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Coil Machine Mechanisms
Coil tattoo machines function by passing current through two coils which alternate electromagnetic forces to move the tattoo needle up and down rapidly. Power supplies adapt AC current to power the machine. This allows artists to control the voltage at which their machines operate at and can be manipulated to achieve line variation. Coil machines consist of about fifteen different parts including but not limited to the needle, tube, tube grip, tube clamp, needle bar, armature bar, front spring, contact screw, o-ring, rear spring, rear spring mounting screw, and a yoke. These parts are held together with a frame. Frames are constructed from a wide variety of materials such as brass, iron, steel, zinc, and aluminum. The type of frame used heavily influences the overall operation of the tattoo machine. Some frames (such as those constructed from iron or brass) reduce vibration during operation. Other lighter frames (such as those constructed from aluminum and zinc) reduce the physical strain on artists during operation. Improper frame selection/alignment affect the longevity and quality of a coil machine’s overall function. Coil tattoo machines give artists a high degree of control over every aspect of the machine’s function. This requires artists to be intimately knowledgeable about their machines to efficiently utilize such a device.

Rotary Machine Mechanisms
Rotary Tattoo machines function by using the rotational motion of an electric motor to move a needle/bundle of tattoo needles up and down rapidly. Rotary machines, like coil machines, require a power supply that adapt AC current to power the machine. This voltage may be manipulated to achieve line variation. Rotary machines consist of about seven different parts including but not limited to the grip, tube, cam wheel, “adjustment mechanism”, and a power connection. Rotary machines vary in the type of needle they use. Common rotary machines use standard needles but can also use cartridge needles. This differs from the more traditional “coil tattoo machine” as one rotary machine can be used for both lining and shading. Rotary machines can be purchased pre-aligned and generally work “out of the box”. This makes them more beginner friendly. The electric motor that drives the needle up and down reduces the operational vibration of the machine and thusly reduces the physical strain of tattooing on artists. Rotary machines of all types typically produce less noise and vibration during operation. Coil machines produce a sort of buzzing noise that has commonly been associated with tattooing. Clients sometimes feel more comfortable being tattooed using a rotary machine due to how quiet the machines are. Rotary machines come in a variety of types. Direct drive rotary machines connect the needle bar directly to the motor. Eccentric rotary machines use an eccentric cam drive that converts the rotational movement of the motor to an oscillating motion which in turn drives the needle. Pneumatic rotary machines, as their name implies, utilize compressed air to directly oscillate the tattoo needle and do not use an electric motor whatsoever.