What is the best tattoo machine for someone with tendonitis?

Answer 1

Given the malady in question, you wouldn't want to go with your standard 2 coil tattoo machine, as these can be a bit heavy for some people and it gets worse over the duration of the tattoo. Since you are afflicted with this, I would recommend a rotary tattoo machine. These are substantially lighter than a coil machine, which will take the strain off of your wrist and hand. Still though, since you have tendinitis, I would seriously consider that you shouldn't really look into tattooing as a career option. Given that you already have this underlying condition, the fact that you will have to be using your hand and wrist for hours a day will most likely exacerbate the issue and will most likely result in you needing surgery to correct this later down the line. Most of us tattoo artists have some form of carpal tunnel or tendinitis just due to the fact that we use our hands so much and our wrists in conjunction, and that's even when you go into the game with no issues whatsoever. However, as previously stated, you would want to use a rotary tattoo machine if you would want to pursue this, even given the forewarning. You don't want to buy a cheap rotary, as these are little better than a "prison gun". You will want to invest some money in some quality rotaries such as; Stigma Hyper or any Stigma brand, Swashdrive Machines, Cheyenne Hawk, Neuma (but these sound like dentist drills!), or any other good handmade rotary machine from reputable builders. Depending on what brand you go with, you may have to get an air compressor and build a soundproof housing for this, as some of the machines listed are driven by pneumatic force as opposed to electricity. Best of luck.