3.5 mm vs 4.2 mm stroke: what changes and how to read it

Stroke is the distance the needle travels in each cycle, usually expressed in millimetres. On some machines it is fixed, on others adjustable or interchangeable. The declared value depends on the manufacturer and the model, and on its own it does not describe behaviour: the mechanics, the cartridge and the give matter too.

A 3.5 mm stroke is an intermediate travel, common among machines designed for versatile use. It is a declared value: it says nothing about how the machine feels at work, which depends on the rest of the machine.

A 4.2 mm stroke is a somewhat longer travel. It often appears as one of the selectable values on machines with adjustable stroke, as well as a fixed value on some models.

With a shorter stroke the needle moves less on each cycle; with a longer one, more. Many artists associate shorter strokes with precision work and longer ones with fills and shading, but these are tendencies: the same machine can be used in different ways, and the configuration of the cartridge changes the picture. An adjustable stroke lets you try both without changing machine.

A shorter stroke can give more controlled movement; a longer one can give a more decisive impact. These are general descriptions, not promises: they depend on the machine, the cartridge and the hand. Neither value suits every job.

There is no universally better stroke. Start from the work you do most often, the cartridge you use and how much you want to be able to adjust. If you are unsure, a machine with adjustable stroke keeps both options open; Find My Machine helps narrow the options and how to read the specs explains how to relate stroke to weight, voltage and runtime. To see all machines, open the Machines category.