There are a ton of cool leather working tools out there but the majority of them are simply variations on existing tools. The Leather Tattoo Machine by 21Grams is in a class of its own. Yes, it tools leather like you can with stamps and a mallet, but it does so in a way that is more beginner friendly, easier on those who have physical issues that would prevent them from doing traditional leather tooling, allows for a bit more creative freedom (ie allows you to draw and write completely freehand), and is just a ton of fun.
What is the Leather Tattoo Machine?
The Leather Tattoo Machine is quite simply a tattoo machine that has modified cartridges which are used to tool leather instead of tattooing.
Dennis, at 21 Grams Leather Goods, is the creator of the machine. For those of you unfamiliar with Dennis, he’s a former tattoo artist who took his experience and skill gained there, and transformed it into leather work. His style is very unique and overall just amazing. I encourage you to go check out his work on Instagram or YouTube.
What Do The Cartidges Do?
For the most part, the cartridges replicate what your traditional tooling stamps and swivel knife can do. These aren’t a 1-1 replacement for tooling stamps and their may be scenarios where you might want to use the tattoo machine, swivel knife and stamps only, or a combination of both. You really need to figure out where the machine fits into your leather work.
Liners: Two cartridges are the thin and thick liners. These liners work similarly to your swivel knife. You can trace lines that you’ve transferred to your leather with these or you can freehand draw with them. An added benefit is that by lowering the voltage on the tattoo machine, you can use them to get a stippling effect.
Bevelers: There are 3 bevelers. These are small, medium and large. These an be used to bevel edges as you normally would with stamps, bot along lines cut in by the liner cartridges or by your swivel knife. You can also hold the bevelers more vertically to push your bevel out a bit further.
Round Shader: This attachment has 3 needles in it. The idea with this cartridge is to shade in certain areas just as you would with stamps. I love this attachment. It really adds some texture to your design.
If you haven’t already checked out my video on the Leather Tattoo Machine, I strongly encourage you to here.
What Does it Cost?
If you want to pick up The Leather Tattoo Machine to add to your arsenal, you have several options:
Beginner kit. $200
Includes the machine, the charger, a thin liner, a thick liner, and a round shader cartridge.
Deluxe kit. $275
Includes everything from above, and adds a small, medium, and large, smooth shader.
Thin kit. $300
Includes everything from the deluxe kit, but it comes with a thin machine, close in size to a large Crayola marker. (Full transparency, the smaller machine hits a little bit softer, and has less of the battery life.)
International orders
I am not able to send the machine internationally, due to the lithium battery that is part of the machine. However, I can ship the modified cartridges that will work with the machine that I can help you purchase in your country. This is an easy process.
Tattoo Machines (for those ordering from outside of the US)
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What Can The Leather Tattoo Machine Do?
In the right hands, The Leather Tattoo Machine can produce some unreal leather art. I am still learning but Dennis sent over some examples of his work:
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