Starter Kit!

[Inkslingers]

Only mentioned those cause there are so many rolling around in the bottom of people's drawers. Maybe they where more common up here cause Eikon is in Canada...

As much as I like Eikon, some of their stuff I just don't get..the Monster being one...true springs being another! I like building off National frames, makes a nice machine and the geometry works well for a full size smashed back liner. I saw someone asking that was buying Green Monsters up on here...apparently they ARE good for something! lol

[Alie K]

Not yet...I'm starting her off with coil machines till she gets an understanding of everything. Keep an eye out for this girl! I have high hopes for her...she not only has the artistic talent, but the drive!

It's rare nowadays for apprentices to actually have drive! I've seen too many come in and out of the shop I've been working at for a year - it's pretty sad how they want everything handed to them because they go to the local art school and some professor (who I'd like to kick in the head) is probably telling them that they're going to make 'bank' by being a tattooer!

That is the most impressive starter kit I have ever seen! So do you think that coiled machines are easier to start with than rotary?

I totally think ANY apprentice should have coils - just to have a good solid knowledge of them. I know too many tattooers who've got no idea how to deal with a coil machine that 'breaks'. They put it in the drawer and just buy a new one (and sometimes it's something as simple as adding or removing some shims!)

As much as I like Eikon, some of their stuff I just don't get..the Monster being one...true springs being another! I like building off National frames, makes a nice machine and the geometry works well for a full size smashed back liner. I saw someone asking that was buying Green Monsters up on here...apparently they ARE good for something! lol

I'm a HUGE fan of the Green Monster for apprentices! Yeah, it kind of sucks for a machine that you'd use day in and day out, BUT I think it's a great learning tool. If you want to see what a bigger cap does, switch it out. Want to see what a stiffer spring setup does? Swap it out. Try a heavier or lighter a-bar or one with more or less rise - no problem! There is no bending of springs to slow someone down. As long as they are taught the basics, it's so easy to switch things up and get a good understanding of what the different components on a machine can do (and it's super easy to take off an insulating washer so the machine grounds out and forces the apprentice to troubleshoot and see why their machine is not working without 'ruining the mojo' of a perfectly tuned 'real' machine). I have one that's floating around the shop as a training tool/spare machine for my coworkers who want to fiddle.