The tattoo machine has a long and complicated past, dating back to the 1800s. It all began with Thomas Edison, an American inventor and his rotary type device. He invented it back in 1876 and its main purpose was to create stencils to be used on flyers.

Tattooist Samuel O’Reilly modified Edison’s design over the course of fifteen years to create an electric tattoo machine which he patented in 1891. His machine is still one of the most popular designs used today.

The Evolution of the Tattoo Machine

Today’s tattoo machines have come a long way from the designs of old. The very first machine was adapted from Edison’s rotary operated stencil pen which while revolutionary, was heavy and cumbersome to use. What began as an electric motor secured on top of a tube with a steel needle, transformed into a more efficient model after the addition of two electromagnetic coils, springs and contact bars. Five years later this design was improved by Charles Wagner who created a model that featured twin coils set side by side.

The first modern tattoo machine came to life in the 1920s when Percy Waters designed and manufactured fourteen frame styles which are still used today. A major development came about in 1979 when an adjustable tattoo machine was introduced by Carol Nightingale. While this machine was never a success, it set the bar and showed the realms of possibility in terms of design. Today most modern tattoo machines (the Dragonfly and Stingray tattoo machines are prime examples) are adjustable in terms of speed, depth and force of application. The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine was created in 2009 and tattoo artists everywhere welcomed its lightweight design that allowed them to use it for longer without experiencing wrist pain.

Tattoo Machines Then and Now

The very first tattoo machines were made from iron, steel and brass while the later models are often crafted from aluminium, favoured for its lightweight properties and durability. The original machines were rotary systems while the latest designs use electromagnets to function. Today, tattoo machines boast innovative and original features such as the Cheyenne Hawk tattoo machine that uses a revolutionary cartridge needle system that allows you to change the needle at the flick of the wrist. Then there’s the LACEnano, now the lightest tattoo machine in the world weighing only 45g. This new age tattoo machine is fully autoclavable (including the motor) and has an ergonomic holding position, the machine has fully adjustable hit and give and is suitable to use for all tattooing styles.

LACEnano Tattoo Machine LACEnano: The lightest tattoo machine in the world

 

The tattoo machine has a rich and varied history and it is fair to say that even the most modern of machines have been inspired by the very first tattoo machines on the scene.