Need advice on buying a new machine.

reallennypaul · 16 May 2021

okay gang... help me get over this GAS (gear acquisition syndrome)...
I am currently using the CNC Q2, and love it.

in no particular order, here is my list:
1. CNC X WE (with alternate cams)
2. Mast Flip
3. Mast Lancer
4. Xnet Flux clone
5. CNC Q3

i’m very new to tattooing, but not drawing. my drawings lean towards black & grey style, but since i’ve been playing with color, i find that i really enjoy it, too...! so i’m looking for a workhorse pen... if you have experience with any of these, lemme know! thanks!

KyleBl4ck · 16 May 2021

The best machine I've bought so far was the Axys Valhalla. A close 2nd would be the FK Irons Spektra Xion. Hefty price tag but well worth the money. Especially with the Xion for shading / color blending.

sheyd · 16 May 2021

u know nothing about those machines but I’ve been eyeing the nuema 4.

I wish there was a way you could try out new machines before investing in them. ?

Dazza · 17 May 2021

Set your sights higher and get something American made ?

Cyberthrasher · 18 May 2021

I don't own any of them, but I've been eyeing the Axys Valhalla as well (if I were to start going the pen route). It's pretty highly recommended and has on the fly adjustable stroke. They have a new version now, the Valkyr, which is a little smaller and has some give.

Axys Valkyr - Teal

Features and Specs: Driven by a 4.5 Watt, Swiss made, Maxon precision motor. Fully American manufactured and assembled. Constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, finished in Mil Spec Type II anodizing. American made Main Bearing 5 strokes in one machine, changeable on the fly Primary range between 7...

axysrotary.com

Torb · 18 May 2021

Cyberthrasher said:
I don't own any of them, but I've been eyeing the Axys Valhalla as well (if I were to start going the pen route). It's pretty highly recommended and has on the fly adjustable stroke. They have a new version now, the Valkyr, which is a little smaller and has some give.

Axys Valkyr - Teal

Features and Specs: Driven by a 4.5 Watt, Swiss made, Maxon precision motor. Fully American manufactured and assembled. Constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, finished in Mil Spec Type II anodizing. American made Main Bearing 5 strokes in one machine, changeable on the fly Primary range between 7...

axysrotary.com

Strange it only goes up to a 3.2 mm stroke. My vladblad goes to 5.5

Cyberthrasher · 18 May 2021

Torb said:
Strange it only goes up to a 3.2 mm stroke. My vladblad goes to 5.5

Probably just because it's smaller. The Valhalla goes to 4.2

reallennypaul · 18 May 2021

Cyberthrasher said:
I don't own any of them, but I've been eyeing the Axys Valhalla as well (if I were to start going the pen route). It's pretty highly recommended and has on the fly adjustable stroke. They have a new version now, the Valkyr, which is a little smaller and has some give.

Axys Valkyr - Teal

Features and Specs: Driven by a 4.5 Watt, Swiss made, Maxon precision motor. Fully American manufactured and assembled. Constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, finished in Mil Spec Type II anodizing. American made Main Bearing 5 strokes in one machine, changeable on the fly Primary range between 7...

axysrotary.com

sigh...i think i might just find a valhalla for sale...buy right, buy once...right?

dirtnail · 19 May 2021

reallennypaul said:
buy right, buy once...right?

Haha... WRONG!!!!
With tattoo machines it's more like : buy once... then again... and again... again... again... yet again... etc. etc. etc.

Cyberthrasher · 19 May 2021

dirtnail said:
Haha... WRONG!!!!
With tattoo machines it's more like : buy once... then again... and again... again... again... yet again... etc. etc. etc.

I do not resemble that remark!

In regards to the Valhalla vs. Valkyr, I'd look at what your primary use is and compare their benefits that way. The Valhalla has been pretty dam well proven though. The Valkyr is just a new "little sister" version (their words). Again, I've never used one. But I've been watching reviews from skilled artists and have talked to a couple of locals who are using them. I'm all coil myself, but if I make the switch it will either be one of those or a Kubin Sidewinder.

dirtnail · 21 May 2021

Cyberthrasher said:
I do not resemble that remark!

My bank account definitely wishes I was more like you my friend

MalligaMallan · 21 May 2021

dirtnail said:
Haha... WRONG!!!!
With tattoo machines it's more like : buy once... then again... and again... again... again... yet again... etc. etc. etc.

SOOOOOO TRUE!!!!

Cyberthrasher · 21 May 2021

dirtnail said:
My bank account definitely wishes I was more like you my friend

My mentor just went on a buying spree of custom coils and it's been taking everything I have not to go grab me either a new liner (either a Mike Pike Mean Mugger or another from Seth Ceferri), or just go grab a basic pro-set from Forward Tattoo and load up on options. She went asking about 1 from Chris Quidgeon, ended up buying 3 that he had in stock. But also put in an order for 2 custom pieces. He had those done within the week. But before they even showed up she ordered yet another one custom made to match those 2. So, 6 machines in a week. Yeah, the temptation has been real!

P$ Productions · 26 May 2021

I run a Valhalla. Its amazing! If you buy one through Axys, any time they do updates, they will send you a replacement machine with the updated manufacturing. So worth it!

reallennypaul · 28 May 2021

well, i got the valhalla a few days ago, and so far, so good... but there are some things to get used to. because i’m just not comfortable with the machine yet, i haven’t tried it on skin.
my first (admittedly inexperienced) observations are:
cons-
it’s longer than my q2, and heavier.
also, with the battery pack, it’s quite top-heavy.
it’s somewhat difficult to bag and access the adjustable stroke & needle depth features of the machine.

pros:
adjustable stroke! holy moly, that’s-a nice! my lining is stronger and shading is smoother.
strong motor! doesn’t bog near as much as the q2.
there are different grips available, so i’ll order a 1-1/2” grip and hope that the additional weight of the grip balances out the battery pack.

that’s all for now. i need to practice...

DKJ · 28 May 2021

dirtnail said:
Haha... WRONG!!!!
With tattoo machines it's more like : buy once... then again... and again... again... again... yet again... etc. etc. etc.

Maybe it's because i'm on a very low budget, but i don't wish to buy a new machine, since i don't know what the benefits would be.
(If we take out the deal of having a replace machine in case mine would wreck).

I'll open a thread on that.

Peace,

DKJ

P$ Productions · 28 May 2021

reallennypaul said:
well, i got the valhalla a few days ago, and so far, so good... but there are some things to get used to. because i’m just not comfortable with the machine yet, i haven’t tried it on skin.
my first (admittedly inexperienced) observations are:
cons-
it’s longer than my q2, and heavier.
also, with the battery pack, it’s quite top-heavy.
it’s somewhat difficult to bag and access the adjustable stroke & needle depth features of the machine.

pros:
adjustable stroke! holy moly, that’s-a nice! my lining is stronger and shading is smoother.
strong motor! doesn’t bog near as much as the q2.
there are different grips available, so i’ll order a 1-1/2” grip and hope that the additional weight of the grip balances out the battery pack.

that’s all for now. i need to practice...

Dude I've had it for over a year and I only seem to be comfortable at 4.2 stroke. Talk to me. What do you adjust it to for packing/shading/lining for stroke/volts. I feel like I'm going to kill the motor running it so hard.
It was my first pen from coils so I feel like it weighs nothing lol. The bagging took some finesse but I've got it down to a science now. I'll gladly share when I set up tonight.

MalligaMallan · 28 May 2021

DKJ said:
(If we take out the deal of having a replace machine in case mine would wreck)

That's the only reason I bought two machines ? An important reason though.

reallennypaul · 28 May 2021

P$ Productions said:
Dude I've had it for over a year and I only seem to be comfortable at 4.2 stroke. Talk to me. What do you adjust it to for packing/shading/lining for stroke/volts. I feel like I'm going to kill the motor running it so hard.
It was my first pen from coils so I feel like it weighs nothing lol. The bagging took some finesse but I've got it down to a science now. I'll gladly share when I set up

P$ Productions said:
Dude I've had it for over a year and I only seem to be comfortable at 4.2 stroke. Talk to me. What do you adjust it to for packing/shading/lining for stroke/volts. I feel like I'm going to kill the motor running it so hard.
It was my first pen from coils so I feel like it weighs nothing lol. The bagging took some finesse but I've got it down to a science now. I'll gladly share when I set up tonight.

yeah, I’d appreciate you sharing your set up!
When I’m lining, I have been using the 4.2 stroke…at about 120 CPS. I shade with the 2.9 stroke at about 105 CPS. This is translating to approximately 10.5 V for lining and 9.5 V for shading. Lining, I hang the needles out about 75% and shading, 50-60%...

P$ Productions · 28 May 2021

Nice! Would you also use the 2.9 for packing?

P$ Productions · 28 May 2021

I run like 9v for lining and 6-7.5 for shading ?

reallennypaul · 29 May 2021

P$ Productions said:
Nice! Would you also use the 2.9 for packing?

i think yes. i was packing some black on amazon skins last night with it... same parameters...~9.5v, 105cps, 2.9 stroke, and IMO it went in super ez.

TexasPT · 9 Jun 2021

Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines

that is the headline from that buyers guide...haven't seen anyone with longevity and credibility in this industry use the word "gun" in decades. Maybe, just maybe, you should take what they say with a grain of salt.

edit: after reading one paragraph this page is utter bullshit. respectfully.

Cyberthrasher · 9 Jun 2021

TexasPT said:
Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines

that is the headline from that buyers guide...haven't seen anyone with longevity and credibility in this industry use the word "gun" in decades. Maybe, just maybe, you should take what they say with a grain of salt.

edit: after reading one paragraph this page is utter bullshit. respectfully.

I operate my life base on one assumption:
"Top ## (product) of (year)...." = utter bullshit and not worth my time to even open. Just realized you used the same words, must mean there's a trend. Seriously though, those lists are nothing but a person using affiliate links to try to make a buck.

MirandM · 20 Aug 2021

martuka3 said:
Thanks for your advice. I would like to give u all another advice, if you want to make some sport bets yo can downlad the application of codere app. Is very easy to use and very complete. I hope it is so useful for all of you as it is to me. Take care.

Totally inappropriate and off-topic. If you want to promote betting, do it somewhere else, this forum is not for that.
Looks very much like SPAM to me.

Nathan Molenaar · 20 Aug 2021

reallennypaul said:
okay gang... help me get over this GAS (gear acquisition syndrome)...
I am currently using the CNC Q2, and love it.

in no particular order, here is my list:
1. CNC X WE (with alternate cams)
2. Mast Flip
3. Mast Lancer
4. Xnet Flux clone
5. CNC Q3

i’m very new to tattooing, but not drawing. my drawings lean towards black & grey style, but since i’ve been playing with color, i find that i really enjoy it, too...! so i’m looking for a workhorse pen... if you have experience with any of these, lemme know! thanks!

Would advise against the CNC X WE, I've used it and hated it. The cam is difficult to change and you have to approximate a 2ml gap when you attach it to the motor. if you misjudge that gap it changes the length of the stroke.

also, it twits in 3 parts, the needle depth, the motor housing, and the battery when you have a clip cord sleeve over it, its really hard to adjust the depth because of how many parts of the machine twist.

haven't used any of the other machines so I cant comment.

DKJ · 20 Aug 2021

martuka3 said:
Thanks for your advice. I would like to give u all another advice, if you want to make some sport bets yo can downlad the application of codere app. Is very easy to use and very complete. I hope it is so useful for all of you as it is to me. Take care.

KyleBl4ck · 20 Aug 2021

Be like me and buy 3 FK Irons Xions and only use 1 of em.

Nathan Molenaar · 20 Aug 2021

DKJ said:
View attachment 26931

Banned

reallennypaul · 22 Aug 2021

Nathan Molenaar said:
Would advise against the CNC X WE, I've used it and hated it. The cam is difficult to change and you have to approximate a 2ml gap when you attach it to the motor. if you misjudge that gap it changes the length of the stroke.

also, it twits in 3 parts, the needle depth, the motor housing, and the battery when you have a clip cord sleeve over it, its really hard to adjust the depth because of how many parts of the machine twist.

haven't used any of the other machines so I cant comment.

thanks for the reply. i wish i would have seen this earlier…i already went and pre-ordered the new model of the WE. so

!
but, as of this post, i have:
axys valhalla
xnet flux clone
cnc q2
mast atom

gimme more gear! haha

Dazza · 23 Aug 2021

reallennypaul said:
thanks for the reply. i wish i would have seen this earlier…i already went and pre-ordered the new model of the WE. so!
but, as of this post, i have:
axys valhalla
xnet flux clone
cnc q2
mast atom

gimme more gear! haha

Did you get the first release price of $300 ?

reallennypaul · 23 Aug 2021

Dazza said:
Did you get the first release price of $300 ?

yes.

Jmm857 · 2 May 2022

I had an axys Valhalla, it developed a rattle, I sent it back, they squared it away, about 2 months later, developed a rattle, I bitched, sent it back again, they sent it back working great again, and it developed a rattle again. 3 times in 6 months was too much, so I REALLY bitched, they sent me a new one, and I sold it new in box. I can’t trust them anymore. I have a Spektra Xion too, but it’s gutless compared to the axys. So I went back to direct drives. Currently use a Workhorse Iron Mike Pike PMA direct drive rotary, and a John Clark rotary. The John Clark is scary. It’s stupid powerful, the Mike pike is awesome for everyday stuff. Just been MY experience, pens are gutless. But to each his own. My Xion is great for liners smaller than 7rl and for shading it’s great. Bigger liners,,, eeeeh. Not so much. Direct drives and coils are hard to beat.

Need advice on buying a new machine.

Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines​

Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines​

Free Linework Secrets Guide

Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines

Top 7 Tattoo Guns for the Best Liner Tattoo Machines