Bishop Rotary 'Capo' Review

GREETINGS!!!!

Whats up, everyone?! This review is about my Bishop 'Capo' Rotary tattoo machine. 

I've always used coil machines since I started tattooing. Just recently did I acquire a rotary and its a fantastic piece of tattoo machinery. It has so many benefits and is completely different than a traditional coil machine.

Let me start off by saying that I personally think that anyone who is just starting out as a tattoo artist should definitely learn on coil machines and use them for a while into their career before trying rotary machines. Its very important that a tattooist learns the in and outs of a coil machine and can take it apart and put it together. These are the types of machines that the artists who paved the way for us used. I feel that by knowing how to handle these simple, yet complex machines work is a way of paying a respect to the fathers of our craft. 

For someone that is going to start using rotary machines for the first time, I can say from experience that there is definitely a noticeable difference in way they handle compared to a coil machine. 

One major difference in my Bishop machine is that it is so much lighter than any of my coil machines. It almost feels uncomfortable at times being that Im so used to the weight of a coil machine. The lack of weight makes me feel like Im using a cheap knock off toy or something. But that it is not. The ease at which I can pump out smooth greys and color blends with this tiny machine is incredible. I have tattoo machines that can produce the same quality tattoos that my Bishop can, however with this device it feels so much more effortless. 

One benefit, however, of the lack of weight in this machine is that it makes longer tattoo sessions much less strenuous. 

To be honest, when I first started using the rotary I was pretty intimidated by it. As I said, being so used to the weight and feel of a coil machine made using this machine difficult to get used to at first. I would do one or two tattoos then put it down for a couple of tattoos and try it again. Having used coils for so long, something like the rotary didn't feel natural. But now I love it. 

Another thing I really like about this rotary is how quiet it is. Since rotary machines are basically just a motor, there is no chatter sound of an A- Bar slapping against electro magnets. This is a great feature of these types of machines. It makes conversation with clients easier and eases  the nerves of a new tattoo collector. The buzz of a coil machine can be quite intimidating to a person who hasn't experienced a tattoo before. 

One major detail about this machine is that it doesn't "bog down" like coil machines will when the needle makes contact with the skin. Which is good. Since the needle is operating on a motor, rather than a spring, there is less give and the machine does not lose any of its "power." This creates a much more consistent and fluid movement in the needle throw. Which is wonderful for creating solid outlines and evenly packed color.

These are qualities that most, if not all rotary machines have in common. (I've only used this Bishop machine, but Im assuming they operate the same.) But some unique aspects of the Bishop that I've come to really love are the shape and sleek design. The arch on the bottom side of the machine allows for a comfortable and secure grip on your tube. 

The sleek design of the Bishop rotary machines make it easy to look at. I've had clients comment on it after seeing it for the first time asking if its the "Lamborghini of tattoo machines."

I haven't used this machine much for outlining as much as I have for shading. As I mentioned before, it produces super smooth blends with both black and grey and color. 

Bishop offers their machines in either a clip cord or RCA connection so you can use which ever you're comfortable with. They also stock their machines in a plethora of awesome colors to pick from. 10 all together. I chose pink. You can also pick which stroke length you want your machine to run at. Either 3.5mm or 4.2mm. 3.5mm is generally used for black and grey shading and color blending and smaller grouping outliners. Where as 4.2mm stroke is better for more traditional style color packing and larger sized outliners. 

These are really great tattoo machines. I highly recommend heading over to the website - www.bishoprotary.com and picking one up for yourself. These machines have inspired me to check out other rotaries and see how they compare. I'd love to hear your experience with the Bishop rotary machines or just in general!! Thanks for reading!!!

Bishop Rotary Website

Norm Tattoo Machine Review

Greetings!!
Todays review is about an incredible tattoo machine that I recently bought.
Now...in my iPhone I have a 'note' with a loooong list of machine builders that I've come across during my time as a tattoo artist. I hope to eventually add a little 'check' icon next to each name on this ever growing list of mine. So far I've checked off 3 of 20. I have some way to go.

I needed a machine that I could use for bigger outline needle groupings. When it came time to make a purchase I took a look at that long list and said, "Shit!! Where do I begin?!" With so many extremely respectable names on this list of mine, it was hard to pick one to check off. Seth Ciferri, Keith B, Rob Rutherford...I know they all make quality machines...I want them all...now!! But my budget simply wouldn't allow. I finally decided on a Norm machine. I had been following his tattoo work for a while, and would check his website almost daily just to look at the machines he posted. A friend and fellow tattooer encouraged me, saying "Go for it, the dude is known for his machines!! I've wanted one for a while too!" So made the order and waited impatiently for my machine to arrive in the
mail.

Opening a little cardboard box with a brand new tattoo machine inside mailed directly from a tattoo artist that is an inspiration to you and your work encourages feelings that are indescribable. For me anyway...I don't get much excitement in my life, I love receiving new tattoo equipment in the mail. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

I was extremely excited to use my new purchase. Within the first couple of tattoos that I had done with my new Norm machine I knew that I had made the right decision. I was actually surprised at how well the machine packed in such a solid outline. I had used a couple of machines in the past for bigger outliners but none would come close to comparing to my new Norm machine. I had a Dan Folwer Time Machine which was ok, and a Paco Rollins' machine that for some reason would never allow me to get a solid outline in. The new Norm machine literally is like tattooing with a Sharpie. It runs super smooth and puts in a solid line every time. Im not putting down the other 2 machines, they just didn't seem to work for me. I felt like I would almost always have some empty spots in the outline that I would have to go back and hit again.

One thing I noticed right away about the Norm machine, which I had never seen on any other machine I owned or used, is that instead of one front and one rear spring, Norm just used one solid spring. I don't know much about machine building or tuning, so I don't know what kind of advantage this gives to the machine other than maybe it offers a more solid hit because there is no break in the spring? Im not sure, but as I said, it definitely caught my eye.

Norms creative style of tattooing definitely carries into his machine building. I always see tattoo machines as little sculptures and Norm's machines are definitely that. That point is what also makes machines so fun to collect. Each builder has their own creative style and mojo that makes their machines unique. The machine that I got has a simple frame design but also has his signature Louis Vuitton coil covers which I love.

All in all its a great machine, it looks awesome, its light weight and comfortable and most importantly packs in super solid lines. I can honestly say I will be buying more of Norm's tattoo machines and would definitely recommend them to everyone. But I also think you should all make a little 'note' in your phone or spiral notebook if you're old school and make a little list and experiment with all of the equipment you can!! Theres so many great builders out there its hard to try them all. I'd love to hear some machine recommendations from you guys!!

Thanks for reading!!!
Check out Norm's website and check out one of his machines for yourself!!!
www.normwillrise.com

Al Bro Clip Cords and Foot Switches Review

When I first started tattooing I didn't know the importance of quality products and the difference they make in producing quality tattoos. As time went on I upgraded machines, power supplies, inks, etc. to suit my needs. I experimented with different products to find what works for me. But along the way some things I never thought twice about "upgrading" were my clip cord or foot switch. They're just wires...simple, nothing to them.

After purchasing a clip cord and foot switch from Al Bro I noticed a difference right away. The quality of his products are top notch. My machines run more consistently with his products than with the 'Made in China' parts I was using before. Like I said, it's not something I ever gave much thought, but when you're using a professionally built tattoo machine and a quality power supply you don't want to connect the two with a flimsy clip cord.

Al Bro hand crafts his products with the best possible materials. The clips on the clip cords are made with heavy duty wire riveted and shrink wrapped to a super sturdy spring that won't wear out so you don't have to worry about it popping out of your tattoo machine. All of that is connected to heavy duty speaker wire. Each clip cord has an indicator on it marking which wire is positive.

My foot switch is made from a slab of diamond plate steel. It's super solid and sturdy. There is very little gap in the foot switch, so compressing it is very easy. It is sensitive so it doesn't take a lot of effort to press down and make the connection, which makes it very comfortable to use. He also attaches a thick piece of rubber to the bottom so it doesn't slide around on the floor under your foot.

He makes different styles of both clip cords and foot switches, from creative designs to simple straight forward options. All of his builds are awesome. He offers clip cords with RCA hookups for tattoo machines that only use that kind of connection. And he also makes clip cords with both an RCA connection and a traditional 2 prong connection, making alternating between both super easy.

Check out his website www.albroordie.com

Get both a clip cord and a foot switch, it'll be the last you'll ever have to buy!!

Hustle Butter Review

My favorite thing to do is try every single tattoo product I can. I love experimenting with different products and finding which one works best for me, as you should do the same being that there is a variety of different suppliers offering so many variations of great products.

With so many ointments, creams, lotions and aftercare products currently available on the tattoo market these days, it makes picking the right one a difficult task.
This particular post is about one of my favorite products that I have encountered in my tattoo career so far. Hustle Butter. The name alone sends a warm fuzzy feeling up and down my body. Say it again, Hustle Butter.

If you havent already heard about this awesome product, Hustle Butter is an ointment that is effective for use during the tattooing process as well as an excellent aftercare system.
It is made up of all natural ingredients such as shea and mango butters, and contains no petroleum based products; making it incredibly light and gentle on the skin.
It is really effective with reducing redness and swelling during the tattoo process, keeping the skin workable for a longer period of time.
Being that it is so light and petroleum free, it doesnt clog skin pores and it allows the skin to breathe during the application and during the healing process. Another benefit of no petroleum is it wont clog your tattoo tube like A&D or something similar would, keeping your ink flowing steady.
Another benefit of Hustle Butter is the amaaaaazing smell. Now I know thats not something that you would normally care about when looking for a good tattoo product, but its a real treat. The mixture of different fruit extracts and natural oils used in Hustle Butter have really saved me a couple of times when I had to tattoo some funky smelling feet.
As far as aftercare goes, its great. Although everyone is different, my experience with Hustle Butter has proven that it speeds up the healing process.  Again, because of its light, non-greasy ingredients it allows the healing tattoo to breathe and stay moisturized after every application. The natural ingredients are extra gentle on the skin and soothe the irritated tattoo area.
Its also great for sunburns and for use as a regular everyday skin moisturizer.

The consistency is similar to actual butter, so when I first used it , it took a little getting used to as I had been using A&D for so long. Getting it to spread on the skin evenly takes a second.

Hustle Butter is exploding in popularity, as some of the worlds top tattoo artists are part of the Hustle Butter Family and support and endorse the product.

If you havent had a chance to check out Hustle Butter, do it!! As I said, try different products and find one that works for you. I can almost guarantee Hustle Butter wont dissappoint. I've tried a bunch of different products, and I can honestly say if theres one product I'm locked in with for life...its Hustle Butter. And no, I wasnt paid to say any of this.
Check back soon for some more reviews of great products!!!
Thanks!!!!!

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