Tattoo machine research - analysis although it has the most disadvantages, the oldest and least sophisticated machine is the most commonly used in mainstream tattooing. This is probably largely due to its familiarity to the industry, not to its features or usability. In contrast, the machine which appears to provide the most advantages, both in technique and comfort is the least known. Many of the artists interviewed had heard of the pneumatic, but few had seen one or knew of someone who used one.