Leaded Carbon Steel vs Standard Pure Iron Coil Cores — Which Should You Pick for Your Coil Machines?
When you’re building or tuning coil machines, the core material makes a big difference in magnetic performance, tuning stability, and longevity. At Lucky Supply, we offer two solid coil core options designed for sharp, consistent hits every session: Nickel Plated Leaded Carbon Steel Coil Cores and our standard Pure Iron Coil Cores. To understand the difference, it helps to look at how core materials have traditionally been viewed by machine builders.
Historically, many builders — especially those from generations before the 1970s — considered pure iron the ideal material for coil cores. That’s because soft iron has low magnetic retentivity, meaning it magnetizes and demagnetizes very quickly with minimal energy. In a tattoo machine, the magnetic field is created when power runs through the coil windings and disappears the moment the contact point opens. Iron releases that magnetism quickly and completely, which can create a very clean, responsive cycle.
🔩 Leaded Carbon Steel Coil Cores – Durable & Magnetic
The Nickel Plated Leaded Carbon Steel Coil Cores are built from high-carbon steel with a nickel plating that protects against corrosion and improves surface resilience. Carbon steel is an entirely suitable core material, but it behaves differently than iron. Steel has slightly higher magnetic retentivity, meaning it may hold a small amount of residual magnetism after the current stops and can demagnetize a bit more slowly.
In real-world machine building, that difference is usually minor and easily controlled with small spring setup adjustments. The benefit is strong, consistent magnetic pull combined with durability. These cores often deliver a snappy hit and stable cycling, and the nickel finish helps them stand up to heavy shop use. They’re a great choice when longevity, strength, and reliable magnetic performance are priorities.
🧲 Pure Iron Coil Cores – Reliable & Versatile
Our standard Pure Iron Coil Cores are a proven option for builders looking for versatility and value. Depending on the build, iron-style cores with lower retentivity can offer fast magnetize/demagnetize cycles that some builders prefer for certain liners or finely tuned setups. That quick release of magnetism can contribute to a very responsive feel.
At the same time, it’s important to understand that iron isn’t automatically the lower-voltage or “better” option in every case. Frame geometry, spring tension, coil windings, and intended use (lining vs shading) all affect how a machine runs. In some frames, steel cores perform better; in others, iron-style cores shine. That’s why experienced builders still rely on testing and tuning to find the sweet spot.
Quick Take:
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Go with Nickel Plated Leaded Carbon Steel Coil Cores when you want durability, corrosion resistance, and strong, stable magnetic performance that can be fine-tuned through spring adjustments.
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Use standard Pure Iron Coil Cores when you want versatile, traditional performance and a responsive feel that works across a wide range of builds.
At the end of the day, both materials are professional-grade options — and the “best” choice often comes down to your machine setup and how you like it to hit.
Special thanks to the legendary Bill Baker for generously sharing his knowledge and real-world machine building experience in order to write this article — insight that only comes from a lifetime spent deep in the craft.
