Mastering Bishop Rotary: Maximizing Stroke With Expert Techniques

The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine is a popular choice for artists, offering a range of stroke options for different needs. The standard Bishop Rotary machine comes with a 3.5mm long stroke, ideal for beginners as it can be used for every area of tattooing. However, for those seeking more punch in their line work, the 4.2mm extra-long stroke is a better option. This longer stroke is also recommended for single-machine lining work as it packs a harder punch. Artists can also adjust the voltage of the machine to achieve the desired speed and hit for solid colour, black and grey work, and precision lining. The latest Bishop Rotary V6 features a custom Faulhauber motor, aircraft-grade aluminium construction, and a double-sized needle clip for ultimate precision and versatility.

The 3.5mm stroke is a good starting point for beginners

The 3.5mm stroke length, or medium stroke length, is a good starting point for beginners. This stroke length is considered a jack-of-all-trades, as it can be used for a little bit of everything. It has a middle-grade speed, hit, and retraction, making it a reliable option for most tattooing styles.

The 3.5mm stroke length is particularly useful for colour packing and shading. It is also excellent for soft black and grey shading, blending and layering colours, and packing traditional colours and tribal black. This stroke length can also be used for outlining, ranging from single-needle to seven rounds.

The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine with a 3.5mm stroke length is a great option for beginners as it is versatile and can be used for every area of tattooing. It is the standard stroke length that has been offered by Bishop Rotary for the last 5 years and is the most popular option. The machine is made from medical-grade stainless steel and German-made bearings with an AVEC-5 rating, ensuring long life. It is designed with a balanced ERGO-design, where the weight is distributed in a way that gives an overall feel of weightlessness, helping artists with wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The 3.5mm stroke length is a good starting point for beginners as it allows them to get comfortable with the machine and explore different tattooing styles before moving on to shorter or longer stroke lengths, which may be more specialised.

The 4.2mm stroke is better for line work and packing colour

The 4.2mm stroke option for the Bishop Rotary Tattoo Machine is ideal for line work and packing colour. The longer stroke length packs a harder punch, making it perfect for lining, especially with 9-14 round liners. This extra power also makes it better for packing traditional style colouring and tribal black.

The 4.2mm stroke is recommended for those who want a single machine for lining only. The extra-long stroke is also a good option for serious rotary users who are familiar with the differences in stroke length and specifically want the longer option. Artists who are known for doing solid colour work may prefer this option.

The 4.2mm stroke is also available with the Bishop Rotary Power Wand, which offers a wireless experience with a compact pen machine dimension. The Power Wand comes with two batteries, a charging dock, and an RCA adapter. It has a recommended voltage of 6-8V and can be used for all colour needs, including fine or bold lines. It is intended for colour packing, colour realism, traditional colour packing, better ink saturation, and fine or bold lines.

The 4.2mm stroke offers a good balance of versatility and power for tattoo artists. While the 3.5mm stroke is recommended for first-time users, the 4.2mm stroke can provide more punch and precision for those who are experienced with rotary machines and want to focus on line work and colour packing.

The 3.5mm stroke is ideal for soft black and grey shading

The 3.5mm stroke has enough power for lining with smaller needle groupings, but it will struggle with larger ones. It is also a good length for colour packing and blending. This stroke length is perfect for beginners as it is a good all-rounder.

The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine with a 3.5mm stroke is a great option for artists as it is made with precision and has a perfect linear-driven motion for accuracy. It also has a double-sized needle clip that holds the needle in place, eliminating any lateral motion and allowing artists to focus on fine details.

The 3.5mm stroke is a good option for artists who want the flexibility to work on a range of styles and techniques, including lining, shading, and colour packing. It is a reliable option that provides a good balance of speed, hit, and retraction.

The 4.2mm stroke is best for bold, single-pass lines

The 4.2mm stroke is ideal for creating bold, single-pass lines in tattoo art. This extra-long stroke option for the Bishop Rotary Tattoo Machine delivers a harder punch, making it perfect for line work. It is particularly effective when used with 9-14 round liners. The 4.2mm stroke is also slightly better for packing traditional-style colouring and tribal black.

The Bishop Rotary Tattoo Machine is a versatile tool that can be used for lining, shading, and colour packing. It is designed to work with traditional tattoo needles but can also be used with cartridges. The machine has a double-sized needle clip that holds the needle firmly in place, eliminating any lateral motion. This feature allows artists to focus on fine details.

The 4.2mm stroke is recommended for experienced rotary users who are familiar with its unique characteristics. It is an excellent choice for solid colour work and lining, providing a more powerful and impactful performance. The extra-long stroke is designed to pack a punch, making it ideal for creating bold, single-pass lines.

Additionally, the Bishop Rotary Tattoo Machine stands out for its ergonomic design. The weight distribution is carefully engineered to provide a virtually weightless feel, reducing wrist strain and enabling artists to work for extended periods without discomfort. This feature further enhances the machine's ability to create precise and bold lines with ease.

The Bishop Rotary Power Wand Full Set, featuring the 4.2mm stroke, offers a wireless experience with adjustable needle depth, a custom Faulhaber Motor, and a lightweight design. It is a versatile tool that can be used for colour packing, colour realism, traditional colour packing, and creating fine or bold lines. The recommended voltage for this machine is 6-8V.

Adjust the voltage to get the right speed for lining, black and grey work, and solid colour

The voltage settings on your tattoo machine will depend on the type of work you are doing, your hand speed, and your personal preferences. It is important to find the right voltage for your hand speed to ensure you can do your best work.

For lining, a faster machine is usually preferred. Most sources recommend a voltage of 8 volts for lining, although some artists use 10 volts. A higher voltage may be needed for a big liner or mag. The needle stroke should be around 4mm for lining.

For black and grey work, shading, and colour packing, a slower machine is preferred. For these types of work, a voltage of 7.5-8.5 volts is recommended. The needle stroke should be around 3mm for realism and smooth shading.

When adjusting the voltage, it is important to listen to the sound of the machine. For lining, the machine should produce a steady buzz or hum. For shading, the sound should be deeper. If the sound is crackling or staccato, the voltage is too high.

It is also important to consider the specific recommendations for your machine. Different machines have different optimal settings, so consult the manufacturer's instructions. Start with a lower voltage and increase gradually until you find the right speed.

Frequently asked questions