier for you to control the voltage for more accuracy. The complete set includes 100 cups for ink, 60 tattoo tips, 50 needles, 10 tattoo grips, and a bunch of cool accessories for you to play around with.
Other items included in the set are 1 case made of aluminum alloy and 1 paper manual to help you jump start. The kit has a CE certification and a warranty of 1 year. Remember to work the tattoo kit under 12V to protect the machine and power supply.
Pros
- Comes with a manual that is easy to understand
- Excellent both for shading and lining
- Ink comes in optimistic colors for reliability
Cons
- Must use oil afterward in order to prevent overheating
- Multiple needles have barbs which can be dangerous
3. ITATOO Tattoo Kit for Beginners – Best Budget Tattoo Machine
If budget is an issue for you yet you don’t want to compromise on quality, look no further than ITATOO tattoo kit. With proper care, this device will stick around and serve you for years. It is also cost-effective, which means you can afford to mess up a few times without burning a hole in your pocket.
We especially love that it has a beginner-friendly DVD manual with detailed instructions on how to work your tattoo kit along with a practice skin to hone your skills. It has a case complete with keys for safe storage and security especially when you are traveling with it.
This kit comes with two ready-to-use tattoo guns, EO sterilized tattoo tips, needles, and some cool accessories. The big selling point for this product is that the manufacturer guarantees free replacement for all of their product items during warranty.
Pros
- Provides a heavy-duty case for storage
- Comes with a DVD with detailed instructions
- Free practice skin
Cons
- Can be quite a challenge to assemble
- May take some time to tune
4. Wormhole TK035 Complete Tattoo Kit
Here is another affordable tattoo kit for newbies. Let’s face it; you can’t expect an inexpensive, beginner-grade tattoo machine to be manufactured to perfection. The company is gracious enough to offer a guaranteed warranty on all of its items as well as the power supply. It also offers professional online guidance to set up the kit, besides the free instructional video and a series of tattoo designs for inspiration.
This kit is a dual-purpose machine and is designed to be used both for shader and line. The power kernel in this kit comes upgraded, with an increased power life so that the tattoo machine does not spark easily and is safe in the hands of a first-timer.
The clip line and foot pedal provide accurate and fast power for activation. The digital LED power is strong enough to output stable voltage continuously. The value kit includes 3 pro tattoo machine kit, 10 tattoo inks, needle mouth, 30 tattoo needles, power supply, foot pedal, clamp, ink cap, o-ring shock absorber, pin pad, rubber band, handle, practice skin, color cup, Allen key set, disposable gloves, and more. The set pretty much includes everything that any beginner tattoo artist would need to kick start their career.
Pros
- Entire kit is delicately wrapped and is perfect for gifts
- Complete tattoo kit set with no additional purchases required
- Strong and easy to use power supply
Cons
- Takes time to assemble the kit
- Tattoo inks are not the best quality
5. Chiitek Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners
The Chiitek tattoo kit is designed for beginners and hobbyists. It has a professional online guide for setting up the kit, along with free videos on tattooing, and several tattoo design ideas to inspire you.
This is a complete tattoo machine kit that consists of all the tattoo supplies that you would need. It includes 2 pro tattoo guns – one for shading and the other for lining, 40 immortal tattoo inks, 10 wrap coils, 50 piece mix needles, aluminum tattoo grip, clip cord, power supply, foot pedal, grommets, rubber bands, o-rings, and many cool accessories. In total, you will get a whopping 351 tools in the set! Once you buy this, you don’t need to buy anything else.
This kit is made of high-quality composite material, with anti-fatigue features and high-elastic spring. It is driven by high power to puncture deep into the human skin, resulting in a lasting and vibrant tattoo color.
We love that the tattoo inks are vegan-friendly, vibrant, consistent, smooth, and most of all, trusted by customers across the country. The 50 tattoo needles include 9M1 7M1 5M1 9RS 7RS 5RS 9Rl 7RL #5RL and 3RL types. All 304 stainless steel tattoo needles are sterilized with ethylene oxide gas and are packed individually.
Pros
- Free replacement service along with one year warranty
- Comes with complete set of accessories, no additional purchases required
- Vegan-friendly!
Cons
- Tattoo ink that comes with the kit is only meant for Practice Skin
- Ink containers are a tad too small
Best Tattoo Gun for Beginners Buying Guide
If you are buying a tattoo machine for the first time, don’t worry because we’ve got your back. Here are three important elements you need to consider before you buy the best beginner tattoo guns on the market.
Know the Different Kinds of Tattoo Machines
There are roughly 4 different types of tattoo machines in the market and each machine has its unique functions and features. Make it a point to know all 4 kinds before making your purchase.
Below is a brief description of all 4 tattoo machines:
Coil Tattoo Art Machine
Coil tattoo machines are affordable and work at a slow pace, making them perfect for beginners as there is little room for errors.
Rotary Tattoo Machine
Rotary machines are powered by electric motors and weigh lighter than their coil counterparts. They work quickly and give a smooth finish, along with being very soft on the skin – you should still apply tattoo aftercare lotion, though!
This kit is beginner-friendly and causes less room for errors.
Pneumatic Tattoo Art Machine
These tattoo machines are the most luxurious you will find in the market right now. Needless to say, they are more on the expensive side.
They are more suitable for professional tattoo artists who have been in the art for quite some time now.
Linear Tattoo Art Machine
These tattoo kits are also affordable and are a great choice for beginners. You can use them to make easy liner tattoos.
Pick the Right Shape and Size
Another important factor is to find a tattoo gun that is appropriate for your skill level. If you are a beginner, do not buy the bigger ones. They may look impressive, but you will only end up wasting your money as it needs a certain level of experience and skill to be able to handle big tattoo guns.
Do not hesitate to check out several machines in the market before determining the right shape and size for you.
Do Your Research
As a beginner, it is imperative for you to do your bit of research with regards to the prices in the market and other features of the machine. Do not make the mistake of relying on other peoples’ advice because while they may mean well, what works for them will not always work for you. Every tattoo artist has his or her own unique style and skill level. Your job is to find out your unique style and find a machine that suits it.
Always compare prices and take the time to read the ratings and reviews from customers. Also, look into all the features that you are getting at that rate and make a comparison of other similar machines at that price range.
Do not compromise on quality but also do not make the mistake of paying too much money for an average quality product.
Best Tattoo Pen Machine FAQs
Here are three of the most frequently asked questions from beginners regarding tattoo pen machines:
How Do You Properly Tune a Tattoo Machine?
Step 1: Hold your tattoo gun up so that the coils are at the level of your eyes. Now press the armature bar, making sure there is about 1mm distance between the armature and the front coil.
Step 2: Detach the retaining bar from the contact screw and adjust the speed of your tattoo gun. Turn left to slow down and turn right to make it go faster.
Step 3: To make your strokes longer or shorter, adjust the spring tension.
What Speed Should a Tattoo Machine Run At?
The right speed of your tattoo machine will vary according to the work you are doing. For lining, 6 volts is the right speed. As for shading, you can set it at a slightly slower speed.
Can You Use a Liner Tattoo Machine for Shading?
Yes, you can, but you will have to take apart the tattoo machine to change the settings. This is why it is more convenient to use different machines for lining and shading.
Find the Best Beginner Tattoo Machine for You
In any case, it is advisable not to buy low quality tattoo equipment simply because they let you save a few extra bucks. Bad quality products can cause harm to your clients which can be dangerous. As much as possible, always look for high-quality products. There are so many high-quality options in the market that are available at affordable rates. Alternatively, you can check out our list of the best starter tattoo guns and determine the perfect kit for you.
