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Tattooing is a unique craft, and to get top-notch results, you will need the best coil tattoo machines. With the advancement in technology, these machines have become more versatile, precise, and sturdy. There is a variety of beginner and professional coil tattoo machines available in the market, which can get you easily confused that which one of the best for you.
Here we have everything you need to know about this old-school beast and how you can pick the best ones.
Sharp and clear contours are the reason coil machines are still the best. Compared to a rotary machine, the needle of the coil gun will stay in the skin for a longer duration. Therefore, pigment is properly distributed in the skin with these extra microseconds. Besides that, artists will not have to go over the design several times for proper color packing.
Benefits of using a coil machine
Some interesting benefits of utilizing a coil tattooing machine are.
Piercing skin is much easier and requires less effort.
Dense and fast shading for even large areas of the body.
Coil machines are more affordable than rotary guns because they have minimal components. Moreover, their manufacturing is cheap as well.
Stroke power and needle frequency have a specific adjustment.
How We Selected Our Top Coil Tattooing Guns
Here are some of the things we considered to shortlist our top picks.
Smooth movements
Precision
Ergonomic spring
The prominence of design
Durable material
No heat and no noise
Lightweight comfort
Top 5 Best Coil Tattoo Machines 2023 – Reviews
Here are our top picks with detailed reviews to help you select the best one.
It is very important for professional tattoo artist to get a proper tool. If you are a professional and looking for a high-quality built tattoo machine, you might want to consider buying this one. It has a CNC cut billet brass frame fitted with a standard tube and shade running capacity 115-120Hz with 7-8V. Moreover, liner running capacity 140-150Hz with 7-8V.
Are you a beginner and looking for a tattoo kit that would help you learn more about making tattoos? This beginner tattoo kit will play an important role if you buy it. Besides that, you get 4 pro tattoo machine guns in the package with shade and liner. Moreover, LCD digital tattoo power supply has a foot pedal and clips cord. As well as, you get 28 popular tattoo ink color bottles of 5mg.
If you know how to make a tattoo and now are looking for a tattoo gun that would help you make tattoos perfectly, you might want to consider these 8 wrap coils tattoo gun. Moreover, 8 wrap coils make a good frame and a good liner. Besides that, you have to tune the tattoo gun without much struggle, and the tube grip is great so you can have a firm hand on it.
It comes with a 2pcs coil tattoo gun and 10 coils suitable for liner and shader. Moreover, this tattoo kit comes with 2 tattoo guns, 1 tattoo power supply, 1 clip cord, 1-foot pedal, 2 tattoo grip, 2 tattoo tubes, 30 tattoo needles, and much more. Therefore, all these accessories will help you save money and work on your tattooing skills.
We like that it has everything like a tattoo machine, tattoo powder, supply, tattoo inks, foot pedal, and all the required items for making a tattoo. Besides that, the 10 coils for both liner and shaders work quite silently on your skin. Moreover, we can connect the liner and shader machine simultaneously with the dual control power supply feature.
The Best Coil Tattoo Machines – Detailed Buying Guide 2023
Apart from the technical features, there are other specifications that you need to consider to find the best coil guns. A machine should be not only lightweight but also easy to handle. Besides that, its type, grip, durability, frame, and spring quality also require your attention.
What Is Coil Tattoo Machine?
The needle grouping works through an electromagnetic circuit in a coil tattooing gun. The current passes through two coils that create sound and vibrations. Thus, it triggers movement of the armature bar, which creates a hammer-like motion. It releases the springs, due to which needles insert the ink by smoothly poking into the skin.
How Does A Coil Tattoo Machine Work?
Coil machines have a very simple working mechanism which is fascinating. Various parts join together to form a coil gun. Here are a few of them.
Spring
Armature bar
Wrap coils
Electromagnetic current will pass through star-shaped coils once you attach your machine with a power supply. It will trigger an armature bar that will start the release and draw mechanism. Using hammering motion armature bar will tap the needle with a spring to allow the artist to draw tattoos.
What To Look For When Buying Coil Tattoo Machine
Here we have a list of things you need to look for before buying your first coil machine.
Frame: You need to pay attention to what feels right in your hand. If you need stable handiwork, it will be better to go for an iron or brass machine because of their heavy weight. At the same time, you can pick aluminum or zinc coil guns if you do not want your hands to tire. Besides that, the coil machine frame should have reliable heat diffusion to not heat it even when you have to use it for long hours.
Coil wraps: Always pick a coil machine with iron or bobbin core with 8 to 12 wraps. Moreover, the vertical force and speed of the machine are determined by the wraps of the coil. A high-quality machine will not have gaps in its wire. If there is opaque insulation in wraps or fewer coils, it indicates that the machine is not high quality.
Spring: The main difference between the shader and liner machine is the spring length. Besides that, the shader always has a longer spring than the liner. Therefore, you can pick one or both, depending on your tattooing style.
Grip: Always prefer an ergonomic grip because it is soft against the skin and easier to work with. Moreover, a comfortable grip will allow you to focus on your design without tiring your hands.
How To Use Good Coil Tattoo Machines
When using a coil gun for the first time, it is always better to follow the instructions given in the manual. Once you set up your device, here is how you can use it.
Adjust the voltage of your device according to your shading or linin requirements. Moreover, 7 – 8 volts will be ideal for contouring or lining. Besides that, 8 – 12 volts will be perfect for shading.
Once the needle starts moving, assure that you have a firm grip on the machine. It will allow you to get the best results every time.
While working, make sure you do not damage the machine’s coil. Besides that, do not let your device get wet in any form.
How To Setup Coil Tattoo Gun
There are two types of settings for a coil machine. Here is how you can manage it.
1- Basic Setup And Assembly
You need to carefully connect the pedal and power supply. Moreover, assemble the body of the machine with a holder. To secure the needle bar with a rubber band, tighten its screws. Besides that, adjust the tension screw so you can achieve a clean sound whenever you operate your device.
2- Fine Tuning
You will have to change the following specifications of your device to achieve fine-tuning.
The force of spring compression.
Stroke length.
Set balance point of gap.
Select accurate bandage gum for tension.
Adjust another air gap by tightening contact screws. This gap is between the bottom surface and the front coil.
How To Troubleshoot Your Tattoo Machine
Sometimes you will notice that it is getting hard to use your coil machine properly. You will need to find the issue and resolve it yourself in this situation. Your clients will not like to wait while trying to fix your device. Thus, to help you out here, we have some common problems and how you can quickly troubleshoot them.
Grip problems: Grips of machines are often loose. Chances are you did not tighten the hex bolt properly, or the thumbscrew is not in the right place due to improper tension. Therefore, add a washer that will help you tighten your hex bolt.
The needle is not moving: The back spring of your device may be creating some issues due to which the needle is not moving properly. All you have to do is adjust the back and front spring’s tension. After that, tune the armature bar and the needle will start working just fine.
Spring issues: If your device is working at a maximum voltage, you may deal with spring issues. There may be a problem with the unit or spring. Quickly disassemble your device and fine-tune it so you can accurately adjust tension get movements of springs back.
Configuration of voltage: Assure that tension between springs and armature bar is not too much. In such a situation, your device will heat up. Therefore, you have to tune it properly so when you are changing voltages, your device will not heat up, and you will not have to worry about losing power.
Our Verdict
DragonHawk Straight Shader Circle Liner is a brass coil tattoo machine loved by our editor. Its lightweight design and precise lining will provide you with extraordinary results that will amaze your clients. Moreover, low vibrations make it easy to handle and work with. Practice will help you master your skill and become the best artist.
The Coil Tattoo Machines – FAQs
Q: How To Differentiate Between Shader Or Liner Machine?
A: It is really simple to differentiate between a shader or liner machine. The machine with the longer front spring is a shader, while the shorter spring is the liner.
Q: Is It Possible To Use Shader As A Liner?
A: Yes, you can use a shader as a liner, but you may not get excellent results.
Q: Are There Different Types Of Coil Machines?
A: Three types of coil machines are available. These are shader, liner, and color packer.
Q: What Can I Do If Needle Is Not Working?
A: If the needle stops moving up and down, there are chances that back spring tension is not working properly. Thus, you have to tune it again to maintain proper bending tension in the spring so the needles can move accurately.
