So this is the list I gave the Ink-trails guys before they started having at it. I know some of you want to buy kits but they have alot of useless shit and they are missing alot of stuff that you need. This is the complete set up to almost be working in a shop, minus Autoclave. Keep in mind this is for the serious tattoo artist in training this is more then the 200 dollar begginer kit. When I started the owner of the shop told me to save up about 500 hundred dollars then we would go shopping.

It is as follows:

Machines - You will want to order at least 2 machines, one for lines and another for shading. Initially you will want machines that are aluminum or steel, as any of the copper or iron machines are going to be too heavy for a beginner. Your hand strength will develop over time, and you can move up in weight once you get used to the equipment. A good machine will be from 125-175. I used Huck Spauldings for years before switching over to other machines. They are built ford tough

Power supply - You will only need a small, basic power supply to get started. You can read from some of the posts here to get an idea of what brand. I've been using the International two gauge singel dial power supplie for 7 years now never had a problem it is made for tattooing.

Foot Pedal and Cord - Round foot switch with phono plug. Don't even bother with the scissor action foot pedal they are crappy and break easily. The round footpedals are heavy and can be pressed from any angle.

Standard spring clip cord

Needles and Tubes - All are single-use, disposable

Needles:
3 Round Liners
5 Round Liners
5 Magnum Shaders
7 Magnum Shaders
Make sure to get pre-made, pre-sterilized on the bar needles 25 of each should keep you busy for a while

Tubes:
4-8 Round Tubes (5/8")
4-5 Flat Tubes (1")
6-7 Flat Tubes (1")

For the liners I prefer a 5-8 diameter tube it’s big enough for me not to get a cramp and small enough to get good control. Make sure you get 1 inch diameter for the shaders so it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Rubber Nipples - Typically 100 pack

Inks - Depending on your degree of commitment, you can choose a sampler set, or just individual colors. Moms, starbrite and millennium color all perform well. Kuri-sumi for black and graywash

Ink Caps - Size #9 and #12 ink caps

Transfer paper - 8.5 x 11? transfer paper

Sharps container - NEVER throw needles in the trash.

Supplies you can purchase locally:

Powder free latex gloves from Costco
A&D ointment or Vaseline 16oz jar
Two spray bottles
Rubber bands
Plastic wrap
Sandwich bags non zipper
Scissors
Scotch tape
Rubbing alcohol
Dial liquid soap large refill bottle
Paper or Styrofoam cups
Bleach (for area cleanup)
Paper towels softer the better for wiping.
Rolling chair or stool with adjustable height
Massage table with vinyl non-porous work top that can be easily cleaned.
Chair with vinly arm rest for client to be worked on.

Optional stuff:
Roll around storage cart with drawers for keeping supplies in one place.
Rolling salon station with table top and drawers let you move your work station with you to the client.
Dry lock pads for bandages and work area.
plastic cord cover