Genuine Rotary Recommendation?

yutani · 30 Oct 2014

Having played around with a few clone/knock off rotaries..
Dragonflys/Fireflys/Hummingbirds/SwashDrive Whips/Stigma Bizarre etc..
I'm contemplating purchasing something genuine..

My Kylin Coil is my goto liner at the moment, but I have have a couple of Bishop Clones on the way to try lining with..
The only thing I dislike about coils is the weight really, but can't fault their performance..

Eventually I want to have 3 'Genuine' Rotary Machines.. Liner, Shader and Packer obviously..
I'm thinking of a couple of Genuine Hummingbird Gen 2 Rotaries to cover the Shader/Packer side of things..?
I get on quite well with the clones I have..
Also if I click with the Bishop clone then maybe I can persuade the Mrs for a genuine one for Xmas.
I just like the idea of having a complete and therefore consistent setup and sticking with it..

The Hummingbirds won't break the bank admittedly, but it is a step up from the tombola sub £10 ebay route I've usually gone down..

So would love to hear your thoughts to this age old argument with regards Clone vs. Genuine machines..
Would I be gaining anything or spending money for the sake of it?
Also any recommendations as to alternative machines and suppliers..

Cheers in advance for any input, people

Sl1pperyweasel · 31 Oct 2014

Clone = cheap knockoff, you cant even compare a well made machine from a genuine builder with a china import.
Go spend the extra ££, it makes so much difference. It will improve your work no end & give you much more confidence.
Checkout "tattoome.eu" seriously good machines & recognised in the trade as such. however any proper builder will be better by far than a cheap machine off ebay.

yutani · 31 Oct 2014

Some seriously nice looking machines on tattoome.eu Graham

Sl1pperyweasel · 31 Oct 2014

They are quality mate. I have a shader & packer from him now & they are spot on. Gonna buy a liner & another packer soon aswell

Nikos92 · 31 Oct 2014

Rotary Works machines!! they are beasts and worth every penny i gave! Check out the machines, http://rotaryworks.bigcartel.com/
and his fb site, he will gladly contact you for everything that you want to know. I use an Mk2 springer and its a perfect all around machine, twist-done.

Ink sponge · 31 Oct 2014

I also have a rotary works springer in my arsenal. It's a really good all round machine.

BeeDub · 31 Oct 2014

I'd recommend Ikarus Rotaries - you have to add him on Facebook (Ikarus Rotary Hand Made Tattoo Machines)

$190 (£120 ish) delivered, and built to your spec - stroke length and colour. Took less than a week to receive mine from him and the quality is really impressive - as is the Customer Service too, sends pics through of the build.

yutani · 31 Oct 2014

Thank you all for the input and recommendations.. I'll try and look into them..

Having used Hummingbird clones I was edging that way for my packer and shader. Is there no love on these forums for those machines ha?

Skindeeptattoos · 31 Oct 2014

I'm going to say I love my bishop it's a great liner and color packer as well I use a swashdrive for my shading. The bishop to me is a bit heavy compared to a whip.
I used clones before putting in money and the bishop clone I have is still going strong. Best 25. I ever spent.

hYSobe · 31 Oct 2014

i have a genuine 3.5 stroke bishop in gunmetal grey (almost brand new, about 30hours use) it's a good allrounder for shading/packing/lining

and a genuine shortstroke dragonfly (maybe around 40/50hrs use) i don't use anymore which was nice for B&G

will sell them if you're interested

as they're just sitting on my shelf

yutani · 31 Oct 2014

Some real quality looking machines there

..
I'm not gonna rush to invest in some genuine gear so the more input the merrier..

But genuinely appreciate the advice so far guys

cymek74 · 1 Nov 2014

If you get an Ikarus or RW, you'll end up very disappointed with the Hummingbirds, different league. RW are one of the most respected machines in the industry, but as Dale is a tattooer first, and builder second, they just don't get pushed like other brands, google "top five rotary machines", and you'll see Kubins and Halos top of the pile, then RW's ahead of most of the other brand names, and that's from tattooers, not guys on TV shows or at conventions, that are more for advertising these days than tattooing.

yutani · 6 Nov 2014

Just a quick update to this..

I've decided to invest in a couple of Ikarus Rotarys. A DD and A-Bar to use as a Packer and Shader respectively..
I contacted Mark Lemer yesterday and ran through what I wanted..

With his guidance the DD model will have stroke of 4mm so could also be used as a Liner if needed and the A-Bar model with a 2.8mm stroke for my shading needs.

He has a new machine due for release in December, the U-Drive which is a Liner/Packer set with a 3.8mm stroke which I'm gonna keep my eye on to replace/alternate with my current Kylin Coil Liner. If I do go ahead and buy this as well, Mark has said he'll give me a $50 discount on the U-Drive as I will have had all 3 of his machines! Top bloke and a pleasure to deal with

Hopefully they will live up to expectations, gotta love new toys

So once again thanks for all the input and advice, especially @BeeDub for the heads up

yutani · 7 Nov 2014

Update 2..

My A-Bar and DD machines have been built to spec and shipped today..
Here's a photo Mark sent me earlier..

Hopefully be with me by the end of next week

BeeDub · 7 Nov 2014

Couldn't find the jealousy icon thingy so you can have a love one instead!!

(Used mine again for the first time in a while this morning, forgotten how smooth it is....reckon these beauties will put a smile on your face!)

yutani · 7 Nov 2014

Things of beauty indeed Bob. Cheers again for the recommendation buddy

Patch72 · 7 Nov 2014

They look like nice machines mate

cymek74 · 7 Nov 2014

You know you can adjust both machines to whatever stroke you want, (within reason), the bearing is on a slider, 10 seconds changes it even while setup with needle/tube. I have and run the same setup, they are all I have been using, (and now own), for the past few months, the DD with T-Tech is amazing, 100% linear, it's like having an adjustable Hawk that can use standard setup, and the A-bar machine has a little give via a silicone spacer where the drive attaches to the bar, great for lining. You will not be disappointed with the machines or builder, great guy to deal with.

KarosLajos · 7 Nov 2014

Very nice machines!

yutani · 7 Nov 2014

@cymek74 yeah I'm aware both machines are adjustable

.

Mark, during our conversations explained and even linked a youtube video showing how..
Looks like I'm in good company if they're your machines of choice

.
I just can't wait till they arrive and have a go and hopefully get on with them..

Hoppy · 8 Nov 2014

After jealously reading what you are all buying i am thinking about either getting 2 kylin coil machines 1 liner and 1 shader or getting a ikarus DD or A bar rotary. (i have contacted both for prices) Thing is ive only ever used a clone chinese coil 1 liner 1 shader out of cheap kit (both actually look the same just different colours) and clone chinese rotarys, swash whip / dragonfly and stigma beast all which i get on aswell as can be expected. i also have a hildbrant bizzare which i dont like because it seems to hang into even fake skin. Im never going to be a proffesional i except that, only hobbie on fake skin but may eventually tattoo myself or family (if they let me) Just looking for some of your thoughts and advise. Thanks in advance and Thanks for all your great posts which i read daily

yutani · 8 Nov 2014

I know exactly where you're coming from @Hoppy. I've PM'd you BTW

mikefuup · 8 Nov 2014

BeeDub said:
I'd recommend Ikarus Rotaries - you have to add him on Facebook (Ikarus Rotary Hand Made Tattoo Machines)

$190 (£120 ish) delivered, and built to your spec - stroke length and colour. Took less than a week to receive mine from him and the quality is really impressive - as is the Customer Service too, sends pics through of the build.

View attachment 14215

i also have one of these and i Love it, so quiet, smooth operation, packs a good solid line, havent used it for shading yet though,

Kelmou86 · 1 Jan 2015

What do you guys think to the:

"Ronnie Starr - Armature Bar Rotary Aluminium Tattoo Machine"

http://www.powerlinesupplies.co.uk/...attoo-Machine_100967.htm#sthash.5On7HfO7.dpuf

Genuine Rotary Recommendation?

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

Sl1pperyweasel

Get more ink..

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

Sl1pperyweasel

Get more ink..

Nikos92

Ink sponge

BeeDub

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

Skindeeptattoos

hYSobe

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

cymek74

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

BeeDub

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

Patch72

cymek74

KarosLajos

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

Hoppy

yutani

I may be synthetic.. but I'm not stupid!

mikefuup

mikeFUup

Kelmou86

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