One of the most significant landmarks for a newbie tattoo artist is figuring out the best machine that allows an unrestrained expression of their art.

However, the world of tattoo tech can be (albeit unsurprisingly) quite complicated.

Tattoo artists are, by their nature, tinkerers. They are continually innovating, creating new gadgets, modifying existing equipment, or even combining elements across tattoo machine types in the bid to create the perfect instrument for their artform. Consequently, for many elite tattooists, the ideal piece maybe something a bit more obscure.

Nevertheless, if you are just starting, you don’t have to start creating custom tools just yet.

There is an abundance of ready-made options on the market to serve even the most skilled craftsmen.

First, however, you have to choose between the two main tattoo machine groups: pen-style rotary machines and newer coil-based machines.

Coil tattoo machines are the most popular options on the market today. They are also the source of the familiar buzzing sound that characterizes most modern tattoo parlors. These appliances use electromagnetic current via a pair of coils to power the attached tattoo needles’ movement.

On the other hand, rotary tattoo machines use small motors to move the tattoo needles, which makes for a more fluid and significantly quieter operation. Rotary engines are the OG tattooing choice. This appliance was first invented in 1978, making them the first tattooing machine.

Unsurprisingly, rotary machines have primarily taken the backburner in the face of the more customizable coil machine’s popularity.

However, they are experiencing a resurgence in the past few years in the form of pen-style motor-powered devices championed by seasoned tattooists worldwide, including famous artists like Tatu Baby, Bang Bang, and Guy Aitchison.