I’ve found it very helpful to go to NewYorkTattoo.com and order their Intro to Tattooing DVD. It cost $24.95 but it is worth it. Very informative. He goes through the steps to set up your machine and then stenciling and actual tattooing (lining and shading). Of course you’ll need practice but this is a good place to start. They also have kits for sale there that will get you what you need. If you want to do this professionally though, I would recommend something that comes with a sterilzing autoclave (for safety reasons).

I’ve read a few books on machines and one guy says that those made of stainless steel (you can find them everywhere) work, but they don’t conduct electricity as well as those made of iron, brass or copper.

Good luck.

I asked for help with something similar to this a while back but no one responded. It seems like tattooing is some sort of special protected art that you aren’t allowed to share information about. I ended up doing my own research. Books, dvds, online articles… I’m no expert but this is what helped me.