Your choice of a tattoo machine is a personal choice. We realize that we’re treading on sensitive grounds when talking about the best tattoo machine for lining. Our goal is to help you understand the options and the specifics of different machines. To cover all the bases, we included several options.
​Best Tattoo Machines for Lining Reviews
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dragonhawk Coils Tattoo Machine Lining Machine 4460 | • Superior composite material • Ideal for long-time working | CHECK PRICE |
 | Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine Liner | • CNC cut billet brass frame • Fitted with standard tube vise | CHECK PRICE |
 | Dragonhawk Coils Lining Tattoo Machine | • Extremely adjustable • Shader for long working time | CHECK PRICE |
 | Tattoo Gun Cast 10 Laps Coils Tattoo Machine | • New and high quality • Come with a 10 wrap manual coil | CHECK PRICE |
 | Mast Tattoo Machine by Brrnoo | • Ensures smooth operations • Durable | CHECK PRICE |
1.​​ Dragonhawk Coils Tattoo Machine Lining Machine 4460
Dragonhawk coils lining tattoo machine has a well-made and easy-to-use design, making it an excellent choice for professionals in the field. It has a beautiful design with a lot of attention given to detail. Made with brass and copper composites, it has a robust design comfortably suited to be used by professionals but can be used for a variety of tattoo purposes.
Dragonhawk coil ling tattoo machine is also extremely lightweight, allowing one to use it for an extended period without any fatigue or sprain. A cost-effective solution for all kinds of tattoo work, the machine can be easily set for shading purposes as well. Dragonhawk coils lining tattoo also contains 10 wrap coils in the package.
Dragonhawk coil ling tattoo machine is not just durable but also ideal for shading purposes. If you are passionate about tattooing, then this can be your true companion.
Pros
- Well-made and easy-to-use design
- Beautiful design with attention to detail
- Made with brass and copper composites for durability
- Lightweight, suitable for extended use without fatigue
- It is a cost-effective solution, versatile for all kinds of work
- Ten wrap coils included in the package
Cons
- Some users may find the machine too light
- The device might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty use
- Some users have found the machine not to be as smooth and precise as other models available
​2. Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine Liner
The Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine is similar to the previous model in several ways. It is comparably priced and includes a shader and liner. They are made of brass too with a heftier hand feel. They offer a lifetime, money-back guarantee that you’ll love how it performs.
The liner delivers sharp lines like high-end tattoo machines for a fraction of the cost. It is CNC, so there’s no welding. There’s a lot of attention to detail, including the design. The heavier shader unit is equally as nice. They’re good-looking machines that we’d be happy to have in the shop.
The tattoo machines have a great hand feel to them. The only downside we saw was that the grips come in random colors. We’d love it if they matched the brass color of the units, but we’re just being picky on that point.
Pros
- Comparably priced with a shader and liner included
- Made of brass with a heftier hand feel
- Lifetime, money-back guarantee
- This machine can easily deliver sharp lines
- CNC design with attention to detail
- Suitable for professional and beginner use
Cons
- Grips come in random colors and may not match the brass color of the units
- Some users may find the machine too heavy
- The machine might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty use.
​3. Dragonhawk Coils Lining Tattoo Machine
Dragonhawk’s premium range of coil lining tattoo machines is well designed and extremely easy to use. It is a trendy solution with a beautiful design with heavy attention to detail, making it one of the more popular choices for tattoo artists around the world. It has a user-friendly design that allows for extended use by tattoo professionals without any fatigue or sprain.
Made with superior composite materials, with the spring being high-elastic, the Dragonhawk lining tattoo machine has an extremely adjustable design that provides fine and clean lines on its usage. This model contains 10 wrap coils, a shader as well as a liner in the package. It is a cost-effective solution for all kinds of tattoo work.
This machine will surely bring you a whole new experience. Now, you can use it for shading as it is smooth to handle and highly adjustable. If you are looking for a reliable tool, then it is indeed a good purchase.
Pros
- Well-designed and easy to use
- Trendy solution with a beautiful design
- User-friendly design allows for extended use without fatigue or sprain
- Made with superior composite materials
- Adjustable design provides fine and clean lines
- It contains ten wrap coils, a shader, and a liner in the package
- Suitable for shading as well
- Adjustable needle depth and contact screw
- Ideal for professional and beginner use
Cons
- The machine does not last as long as expected by the user
- Not many accessories options are available
- Some customers found the device to slow down and stop after a short period of use.
- Lack of customization options
​4. Tattoo Gun Cast 10 Laps Coils Tattoo Machine
The Tattoo Gun Cast 10 Laps Coils Tattoo Machine was the most affordable of all the products we considered. But that doesn’t mean it’s low in quality. It has a solid cast iron frame with a cool design on the sides that we liked.
You can use it as a shader or liner. As you might expect, it’s a bit heavier considering its base material. Some users have reported spring contact screws losing tension with use. If you like to customize your tattoo machines, it’s not a big deal to make some adjustments.
The tattoo machine has a good hand feel that won’t fatigue your hands for longer jobs. It’s a decent product for the beginner on a small budget or if you just need some spares in the shop. As several users have pointed out, don’t over tighten the tube grip.
Pros
- It is an affordable option, especially compared to some costlier options with the same level of functionality.
- Solid cast iron frame with a cool design
- It can be used as a shader or liner
- Adjustable needle depth and contact screw
- Suitable for professional and beginner use and is one of the best products in the market
Cons
- Heavier due to its base material
- Some users have reported spring contact screws losing their tension over time
- There are some questions about whether the device is as powerful as claimed by the manufacturer
- The precision and the smoothness of the device operations are also in question
​5. Mast Tattoo Machine by Brrnoo
Mast Tattoo Machine is one of the highly durable tattoo machines in the market with high elasticity and anti-fatigue shrapnel, making it the perfect long-term solution for tattoo artists. Not only does it easy to use, with one only need to press a button to connect the pad and the shader, but a tattoo made with this machine would be delicate and clean and also easy to color as well.
Made with only the finest composite materials, the Mast tattoo machine is one of the finest products that one can get their hands on. The low vibration of this machine allows one to use this machine in a low voice or even silently, making it an excellent offering for professionals.
The machine is ideal for long term use. If you are looking for a tool for safe and quick tattooing, then you should give it a try. Suitable for lining and shading, this machine ensures smooth operations and stable performance.
Pros
- Highly durable with high elasticity and anti-fatigue shrapnel
- Easy to use with a button to connect the pad and the shader
- Delicate and clean tattoo, easy to color
- Made with only the finest composite materials
- Low vibration, allowing for use in a low or silent voice
Cons
- The plastic screw may be of low quality and prone to stripping out.
- The bindings cost more than the tattoo machine.
- There are also questions about the quality of the bindings made available with the device.
Things to Consider While Buying Tattoo Machine for Lining
​Which ​To Go For, A Rotary or Coil Tattoo Machine?
This question is one that can stir up some emotions on either side of the fence. It never fails to surprise us that some tattoo artists are so fiercely loyal to their choice. Each type has its pros and cons. We’ll brave these troubled waters, duck, and step into this controversial debate.
Rotary Tattoo Machines
The rotary tattoo machine is the grandfather of modern devices, going back to the 19th century. We’ve done a lot since the single needle days of early history. You can thank Thomas Edison and his invention of the Stencil Pen in 1876 for that. You’ve come a long way, baby!
If you’re a traditionalist, it’s probably your go-to machine anyway. Hey, it’s history. We like that connection. On the plus side, these tattoo machines are lighter, making them easy to hold. There’s less maintenance with them, which we definitely like. A bit of oil keeps it running fine.
The rotary is a consistent tattoo machine ​that can be a huge benefit to the tattoo artist. You know what to expect so that you can concentrate on your work. If you do a lot of fine lines, they offer a better choice. They also tend to be less traumatic to the skin, making for quicker healing.
Coil Tattoo Machines
For those loyal to the coil, these machines offer versatility, which is one of its greatest draws. However, that means there is a learning curve for each tattoo machine you use. You’ll need to hone in on the optimal voltage to get the work done. That certainly isn’t a bad thing.
And it makes it easier to understand the loyalty of artists to these machines. It’s almost a bonding experience to learn to use the device and to know its quirks and potential. But it’s also about your entire tattoo station setup, including your power supply and pedal.
Each type of machine reacts differently to voltage changes. A rotary tattoo machine will go faster and stay consistent with increasing voltage. A coil device, on the other hand, will hit harder as the voltage goes up. Each machine has its finer points for correct and safe operation.
- Recommended: Our guide on the Best Tattoo Starter Kits
This video by the Tattoo University goes into greater detail about the differences between rotary and coil tattoo machines. It discusses the importance of understanding how to use your device safely as it relates to skin penetration.
Consider the Important Qualities and Features
You should keep several things in mind when choosing a tattoo machine. Once, you’ve picked a type, move on to consider the construction of the machine. Your standby machine will have to take the rigors of a lot of use. You should stick with products made of solid, durable materials.
Stick with Quality
You should rely on manufacturers with a reputation for high-quality products. These will be the ones that have stood the test of time. You’ll also be able to locate plenty of user accounts about performance. A tattoo machine may look nice, but it should stay the course through use.
Price Isn’t the Whole Story
Budget, of course, will ​undoubtedly influence your choice. They don’t call them starving artists without a reason. But that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality for an affordable price. Many manufacturers offer good products without breaking the bank.
Don’t let price be your only guide. It’s an important consideration, but it’s not the deciding factor. Remember that well-known manufacturers can offer an affordable option simply because of their sales volume. If you’re trying something new, it makes sense to make a reasonable investment.
Also, opt for a product that comes with a warranty or guarantee. You likely know how good of a fit it is pretty quickly after you start using it. A company that backs up ​its products with guarantees makes a powerful statement. If they believe in their products, it’s likely that you can too.
Think about Your Whole Setup
Your tattoo machine is your set of brushes. But it’s just one part of your whole kit. Your work is a sum of all parts. You’ll find that your choice of a pedal, for example, can affect voltage. That can, in turn, influence how the tattoo machine performs when lining.
That said, you need to realize the effects of these other influences to access the performance of a new tattoo machine. If it’s not a great fit out of the box, it could mean that all the components of your kit aren’t playing nice together.
We recommend keeping your setup consistent. If you’re going to change out a tattoo machine, keep everything else status quo. That way, you can give a true assessment of how your device is working out for you. Do yourself a favor and make it easy to eliminate other factors.
Be Open to a New Experience
As an artist, you are probably always looking for ways to fine-tune your craft. That’s the nature of the business. It’s constantly in flux with new trends emerging. You can apply the same open attitude to your choice of a tattoo machine.
If you’re a die-hard coil machine user, consider a rotary device for a change of pace. Likewise, branch out and see what the buzz is about ​regarding coil tattoo machines. All of our options are affordable. Even a small shop can pop for any of them to see what it’s like on the other side.
FAQ’s
The best stroke for lining a tattoo is typically a single pass or “stacking” technique, where the needle is repeatedly pressed into the skin in one direction. This creates a crisp, clean line that is easy to control and less likely to blur. Additionally, using a single-pass technique can also help to reduce the risk of scarring or other damage to the skin.
The best size needle for lining a tattoo is typically a smaller gauge, such as a 0.25mm or 0.30mm needle. These needles can create fine, detailed lines ideal for outlining and defining the shape of a tattoo. With a smaller needle, the artist can have more control over the line thickness and make sure the lines are crisp and clean.
The correct technique when tattooing is to pull the needle through the skin rather than push it. This allows for greater control and precision and reduces the risk of damaging the skin. Pushing the needle can cause the needle to bend or break and cause the ink to be deposited unevenly.
The best voltage for lining a tattoo will vary depending on the individual tattoo artist and their personal preferences. Still, a commonly used range is between 7-9 volts. Lower voltage can make the needle move slower and harder to control, while higher voltage can make the needle move too fast and increase the risk of scarring.
The thickness of a tattoo line will depend on the design and the overall look that the artist tries to achieve. Generally, a liner needle should be used to create a fine, detailed line, while a shading needle can create a thicker, bold line. For a more delicate or intricate design, a thinner line may be more appropriate. In contrast, for a bolder, more graphic design, a thicker line may be more fitting.
The number of needles in a liner needle group can vary, but a standard configuration is three. This allows for a consistent line width and smooth application. Some artists may use up to 5 needles for lining for more coverage and fewer touchups. However, it is important to note that the number of needles is not the only important factor. The needle configuration, grouping, and spacing also play an important role in achieving the desired outcome.
​Final Word
​Finding a good lining machine is one of the more trickier tasks when choosing the right equipment, that’s why we’ve taken the time to put all this information together. We’ve rounded up the top 5 models on the market so you can ​separate the junk from quality. Choose one of the 5 liners on our list and we ​guarantee your tattooing will be off to a flying start!
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