The very first tattoo gun was created in the late 1800s by none other than Thomas Edison in his unconscious need to become the world record holder for the greatest number of patents. These early tattoo machines were used to do engravings onto wood and other material. Soon after, a gentleman called Samuel O’Reilly came along and found that Edison’s device could be slightly changed and used to carve ink onto human skin. Samuel became known as the father of contemporary tattooing, if they knew who he was, the drunken, tribal-tattooed frat boys of modern time would probably shake his hand.

Tattoos have been around far longer than the last few centuries but after Samuel O’Reilly’s modification of the tattoo gun, they really took off. Each decade since has seen the art steadily maintain its popularity. Many states in America have begun to lift their ban on tattoos which has lead to back door artists across the country opening up shops and parlors.

The first kind of tattoo machine worth knowing anything about is referred to as a Liner. A Liner is accountable for engraving the outline of a tattoo. The Liner uses needles that revolve circularly to carve the ink on the flesh.

Next is the Shader, which is used to add in color and depth. This machine is much heavier than a Liner due to the larger needles it requires. A Shader is also slightly more powerful so that it can color in large areas.

The next tattoo machine is called a Rotary and it is a hybrid which can function as either a Shader or Liner. It runs on a wheel system rather than a coil, unlike the first two devices. It is the quietest tattoo gun but one that is a hassle to use since using it for both coloring and outlining requires changing needles.

The newest kind of tattoo machine is called a Neuma. This gun runs on concentrated air which makes it very quiet. It is also the least heaviest tattoo gun thanks to the omission of springs and wheels. A Neuma can be utilized for any step of the tattooing procedure and has simply attachable needles for simplicity.

Tattoo machines and their accessories have come a long way from the early days of Thomas Edison and Samuel O’Reilly. There have been vast improvements made to the devices in the past few hundred years. With each upgrade the tattoo gun receives, sterilization and safety are improved greatly. And with the way things are going, soon the art of tattooing will be exponentially safer for all who seek it.

Tattoo machines are freely available to buy from the Internet but unless you are trained and highly skilled in using one, it is highly recommended that you leave it to the professionals. If however you are a professional tattooist and wish to look into buying tattoo machines.