Iron Workhorse vs Workhorse Iron?

Hey, I have a somewhat odd question. I am a apprentice looking to get a set of tattoo machines and my mentor has given me several suggestions, so now I'm just looking to purchase with those in mind. I have a friend of a friend of a friend, so on and so forth, who's selling some gear. I asked him who manufactures the guns and he replied that he has one Iron WorkHorse and one light weight. Is there a difference between an Iron WorkHorse and a WorkHorse Iron? Also, I'm assuming when he says lightweight he is referring to the type of machine, not a manufacturer... or am I mistaken?

The first thing is IF you had a mentor you could ask him this question,second "GUNS" kill people...Please if you have any love for this great art pick up the sketch book and put down the machines...

I actually asked my mentor this morning. I was just posting at night to see if anything would come up before I had a chance to talk to him. He told me it could be a typo, or some sort of knockoff. We are going to have the seller bring the machines into the shop so he can have a look at them to see if they're worth purchasing. Was just wondering if anyone else has heard anything like this.

You're going to so laugh at yourself one day for asking this question. Lol

here's an option. ask your "mentor" if you can try his machines on some practice skins. If he has many different makes and models as many artists do it will help you determine which one feels better for you. A workhorse iron liner may feel and work great for you, but a workhorse shader may not. Why do you think we have so many different machines.

There are so many threads about machine that is sickening. Your mentor should have told you to worry about your art first and then about a machine. Iron Workhorse is a legit crap that twisted a well established name to make a buck. Workhorse Irons is a reputable company that won't sell to scratchers. Do yourself a favor and stay away from that shit. Also make sure that you are under a reputable mentor and not a scratcher with a retail space.

Hey I have a couple of these machines and they run good. But then again it is not the machine but how it is tuned and if you can run it properly. I always go through my machines and check them out. before I tattoo with them. good luck to you and your endevors.

i have one of those knock-offs. it was given to me. it's a fine piece of machinery. i was pissed when i found out that they ripped someone off. but, why make such a nice machine to take someone elses business? they could have stood on there own. after a year or so i put workhorse parts on it. WTF? anywho...

if you get an ironworkhorse, be careful with the vice screw. its made of iron and the threads will strip out if youre not careful. thats a good machine gone to waste.

i actually have an iron workhorse shader,i came upon it much by fluke,i use machines built by rich t at biknee tattoo supply,and if your looking for a nice,smooth running machine,rich builds awesome machines at an affordable price...... annnnnnnyway,i was tattooing at my buddys shop one nicht,broke a back spring on my shader,all my shit was at my shop,i grabbed my buddies iron workhorse shader and wow,it was a nice machine,a few weeks later i started investigating these iron workhorse machines and found one listed on ebay from australia that was only up to 52 bucks or some shit,and had no reserve and 5 mins to go,so i said what the hell,and i ended up purchasing my iron workhorse for 58 bucks,after shipping i think i had like 80 bucks in it,i set it up with a long stroke and use it as a color packer and love it,its one of my top 3 machines,go figure,i dont believe in ripping off another companies name but if u run across an iron workhorse cheap enough,grab it,you may get lucky like i did............

I've only used coils from Workhorse Irons. They worked fine. Now, I have bought several machines from Iron Workhorse, and had to change the armature bar and cap on the liners and springs on all of them. If you buy Iron Workhorse, you need to be able to set up your machine the way you want it. They are made out of awesome stuff and once I got them tuned, They've been great. If you find out how to get some of these Iron Workhorse, let me know. I can't find them anymore. www.myspace.com/thelinearedge

I know where they build IRON WORKHORSE machines. I know where to buy them. These machines may have started as knock off machines, but i think they are one of the best on the market if you know how to tune and run one.

If you know how to contact the Iron Workhorse builders/suppliers please post the Info. I dont know anything about one company knocking off anothers name but I do know this: Iron Workhorse machines are Fantastic. Some of you may have had problems with somethings but I have never had to do anything but maintain and tune mine occasionally. Iron workhorse has been the best machines I've used and they are built solid. Ive checked out the Workhorse Irons website and they seem to me to be the knockoff the machines are over priced and built with cheap materials that wouldnt hold up to use in a proffessional setting. Not only that but Iron Workhorse machines have a logo stamped on every machine. I have yet to see that on a workhorse Iron machine so tell me how the knock off machine is built better and has a logo?

Well,I got some Sharp's machines which I've used for years and great machines they are.Came across an iron workhorse on e-bay and stuck my hand up for 60 euros,job done.Cheap machine to put in the store as a back up.Pulled it apart to clean and replace springs and run it up just to have a go.What a lovely bit of kit,it really is.Smooth,powerfull and heavy which I like.Will be looking out for more because they just gotta be worth the punt.

this forum is nothing but scratchers trying to pick up free trade secrets I woudnt tell them shit tell them the worst possible information possible its obvious he has never spent a day as an apprentice they would of broke him of that gun word and just the general lack of very basic knowledge sorry some of us actually did do them and you piss us off. Get your 60 dollar kit, scar some kids up and make us look that much more retarted thanks moron.

Hey, I think a lot of people are mistaken. Seems like most of you r sayin that iron work horse machines are rip offs if workhorse irons machines. But they are just two different companies. The machines look nothing a like. If someone knows some info that I don't please share.

hi guys, i am a seasoned tattooist of 27 years with my own studio in Australia. I have been working with Iron workhorse machines for a long time now. i have nothing bad to say about these machines, i have around 7 or 8 of them and they are used exclusively all day every day. Workhorses are truly what they are, they will work flawlessly for months on end. i cant remember the last time i fine tuned one as they remain solid. i particularly like the Brass machines as the electricity seems to flow harmonically through the steel to bring you smooth consistent flow of current. i have learned that these are the best coil machines i have ever used and are very well put together. i like them so much i import them in from the U.S.A and now distribute them around Australia. the feedback is 110 %.. if anyone may need to purchase some of these fine machines please visit my website to view the range of Iron Workhorse machines. they are genuine machines not to be mistaken for Workhorse Irons whom i have only recently heard this name pop up from out of the blue. so as far as i am concerned the Iron Workhorse have been around for a much longer period of time. i cannot recommend these machines highly enough. do yourself a favour and try them out, you will not be dissapointed. our website is : http://www.victoriantattoosupply.com.au If you purchase outside Australia you will be sent a money request from PayPal for the addition shipping costs for all international orders before your items are sent. kind regards

1st of all to the asshole talking shit , MOST tattooers today ( the good ones) have never had a apprenticeship. This is not bullshit just a fact. Mike Devries did it out of his garage, Joe capbianco even said it in a interview, but people still talk shit like fags and most likely they are bitches in shops. Allot of home tattooers murder work out of a shop. Stop being tight-ass bitches crying on-line cause your a bitch. You talk shit about people for workimg at home better then you then your calling mike d a scratcher , angelo and so many damn people i cant write them all. Nothing i said here is bullshit, only the truth. So fuck of hypocrites Now that the crying babies got put in there place and maybe learned something. Iron workhorse machines are solid iron machines just like any other. They are not from a specific builder like mickey sharps or fk irons so they dont come with a "name" and tuned. Any professional artist can buy there machines and tune them to be a every day workhorse. A solid iron frame is just that without a name. Why spend 400 when i can get the same solid iron machine , nothing is like china crap on it. Even though most needles come frome china and other materials. Point is iron workhorses are solid machines that are nothing like workhorse irons. Knock off some might say cause they sell to all artists and thank god cause we wouldnt have the greats today if sites like these were not out. International tattoo supply sells these iron workhorses but i think they might stop engraving them but they are still solid iron workhorse machines. Type there name in google to get to there site.

Boy you have some very angry people on this page. Can't we all just sling our Ink and get along. Oh and for the sensetive GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN GUN LOL Does it really matter what they call it, More important to me they know how to use it.

It absolutely matter's what terms you use in this or any industry.That was pretty dumb of you to say and show's your age brother.Being real with you.You cant be a doctor and have a patient sitting on the table and say "Nurse..pass me the snizzlsips...what?...you know the snizzlsips....a.k.a...Scapple..duh "what does it matter what i call it" you wont...but see my point? 2 comments up...yes i agree that we should all just kinda get along..and Devries did get apprenticed to a "business" standpoint from Carson hill....hence the huge Neuma outburst.But yea Joe capo does have a Youtube video out there that states how he doesn't agree with the apprentice way..but that's just his view.I stand by that if you cant trace a line..you shouldn't pick up a machine..but if your a great Overall Artist,...know good "shop" tattooist that will be willing to help you out threw your learning expierence..you eat,sleep,shit tattooing..wanna take risk's..then yea..go for it..learn! hit up your friends but do know and understand the risk's as well..first and for most!

And also...2 comments up...iron workhorse..You said "At least the good ones" ie)Mike devries and Joe Capo...that was it..hahaha ..those are the only tattoo artist you know because...There HOLLYWOOD artist's..I fucking cant stand people that say mike devries..nikko hurtado..are the only amazing "realism" or in general tattooist out there.Yes i cant hold a match to em and i do love there artwork BUT..there are more artist out there that CAN hold a Torch to them and wont ever be recongnized not for there talent but b/c people cant see theres other's.Name me 10 Great tattoo artist that are around your area?

And also...2 comments up...iron workhorse..You said "At least the good ones" ie)Mike devries and Joe Capo...that was it..hahaha ..those are the only tattoo artist you know because...There HOLLYWOOD artist's..I fucking cant stand people that say mike devries..nikko hurtado..are the only amazing "realism" or in general tattooist out there.Yes i cant hold a match to em and i do love there artwork BUT..there are more artist out there that CAN hold a Torch to them and wont ever be recongnized not for there talent but b/c people cant see theres other's.Name me 10 Great tattoo artist that are around your area?

I have used Iron Workhorse Machines since I started tattooing a little over a year ago and can honestly agree with the statements that they are good reliable machines when you tune them to your liking. I have recently re-tuned mine after my "mentor" fiddled with them. (I use the term loosely as he had them running on around 12-14 volts when I was working for him) I have since started tattooing from a home studio and re-tuned them. They are awesome and I am getting consistent grey wash and lining from my machines. (1 set up for each.) and before all the haters dive on in and criticize me for being a "scratcher", I use only pre-sterilised tubes and needles.single use only. My work area is cleaned with isopropyll before and after every tattoo is performed and all of my machines are too. I take the utmost care with cleanliness and I realise and respect that it is of the utmost importance for the survival of the entire tattoo culture in this modern age. The reason that I have gone out on my own is that the studio that I was learning from steered me so wrong in so many instances, telling me that I "had to" ride the tube tip when lining, telling me that I couldn't use magnum needles for grey wash and as i stated before tuning my machines to a point where they weren't working to their full potential. That and the fact that they pushed me out the door when I decided to get a 2nd job to make mortgage payments due to the lack of work they were giving me. I have been designing tattoos for over 15 years and my designs were good enough for them to push me to come into the shop, just based on my artwork. So in short....1/ Iron Workhorse Machines are a smooth machine when you tune them to your own liking. and 2/ Not all people who have decided to be self taught are fuckwit scratchers.....some of us actually take pride in our work and also in our professionalism when it comes to cleanliness and being a reliable and safe tattoo artist.

I have used Iron Workhorse Machines since I started tattooing a little over a year ago and can honestly agree with the statements that they are good reliable machines when you tune them to your liking. I have recently re-tuned mine after my "mentor" fiddled with them. (I use the term loosely as he had them running on around 12-14 volts when I was working for him) I have since started tattooing from a home studio and re-tuned them. They are awesome and I am getting consistent grey wash and lining from my machines. (1 set up for each.) and before all the haters dive on in and criticize me for being a "scratcher", I use only pre-sterilised tubes and needles.single use only. My work area is cleaned with isopropyll before and after every tattoo is performed and all of my machines are too. I take the utmost care with cleanliness and I realise and respect that it is of the utmost importance for the survival of the entire tattoo culture in this modern age. The reason that I have gone out on my own is that the studio that I was learning from steered me so wrong in so many instances, telling me that I "had to" ride the tube tip when lining, telling me that I couldn't use magnum needles for grey wash and as i stated before tuning my machines to a point where they weren't working to their full potential. That and the fact that they pushed me out the door when I decided to get a 2nd job to make mortgage payments due to the lack of work they were giving me. I have been designing tattoos for over 15 years and my designs were good enough for them to push me to come into the shop, just based on my artwork. So in short....1/ Iron Workhorse Machines are a smooth machine when you tune them to your own liking. and 2/ Not all people who have decided to be self taught are fuckwit scratchers.....some of us actually take pride in our work and also in our professionalism when it comes to cleanliness and being a reliable and safe tattoo artist.

I have used Iron Workhorse Machines since I started tattooing a little over a year ago and can honestly agree with the statements that they are good reliable machines when you tune them to your liking. I have recently re-tuned mine after my "mentor" fiddled with them. (I use the term loosely as he had them running on around 12-14 volts when I was working for him) I have since started tattooing from a home studio and re-tuned them. They are awesome and I am getting consistent grey wash and lining from my machines. (1 set up for each.) and before all the haters dive on in and criticize me for being a "scratcher", I use only pre-sterilised tubes and needles.single use only. My work area is cleaned with isopropyll before and after every tattoo is performed and all of my machines are too. I take the utmost care with cleanliness and I realise and respect that it is of the utmost importance for the survival of the entire tattoo culture in this modern age. The reason that I have gone out on my own is that the studio that I was learning from steered me so wrong in so many instances, telling me that I "had to" ride the tube tip when lining, telling me that I couldn't use magnum needles for grey wash and as i stated before tuning my machines to a point where they weren't working to their full potential. That and the fact that they pushed me out the door when I decided to get a 2nd job to make mortgage payments due to the lack of work they were giving me. I have been designing tattoos for over 15 years and my designs were good enough for them to push me to come into the shop, just based on my artwork. So in short....1/ Iron Workhorse Machines are a smooth machine when you tune them to your own liking. and 2/ Not all people who have decided to be self taught are fuckwit scratchers.....some of us actually take pride in our work and also in our professionalism when it comes to cleanliness and being a reliable and safe tattoo artist.

ironworkhorse machines are solid iron machines. A name is just a name and thats what workhorseirons are just a name. There both iron machines and thats all that matter so if yku want to spend$500 on a name go ahead but if you know machines well then buy a solid iron machine for $50 and tune it yourself to run like a $500 machine. A iron frame is a iron frame. Just cause one dont sell to the public dont mean anything at all just that they make less money. Im almost done with my apprenticeship and i learned the machine in and out. Now dont get me wrong i hate kids who use homemade "guns" but on the other hand most of the best in shops today learned on there own and that is a fact so to hate on all home artists not knowing how they do it is hypocritical and shows you know nothing of the trade. Point is a solid frame is a solid frame and i have one of each and they both run great. I dont like people with no skill who cant trace a line and hack people up so dont get me wrong but all the good home artists are on a different level.

Just to say , Mike devries had NO apprenticeship. Dont matyer who taught him for 1 month the fact is it was oin a garage and for 1 month then he worked out of his house for years or until he opened his own shop. Thats not a real apprenticeship an most of the best today Never had one like arron and they shit on all the shity little shops who cry about home artists taking there money. This is the trade and how the best started by learning on there own so stop the crying and get your skill up so you make money not lose it to home artists. And joe capobianco agrees and most of the best agree with him. Only shit shop guys cry about scratchers cause good artists dont lose money to them only shit artists do. And a scratcher is one with no gloves ect has nothing to do with work. Learn !!

Iron workhorse machines are not knock offs cause there nothing like workhorseirons. There solid iron machines and built well. A solid machine is a solid machine. I would buy iron workhorses if you know how to tune a machine. Only difference is the name on the machine and there tuned. If you know machines you can tune it to run like the $500 machine from workhorse irons. Like i said there machines are perfect and allot cheaper. There is no real difference in them cause a solid machine is just that. People get to caught up in the names and spend $500 on a machine. Also many pros agree with Joe C , thats cause most today learned on there own and they know this trade well and how it started. Most of the best learned on there own and mike d learned in a garage, dont matter by who cause it was for a month then he tattooed out of his house. Point is most of the best today learned on there own with no real apprenticeship. No matter how you word it its a fact. All the amazing tattooers dont care about up coming artists cause there skill is amazing, only hacks in shops care about people learning on there own taking there money. I'm almost done with my apprenticeship and everyone is good there and can care less about artists learning on there own because there not threatned by them.

I dont know iron workhorse at all, but of course Workhorse Irons is an extremely reliable company and set of machine builders. Of course a good tattooer can tune (nearly) any machine and produce good tattoos, but theres also no doubt that the set of machine builders at Workhorse Irons are some of the most experienced builders out there with over a decade of experience. There are plenty of reasonably priced workhorse irons machines on their website www.workhorseirons.com They sell only to professionals which means they actually care about the tattoo industry, imagine that. All the scratchers and self learners still never put up links to their "amazing" portfolios, and I can just about guarantee they wont hold a candle to Devreis and Cain. While the scratchers are all eager to point tot he masters who had to learn without an apprenticeship, they rarely actually listen to those same artists when they say that they didn't really learn how to tattoo until they had proper guidance. Hey if you wanna hack up the publics skin with your artwork that compares to devries and cain, well, everyone has the right, but you still suck! Well, its hard to tell,m cause no one ever puts up their portfolios...

I have both. workhorse irons are american made. run fantastic you will love them. iron workhorse are from china . witch I prefer mainly because of there weight .in these days of small light machines with no mass to them these machines are the best built, big coils thick frames . you can feather in as well as pack in the solids. but you cant go wrong with real micky sharps . witch iron workhorse makes a knock of, but again are a lot heavier best of luck

iron workhorse is one company and work korse irons is a completely different companty and both companies make completely different tattoo machines both companies make a good machine work horse irons are "more hand made" no one stole trade secrets or any other BS get a life people and concentrate on your art.

iron workhorse is junk a hack company save your money

tattooing was invented by scratchers,. do you seriously believe someone just said "hey check this out", im an expert , NO!!!! i mean the ancients did em with pieces of flint and berries for color. along the way the art of tattooing was perfected, but its ignorant selfish artist that want to keep it in thier circle. even a doctor will answer any question you ask him, hell they even got websites to help. the artist that think selfish are probably not as great as they think or they just worried you gonna be better than they are and will eventually take their costumers.

ironworkhorse machines can be bought @ www.internationaltattoosupply.com for those wanting to know....

"IF" You are a REAL artist then you can tattoo with just about any machine as long as you adjust it right. I don't give a Damn what it's named or who made it!!!! IT IS WHAT IT IS!

my opinion is that IRON WORKHORSE MAKE'S INSPENSIVE PROFESSIONAL MACHINES AND AFFORDABLE IRONS,I HAVE THREE OF THEM, iron work horse's a liner ,shader and c. p. and they run like corvette's strong and set up to be easy on the skin, I even got a FOWARD, 8 WRAP C.P.AND there machine are nice and 100%1018 irons and the heart coils, and spring set up and low voltage, duty, speed on the money at all times. I was going to buy a artist name brand, for 3 or4 hundred dollar , but I couldn't see it, and another thing is they wanted state license and I've been tattooing for around six yrs. drawing all my life, they screwed there selfs when they wouldn't sell me a machine ,workhorseirons, and I'm glad I saved around a thousand dollars and got the same iron 1018. the competition out there in the tattoo worlds getting bad. do what you got to do just don't fuck with china, shit lol crazy rick

he's probleley talking about iron work horse's mini j's,dails, and ect. with I 1nch or 27mm 10 wrap coil's machines that will blow your mind for the money, check out on e- bay international tattoo supply and us tattoo supply, them mini iron's are strong and run low voltage and affordable, I hope I helped you . crazy rick

All I work with is Pike machines I seen the blood and sweat that is put into every machine every coil !! I highly recommend them ..

I have a Iron work horse, and I have a mike Malone bulldog. They run about the same. It's within the artisan craft to know what is what, and how to use it. Personally my iron work horse has never let me down, I use it on the daily, and it's a great build. As far as performance goes, it's legit.

iam a licensed tattoo artist i have two iron workhorse they run great never had issues with them workhorse irons are over priced why pay more . tough machines ironworkhorse

I've recently obtained two iron workhorse machines...my question is this...has anyone seen one that had what looks like a saw blade in the body of the machine and inscribed on it says the massacre is, on the teeth of the blade are red...I can't find another one like it anywhere on line...lmk if anyone of y'all can tell me more about this machine...thanks in advance