Rotary Machine

Question about Rotary machines: First off: For those who have seen me on here know that I am an apprentice working under the most awesome mentor, one that lets me think for myself but at the same time keeps me on the right path. My mentor doesn't give me answers..yet guidance to find the answer myself...and verbally smacks me up when I come to him with something not well researched! I am looking onto rotary machines do to the lack of noise they generate. Mentor doesn't like them.....however says it's not so much that they are bad..it's more "how much catsup do you like with your fries" Now, I am extremely mechanically inclined and imagine a needle pivoting on the tube tip ever so slightly rocking back an forth. Is this correct? Is it easier to tare and over work the skin as I imagine it to be over a traditional coil machine? Mentor has the final say, I respect that after all he has taught me, his rule is...."If you can convince me I'll try you out on it, don't convince me......don't bring that shit into my shop". With that said, I've tried to research on the net and the only thing I can come up with is the Chinese junk and Stigma rotary machines (as well as Swash machines....too many moving parts...too much for BBP to hide in!) Are they going out? I'm familiar with the hybrid machines but they are on the back burner as I am trying to stick to one thing at a time (I love my mentor like a member of that family but he can be brutal when it comes to sticking to one subject at a time!!). If any one has any experience with both Rotary and Coil Machines please chime in or direct me to some info that I may learn from. Thanks Wiley

The Cheyenne Hawk has no pivoting wobble. Same basic motion as a coil but moves a lttle slower at the top and bottom of each stroke. Check it out.

theres always that "stealth" rotary machine too from worldwide or the same machine under different names at different suppliers it seems to run as a normal coil machine but with a rotary motor

huck spaulding has the best one get the one for like 338.00.

I'm liking the Cheyanne machine, not liking the cost of the cartridges however!!! I think in the end it will be either the Cheyanne or a hybrid (funds pending lol) as there is no "Pivoting" of the needle in the tip and less chance of over working the skin. Thanks for the info guys

I've always believed, if It ain't broke, don't mess with it! That was until I tried the Swiss Rotary. Holy $hit, this thing runs so smooth, and puts ink in like butter. The only drawback to the Swiss is the huge stroke it has and it's not suitable for smooth shading, it'll get the job done, but it's really not the best tool for the job. Enter the Swiss knockoff by WorldWide. I've never had good luck with some of their products, but I bought all three of their Stealth machines to try out. SERIOUSLY, I haven't touched a conventional coil machine in almost a year. All three artists in my shop use Rotaries and absolutely love them.......their idiot-proof! Nothing to adjust (which is one thing I actually miss), they put ink in the skin like nobodies business, have a super fast heal time ( as with any machine technique and not overworking an area is most important), give super smooth shading, color transitions, and blends (must use the right ones for the job). We all love the rotaries, as well as our customers. I've been tattooed by them, and concede to the consensus that they feel much smoother in the skin than a conventional. Tell your mentor, this old jaded non believer has seen the light, sometimes there are new things well worth trying. Not many people hand draw all their stencils or make their own ink or needles anymore (nothing wrong with any of those things it's an art form in and of itself) just making the point that, although they may not be for everyone, give them a try and see. I'm thrilled that I did!!!!!!

got to be honest, i view the person that taught me as one of the best and i will always be thankful for what he taught me. that being said you speak of your "mentor" as some kind of demi-god instead of a member of your family. taking advice and living it like scripture are two different things that are not separated by a fine line. on the subject of rotary machines, if you take the time to use one you will either find that it is a technique changing event or a bit of a disappointment. it isn't this ugly "don't talk about that shit in my shop" kind of thing. old schoolers fear change and a rotary is just that. personally, and that is how an opinion is formed, i find rotary machines used in shading to be far superior to e. magnetic machines. consistency, dependability, weight, and noise reduction are all things a rotary can enhance in the right hands. don't limit yourself to the "mentor"s view point. times are changing and you have to change with them.

The Jackhammer/Stinger rotary machine is a good buy, I use it only for shading as It will run on 1 if need be and it does not have the wobble to it. They sell it on worldwide for @ $200 but my ol man sells them in his tattoo supply shop, "The China Version" no difference at all except the country, for $85. The other one I use is what I call the spinner, seems to be built out of the jailhouse design. These will wobble on you if you dont have enough tension with a rubber band which means bending your needle bar a little more then your used to. These sell at ahha tattoo products for around $40. It a good machine but again I only use it for shading.

So, what stroke length do you prefer for shading/ color when using the stealth machine? I use a long stroke coil machine for much of my shading but am interested in trying the stealth or the swiss rotary. Just need to know which stoke length you recoment?

Generally, electromagnetic coil machines have more give against resistance to the skin opposed to rotaries. There are some hybrids in the making that allow the machines more give. I'd stick to traditional coils until your comfortable with hand speed and controlling the depth of the needle. I'm mostly interested in rotaries because of the dampening of vibration, and weight, which, in my opinion could possible cause problems with your joints later on in life. If your looking for a convincing argument, argue prison style tattoos. Most times they're shit. But, you will see some of them that are just phenomenal. These were done with hand built rotary machines.