Taking the classic route to make skin art? Then you need the best coil tattoo machine to get you started.
As the traditional coil tattoo machine used in modern tattooing, it’s not surprising that even with the many alternatives available, artists are still trying their hand with such equipment. They may have their own drawbacks but they’re still the more established tool for the job, so they have this compelling appeal to those who are interested in the art.
If you want to know more about the best coil tattoo machines, this buying guide is for you. We’ll touch various areas related to these coil tattoo machines, so you can expect to learn everything you need about them.
Rotary Tattoo Machines Vs Coil Tattoo Machines
At face value, when you compare coil and rotary tattoo machines, the former may seem a bit outdated and old-fashioned. While it’s partly true since it’s heavier and trickier to handle, the rotary tattoo machine still more highly preferred by many professional tattoo artists today. Why? Because of rotary machines are easy to control, precision, and the intricate line work.
Rotary machines are more lightweight and friendlier for beginners to use but those who want to up their tattoo game usually shift to tattoo coil machines sooner or later for the said reasons. The fact alone that you’ll find the best coil tattoo machines that are different from a good shading machine guarantees that this type of equipment will let you get the exact results you need.
Let’s start with the Buying Guide.
5 Best Coil Tattoo Machines on the Market
To further establish what these tools really are, here’s our roundup of the best coil tattoo machines today. By looking closer at these high quality tattoo machines, you’ll get a better idea of what a coil tattoo machine is and what to expect from the best coil tattoo machines available. Check out our buying guide
1. Pirate Face Complete Tattoo Coil Machine – Best Coil Tattoo Machines for Beginners
Let’s start off with what many consider as the best coil tattoo machines tattoo kit, the Pirate Face Coil Machine Tattoo Kit Grinder. While it’s marketed to professional tattoo artist of all skill levels, it gained a lot of attention from newbies.
Quick Summary
- Brass frame build quality
- 4 10 wrap tattoo coil machines
- 1 power supply
- 1 Foot Pedal
- 1 carrying case
- 50 liner and shader tattoo needles
- 4 machine barrels/grips
- 8 stainless steel tips
- 27 disposable tips
- 7 Radiant Colors inks
- 1 stencil transfer paper
- 1 practice skin
- 1 tattoo ink holder
- 1 pair disposable gloves
- 100 ink cups
What makes it one of the best coil tattoo machines for beginners is the fact that machine comes to with all of the auxiliary tools and accessories to get the job done. It even comes with an instructional book that will tell you all about the basics of tattooing so it can really be a handy resource for those who are just starting out in the tattoo industry. These take out the fussiness from getting started in learning tattooing with coil tattoo machine.
It has also surprised many with its performance. For its low price, some folks expected that they might need to adjust and compromise a little but there’s not a lot of need for that with the Pirate Face Grinder Tattoo Kit. Its 10- wrap coils are powerful enough to provide great output, especially when handled by someone who knows how to work such tattoo coil machines in terms of liner shader.
1. Complete Coil Kit
With its long list of inclusions, it shouldn’t be too surprising that the Grinder Tattoo Kit is a complete tattoo gun kit. It has everything like power supply, foot pedal, and clip cord, so you don’t have to look around for additional accessories or tools.
2. Affordable Price
The Pirate Face Grinder Kit is very affordable price as well. For 4 brass coil tattoo machines and a good load of accessories, its price is already quite the steal.
3. Versatility
The coil tattoo machine isn’t known for being versatile but the Grinder can be put in this single-use tattoo tubes for coil machines. How? The brass coil tattoo machines included in this tattoo gun kit are not necessarily designated as liner and shader but you can tune them as such, therefore giving you more control over your equipment.
4. Good for Starters
While coil tattoo machines aren’t the friendliest coil machines for newbies in general, the Grinder Kit might be a solid choice since it comes with beginners’ resources like the book Basic Fundamentals Of Modern Tattoo by Charles Jordan and the Welcome to Tattoo DVD.
- Has everything that you need to get started right away
- Comes with Radiant Colors tattoo inks that are made in South America
- Comes with a nice instructional book for beginners
- Affordable
- Solid performance
- Versatile brass coil tattoo machines
- Some experienced power supply issues
- Coil Machines can hit too hard without proper control
2. Dragonhawk Complete Coil Machine Kit- Best Coil Cheap Tattoo Machine
From one of the more popular affordable tattoo supply manufacturers comes our second pick, the Dragonhawk Complete coil Tattoo Kit. Like the tattoo coil machine above, this set offers 4 coil tattoo machines, each made for specific functionality. You’ll get a conventional liner, power liner, soft shader, and color packer tattoo coil machines of liner shader and more for a very friendly price tag.
Quick Summary
- 4 coil tattoo machines for conventional lining, power lining, soft shading, and color packing
- Brass frames tattoo gun
- Digital Dragonhawk power supply
- Immortal tattoo Ink
- 50 sterile tattoo needles
- Transfer paper
- Foot pedal
- Carrying case with key
- Practice skin
- Tattoo gun grips
- Ink Cups
- It comes with a needle bar retainer
- Free tattoo learning videos and several tattoo designs and an online guideline has come with this tattoo tool kit
- Other accessories
The best thing of dragonhawk complete coil tattoo kit is its solid performance. This liner machine makes it one of the best cheap one available since its rather robust and very reliable despite its very low price.
In addition to the coil tattoo machines, you’ll also get everything like power supply, foot pedal, and clip cord to get started in tattooing – from the machine’s accessories to inks and practice skins. So if you don’t want to make separate purchases or you wish to start tattooing right away, this shader coil machine can be a solid choice.
1. Coil tattoo Machines are Designed with Gabe Shum
Guaranteeing that these coil tattoo guns are perfectly useful for tattoo artist of all skill levels is the fact that it’s designed with the help of a globally-renowned tattoo artist, Gabe Shum. Based in Hong Kong, he’s inked global celebs and is also deemed as one of the region’s most inspired professional tattoo artists. With his expertise combined with Dragonhawk’s manufacturing tattooing experience, you can be sure that these lining machines will deliver great results.
2. Quality Guaranteed
All of Dragonhawk’s coil tattoo guns are checked manually by workers to ensure that everything works well and accordingly. This means that you can rest assured that you’ll get a reliable liner and shader machine with your purchase.
3. Budget-Friendly
As mentioned above, Dragonhawk is a well-known budget-friendly brand so you can expect the same thing from this liner tattoo kit.
- 100% money back guarantee
- high accuracy and stable tattoo session
- From a trusted and reliable manufacturer
- Made in the South America inks are also vegan-friendly
- Designed with the help of a famous tattoo artist
- Won’t vibrate during the tattooing session
- A great budget pick
- Suitable for beginner skill level person
- Simple to operate
- Vague list of inclusions
- Power supply might not be as durable as many want it to be
3. Dragonhawk 2pcs Coil Machine- Best Coil Professional Tattoo Machines
Not in need of a beginner’s kit? Then check out the Dragonhawk 2pcs Brass Coils Tattoo Machine. As its name suggests, it’s a 2-piece tattoo gun kit that will help you get started with best coil tattoo machines as it comes with liner and shader unit. So if you don’t really need a lot of accessories to go with your “tattoo starter kit” in using coil machines, this liner tattoo machine can be worth looking into.
Quick Summary
- CNC billet brass frame with brass finish as well as brass posts and contact screw and provides perfect surface treatment
- 8- wrap coils liner
- 10- wrap coils
- Lifetime guarantee
Compared to the other Dragonhawk tattoo coil machine listed above, this seems like a pricier best option since it only comes with two coils items. But since the best coil tattoo machines themselves are a step up from the beginner models, it makes a lot of sense that it’s priced a bit higher. It’s very much worth the investment, however, as its performance can be compared to more expensive models’.
1. Solid Build quality
Since this best coil tattoo liner and shader machine is made with CNC-cut billet brass, you can expect its accuracy and durability. Since billet brass is also resistant to corrosion, you can expect these coil machines to last you a while.
2. Suitably Set Up
As you will notice, the two coil tattoo machines are distinctly different from each machine. The liner coil tattoo machine is an 8 wrap coils and the shader is a 10 coil wraps. These are the most common and standard varieties for the said purposes so they can give you exactly what you need from them.
3. High quality Upgrade Options
If you’re looking for a high quality affordable upgrade for your starter tattoo gun, this tattoo gun can be the best coil tattoo machines pick since it’s performance is at the intermediate level already. It can further hone your tattooing skills without breaking the bank.
- High accuracy and stable tattoo session
- Solid build guarantees great design and durability
- Performance is comparable to more expensive models
- Powerful setup
- An upgrade from beginner models
- Very affordable
- Can be a bit heavy
4. Yuelong- Best Coil Tattoo Machines Brands
If you’re after the professional shader coil tattoo machine, give the Yuelong Tattoo Machines 2 Brass Professional Coil Tattoo Machine liner a try. This tattoo coil machine may not necessarily be from one of the most or the best coil tattoo machines right now but it’s proving to be a best option for its solid performance.
Quick Summary
- The material is the unique selling point
- Brass frame with standard tube vise fittings
- Works on casting technology that creates simple and smooth lines
- Comes with a convenient contact screw
- 10 wrap coils liner, 7-8V rating that runs at 115-120 Hz
- 8-wrap coils liner, 7-8V rating that runs at 140-150 Hz
Featuring a lovely brass frame that gives it a nice vintage vibe, this best coil tattoo machine for liner, shader work is also a set of 2 like the Dragonhawk tattoo coil machine listed above. One is an 8- wrap coils liner and the other is a 10 wrap coils shader. Both promise accuracy, stable working speed, and high quality that will keep it from overheating even after 8 hours of continuous use.
1. Affordable
As one would expect from an emerging tattoo gun manufacturer from China, Yuelong comes with a very friendly price tag. It’s not necessarily as cheap as the ones in the tattoo kits mentioned above but it’s still very affordably priced for the kind of materials and construction it offers. This makes it a solid pick for many.
2. Solid Build
Made from brass, you can also count on this machine liner Yuelong tattoo gun to last you a while. Its corrosion-resistant trait will help you rest assured that it can take on the tasks required from such equipment.
3. Easy Handling
As 10 wrap coil tattoo machines aren’t exactly known for quick results, this coil tattoo machine is designed to be handled nicely for long hours. It has a stable working speed and high strength. It’s also made in a way that will keep it from overheating even when used for hours on end.
- Attractive vintage design
- Steady handling
- Will not overheat even when used for long hours
- Great price
- Rear binding post is short
- Not a lot of info about the tattoo gun is available online
5. Redscorpion Cast Iron Liner Coil Tattoo- best coil liner tattoo machine
Another hidden gem that pleasantly surprised many tattooists is the best coil tattoo machine consider as Redscorpion Cast Iron liner machine 8 Wrap Coils for Tattoo. This affordable cast iron liner coil tattoo machine pick is so good that many agree that it’s possibly one of the best coil tattoo machines for lining and shading.
Quick Summary
- Cast iron frame
- Precision line cut iron frame
- This is very handy so your hand veins will not get tired
- 8- wrap coils and it can push needle groupings up to size 15
- 28mm height solenoid valve technology
- 33 µF capacitor
- Speed Armature Bar
What makes redscorpion cast iron liner so great is its accuracy. With a iron frame that is made with a precision line cut, this coil tattoo machine was crafted with exactitude in mind. As a result, tattoo artists get the exact results they want, proving it to be very easy to work with as well.
Aside from being spot on, this coil tattoo machine is also very consistent. Thanks to its high magnetic and electric conductivity, you don’t have to worry about it cutting in and out.
1. Easy Setup
The most common praise this redscorpion cast iron liner tattoo machine got from various users is how easy it is to set up. Just some tuning and tightening of screws and this coil tattoo machine is already good to go. Some even go as far to say as it’s nicely tuned straight out of the box. This is a good sign for its reliability and performance.
2. Accuracy
Aside from its quick setup, the Red Scorpion cast iron liner coil tattoo machine is also well known for its accuracy. Its Precision Line tattooing process and cut frame makes it possible for the device to create very accurate dimensions which also makes it easier to handle and control.
3. Great Choice of Materials
Made from cast iron, this cast iron liner coil tattoo machine has excellent magnetic and electric conductivity. As a result, it doesn’t cut in and out so you can always expect to get clean, smooth, and exact lines of tattoo design.
4. budget Friendly
On top of redscorpion cast iron liner great performance, this best starter tattoo machine is very affordable. The cast iron liner coil tattoo machine might not come with other coil tattoo machine but it’s still worth the investment because it offers the best coil tattoo machines value for the money.
- Superb magnetic and electrical conductivity
- High accuracy and stable tattoo session
- Consistently and therefore results in a smoother needle motion
- Comparable performance to higher-end coil tattoo machines
- Easy to set up
- Doesn’t overheat
- Has a larger contact gap and a low saturation level
- Can be a bit heavy
6. Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Machine- best coil shader tattoo machines
As its name suggests, we choose the Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Machine Tattoo Power Supply Needles 20 Inks L3 as our pick for the best coil tattoo machines today. It might not seem like much based on the amount of electronics on the list but it still suits the description perfectly.
Quick Summary
- Brass frame build quality
- Several accessories are available with this shader coil tattoo kit to make your tattooing session comfortable
- Two coils tattoo machines for lining and shading
- Ink Cups
- 10 wrap coils
- LED power supply
- Practice skin
It’s a complete kit since it comes with 2 coil tattoo machines for lining and shading, a power supply, and almost everything you need to start tattooing. So in terms of the tattoo machine set up, this is a complete set. It even comes with practice skin, so you can really start tattooing as soon as your order arrives at your front door.
1. Lots of supplies included
While this tattoo kit may not contain lots of tattoo machines like the other Dragonhawk pick listed above, you can still say that this comes with a lot of stuff. The machine starter kit may be pretty basic but its inclusions are plenty.
For starters it comes with 20 bottles of inks with different colors. This machine liner alone is already a treat since the starter kit is very affordable. While some folks do not recommend using them on the skin, they can still come in handy for beginners and experienced tattoo artists alike. You can always use them on practice skins and fruits anyway.
2. Very affordable
Lots of buyers of this very item get this tattoo coil machine for its low price thinking that it’s a nice practice equipment. They are often proved correct and even blown away as these Dragonhawk machines deliver good results. most people don’t really expect much from cheap picks nowadays, so this coil machine is quite a breath of fresh air. It will give you solid results without hurting your wallet.
3. Solid build
Despite the affordable price tag, the machines and supplies included in this tattoo kit are nicely constructed. This is exactly what Dragonhawk is known for, so it shouldn’t be too surprising. It’s still worth mentioning, however, since it’s the tattoo machine brands major draw.
- 100% money back guarantee
- Easy to set up
- Has a strong brass binding post
- Works on casting technology
- Smooth and reliable performance
- Includes lots of supplies
- Very affordable
- Reliable performance
- Tattoo ink is said to be only for practicing
- No carrying case included
- Some experienced issues with the power supply
7. DragonHawk Complete Tattoo Kit Machines Y-017- best brand coil tattoo machine
Want a best coil tattoo machine for its great performance but the thought of having to master the use of multiple machines as a beginner seems daunting to you? This is understandable, so make sure to check out Dragonhawk’s Complete Tattoo Kit Machines Color Inks Power Supply Y-017.
Quick Summary
- Brass frame build quality
- 1 coil tattoo machine for both lining and shading
- Made from aircraft aluminum
- It has great power strength
- 1 power supply
- Foot pedal
- Transfer paper
- Clip cord connection
- Accessories and supplies
- 4 bottles of tattoo inks
This tattoo kit features a coil tattoo machine that can both line and shade so it’s a different breed of device from many on this list. This makes it quite an interesting buy as it will let you enjoy the benefits of a rotary tattoo machine while getting the performance of a coil machine.
1. Performance of a coil tattoo machine with the versatility of a rotary machine
At first glance, this shader and liner complete tattoo kit may not seem like much since it only comes with one coil tattoo machine. These machine types usually come in pairs as coil tattoo machines tend to have specific purposes. Having just one machine in the starter kit does not really guarantee that you can do everything you need to complete designs that require coloring and shading.
That’s not the case with this shader and liner complete tattoo kit, however, because its coil tattoo machine can line and shade. Like rotary tattoo machines, it’s rather versatile. With its wide functionality, it can already do everything you need to complete most designs.
Another benefit this liner and shader machine offers is that you don’t have to get used to handling multiple tattooing machines. This machine liner can be a less overwhelming method to learn for many beginners. So instead of getting the hang of using different devices, you just need to find the right settings on your power supply to get the results you need.
2. Great bang for your buck
What makes this best coil tattoo machine a lot more attractive to lots of users is its very friendly price tag. This shader and liner complete tattoo kit is possibly the most affordable on this list.
With its dependable performance and versatility, it certainly offers great bang for your buck. As a result, many consider it to be a strong contender for the best coil tattoo machines in the market.
- 100% money back guarantee
- High accuracy and stable tattoo session
- Comes with lots of accessories and supplies
- High quality tattoo machine
- Great brass finish
- Highly versatile
- Perfect for beginners
- Machine handles well and performs smoothly
- Great value for the money
- No carrying case included
- Power supply might need replacing in the future
Buyers’ Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Choose the best coil machine tattoo
for You
After getting to know the ideal picks for coil tattoo machines, there are still quite a number of details that you have to know in order to make the best coil tattoo machines liner work pick. To help you cover all of your bases, here are some of the most crucial buying guide points that should help you with your search.
How to Know if You Need a Coil Tattoo Machine?
If it’s up to us, we believe that every tattoo artist should give coil tattoo machines a shot. Even if they’re a bit more challenging to coil tattoo gun work with, the experience will be worth it. You can certainly learn a lot about your skills, techniques, style, and preferences if you give these devices a go. You might even find out that they can be a better fit for you as an artist, so they’re definitely worth looking into.
Types of Coil Tattoo Machines
The first topic that we want to discuss is the different types of coil tattoo machines that are available today. In general, there are three: liners, shaders, and color packers. Their name explains their purpose so they’re quite easy to differentiate.
However, there are still a few sub-types out there, especially for liners. They can be conventional liners or power liners, it’s up to you to choose which one to get.
It’s important to get all the different types of tattoo machines as they all work differently. Sure, some machines are versatile and can work for both lining and shading but if you want precision, opting for separate units could be a better choice.
What is the Popular Brand for Coil Tattoo Machine?
There are actually lots of best coil tattoo machines brands for a coil tattoo machine that choosing just one is nearly impossible. There are quite a few options for every price point as well. However, as our list above proves, Dragonhawk is certainly one of them.
How to Use a Coil Tattoo Machine
Using a coil tattoo machine can be rather tricky, especially if you’re a first-timer. It’s different from using other kinds of illustration tools as it’s not necessarily shaped and works like a pen. Sure, there is a grip where you can hold itlike you would a pen but the heft and vibration of the main unit require some getting used to.
If you’re curious as to how you should use a coil tattoo machine to help you decide whether such equipment is a good match for you, here are the basic steps that you should need to know:
- Prepare yourself for the tune assembly around the armature bar. Wash your hands thoroughly and wear latex gloves to prevent harmful bacteria from getting into the coil tattoo machine and especially the needles.
- Prepare the parts. Check the needles and make sure they’re sterilized, from an unopened package, and without any flaws. If they’re bent or damaged, don’t use them as they can cause unnecessary skin damage.
- Assemble the unit properly. Follow its manual’s instructions to make sure that you’ll put it together properly.
- Make sure to set the proper needle length. This will help you get the results you want. Most experts recommend setting it to 0.04 to 0.07 inches.
- Add elastic or rubber bands to the shader or liner coil tattoo machine if you want it to vibrate less.
- Hook it up to a power supply and you’re ready to go.
How to Choose the best tattoo coils machine?
The trickiest thing when shopping for a coil tattoo machine is in choosing just one out of the many best tattoo machines available. There are lots of amazing choices out there, especially on paper. So how do you make a choice? Here are a few crucial pointers that can help you.
Always read reviews
Reviews offer insight and accounts of people who actually used the tattoo gun so they’re great sources of information that you won’t find in marketing materials and online listings. They’re not foolproof as some can be fake but it’s not impossible to find reliable feedback. You just need to compare coil or rotary tattoo machine and be discerning about the tone of the review and its content and you can be sure to get something out of tattoo gun feedback.
Consider your needs and preferences
As mentioned before, the coil tattoo machine comes in different shapes and sizes so you should also look into those details when choosing one. If you’re on the big side, opt for something with bigger grips and accessories. If you’re small, go for smaller ones. This way, you can be sure that your shader and liner tattoo machine will be manageable easy to handle.
Keep in mind the functionality of the coil machine as well. The liner coil tattoo machine is often different from the coil shader coil tattoo machine, so you should also know what you need before you start the tattoo studio.
Only go for something made with high quality materials
The material of your equipment is also essential if you want it to perform well and last a while. For tattoo machines, brass, copper, and cast iron are highly recommended because of various reasons.
Brass is corrosion resistant so it tends to last long. Cast iron is highly conductive so it boosts the performance of the liner tattoo machine. Keep such details in mind and you’ll surely find a great match.
What Makes a Good Coil Tattoo Machine?
If you want to be absolutely sure that you’ll end up with the tattoo machine, look at its performance. If it’s accurate, then you’re good. Accuracy is a must if you want to gain full control over your device so you should make sure to look for something with this trait.
Quality is a must, too, as these devices tend to work for long hours. If it’s made of poor build quality and materials then its performance will be greatly affected, too.
Who Should Get the Coil Tattoo Machine?
Anyone who is interested and willing to put in the work to master the use of the coil tattoo machine will find it beneficial to get one. When it comes to this device, it’s not really about who should get it but who will have the zeal for it.
Despite its popularity, are not the easiest kind of coil tattoo machine to work with. They require some refined skill to use effectively. They can be a bit tricky to handle, so those who are not patient enough to master their operation might find them difficult to use. However, once you learn the ropes, they will prove to be excellent tools to work with.
Guide to Replacing Coil Tattoo Machine Parts
One of the reasons why a lot of professionals stick with coil tattoo machines is the fact that you can easily swap out their parts for better ones. In fact, some tattoo artists like to put together the parts of different coil tattoo machines, as if making their own version of Frankenstein, in order to achieve the results they want. It’s possible and can be quite easy to do if you know what you should do.
The process of replacing coil tattoo machine parts depends largely on the very part you wish to swap out. It’s best machine to look specifically into the procedure that you wish to take on so you can know how exactly what you have to do. There are many step-by-step guides and tutorials online that can assist you in this task, so you don’t have to worry about finding the information you need.
How Coil Tattoo Machine Springs Work
If you want to better understand how coil tattoo machines work, you should also look into the functionalities of every part. One major component of such equipment are the springs.
The springs of coil tattoo machines have the following purposes:
- Help complete the circuit to turn the coils into an electromagnet.
- Work as a shock absorber for the armature bar
- Regulates the needle movement.
- The back spring puts tension on the front spring to make sure that it gets to complete its task.
How to Care for Your coil tattoo machine for Long Life Use?
Maintaining a coil tattoo machine requires a bit more work than with rotary machines but they’re definitely worth it. Follow these tips and your tattoo machine might just last you years and years.
- Follow the maintenance tips recommended by the manufacturer. They know what their coil tattoo machines need, so take note and follow their recommendations.
- Clean your coil tattoo machine after use, even if you bag your coil tattoo machine, it’s still crucial to clean it right after for hygiene and safety purposes as well as to avoid corrosion.
- Follow the tattoo gun setup instructions for your coil tattoo machine to the dot. You don’t want to make a mistake in its assembly and damage it carelessly.
- Understand how your coil tattoo machine works. This way, you’ll be able to easily spot issues so you can remedy it right away and not overwork your device unknowingly.
FAQS
Picking the Best Tattoo Coil Machine for You
To be quite honest, if you know what you’re looking for in a tattoo gun, you’ll be able to easily find the coil tattoo machine for you. Tattoo machines for beginners models are very different from intermediate and professional ones as our list above can show you, so you just need to pay attention to know which ones will suit you best coil tattoo machines.
But if we’re to choose just one, we’ll have to pick the Dragonhawk 2pcs Brass Coil Tattoo Machine. This set is the best coil tattoo machines for beginners and intermediate users alike so it will suit a lot of people’s needs. It’s also designed for accuracy, so you can count on it to be highly manageable and easy to work with.
How about you? Using our buying guide and everything you’ve learned from our tips, we hope you get to find the perfect match for your needs and requirements.