I cannot seem to get the machine to do what i want it to do. I had to try to sculpt lines. I am waiting for it to heal to clean every thing up.My back spring is too thick on the machine for it to run correctly im aiming for around 340grams tension but its much higher. I have 2 junk superior machines that need all new springs and armature bars and probably better coils. the aluminum one is a Chinese machine, great frame, needs all new stuff. the check mach machine i bought from a shop locally and it works the best. My girlfriend knows what shes getting into here, we have been together 3 years. I try to tell here no but she bugs me for work. and I can still clean it up. I know its not great, but nor is the original design. this is what its supposed to look like, not real fancy

What was posted is from last yea
r on 2 friends who bugged me and bugged me and both knew the deal before I worked on them. Before that I havent tattooed since 05 or 06ish. I have only had a real machine since late 04 and it was junk from superior. Prior to that was 10 years of prison tattoing, single needle electric motor where I was way better at it. The transition has been tough and my friends shop whent under so my chances of another shot at a aprenticship arent good. Ive only worked on close friends who have all wanted more work. I dont see myself tattooing anytime soon.
I will close with this, I have seen far worse work come out of shops by so called pros

I actually did apprentice at a shop for a few months. Honestly im not comfortable with modern machines after tattooing 10 YEARS in prison rotary style. I can really get down with a joint set up, but I wont…so im where I am 8 YEARS later. I apprenticed 4 years ago. Im cosidering switching to rotary now. Appreciate the kind words

well thanks, my lines arent as clean as they should be but I am pretty good at shading. i kinda feel like getting back into the game so your post made me smile. thanks a bunch