TATTOO MACHINE , THE EVOLUTION BEHIND THE HARDWARE
The origins of the tattoo machine
The very first tattoo machine was invented by Thomas A. Edison in 1876, and was used as a document duplication machine for businesses. Later on reinvented by Samuel O’Reilly adding multiple needles and an ink reservoir and listed as a U.S pattern .
In 1929, Percy Waters patented a new design which closely resembles the modern day tattoo machine. His machine included two electromagnetic coils that were set parallel with the frame, a spark shield and an on/off switch.Waters was a successful tattoo artist in Detroit, Michigan, where he also ran a tattoo supply company for nearly thirty years. He produced classically noted flash sets and tattooed many well-known tattoo collectors during that era. He was initiated into the Tattoo Hall of Fame on January 15, 1987.
After the evolution from a “copier” to a tattoo machine , it continued with the same basic parts for several decades ending up having the result we all know today , 2 coils a frame , armature bar , springs and adjustment screw . A very reliable design that would serve tattoo Artists around the world for years to come.
THE ROTARY TATTOO MACHINE
Later on in 1978 Manfred Kohrs invented the first rotary tattoo machine , with main part an electric motor and an ink reservoir. After that, the evolution of the tattoo machine skyrocketed! Several designs were introduced to the tattoo Artists around the world making tattooing an even more enjoyable experience for the artist as well as the customer
Today , we have seen the machine changing shape , and becoming more like a pen shape object and changing the game completely .The new design offers the artist more stability due to the lightweight materials used , like aircraft grade aluminium and plastic and offers more flexibility in movement allowing the Artist to have complete control and total freedom of movement.
Tattoo machines nowadays come in various shapes and sizes. It is up to the Artist and the kind of work he does to choose a certain machine, rotary or coil . Different machines do different types of work like colour packing , shading and lining . Experience will help new Artists to choose between the different models , shapes and sizes . Until next time…
