Disposable Plastic Tips - Tattoo Forum

tcbennett75 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I just want to know how experienced tattooist's feel about disposable tips. I've noticed that the needle is a bit less stable and the flow of ink isn't as consistent. The inner part of the tip isn't solid in the disposables, like it is in steel tips. Consequently....the needle is only supported right at the very tip, where it exits. I don't have an autoclave, and I rely on disposables for sterile purposes, but I'm beginning to think that disposable tips suck. Is it just me?

bojie · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I don't buy just disposable tips, I buy the needles/grips/tubes combos and don't seem to have these troubles you are explaining. I am required to have an autoclave in my shop but will never use it cause for me it's disposables all the way. I also know while the autoclave kills most things, it won't kill others like mad cows disease. Granted not many peeps are running around with mad cows disease but hey, if that'll survive what else will?

bojie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I have recently been turned on to a source selling plastic tube/grip combos with metal tips. The whole unit is disposable but they are 3 euros each. If ya want I'll track down that link for you.

bojie · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

Ok just rechecked my source... autoclaves will not kill prions of any type, one well known prion is mad cows disease.

tcbennett75 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I really appreciate the info. I'm gonna look into the plastic tube/grip combos with the metal tips. If all else fails....I will just have to buy brand new metal tips each time. It performs so much better than the crap tips I have. And right on about the autoclave info too. Oh.....and hell yea.....on the link. That would be awesome.

bojie · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

Tattoo Grip

Here it is. Kinda pricey though IMHO. I'm just not sure why your tips are causing troubles. I've used the disposable combos for years with no problems though.

bojie · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

Click the little blue letters saying tattoo grip above and the link will take you straight to them.

tcbennett75 · #8 (**permalink**) 13-11-2009

Yo dude.....really appreciate the info. I am new to this and using pigskins to practice on. It's such a transition from drawing on paper to real skin. You should see my leg....it's a patchwork! But I'd rather screw myself up than someone else. I know that most people suggest an apprenticeship....I just really don't have the time right now. However, it's something I would like to be very good at someday so all the advice is appreciated. Thanks bro.

bojie · #9 (**permalink**) 13-11-2009

Hey man no problem! You have any questions just ask!!! Here's the plain truth... everybody preaches apprenticeships, the trade is set up to give the artists a certain level of control over their competition this way. The fact is there will always be scratchers, heck most of the pros started out as scratchers! Now do we want all the scratchers out there using unsafe practices or tearing up peoples skin increasing their risk of infection, not to mention giving people horrible tattoos? Of course not! I am one of many against these hush hush policies so commonly found within the trade. I believe educating new and upcoming tattooists in safe procedures and proper techniques promotes safety to not only their clients, the tattooists family from contracting diseases from the tattooist, and the general public who loves tattoos and want a quality tattoo without paying rediculous prices. Believe me I understand why shops charge $100 per hour! Overhead, licensing, and insurance are devastating! That means all tattoos through the shop must be charged at full price, but it doesn't mean because people can not afford a quality tattoo they shouldn't have one, just as it doesn't mean these people won't turn to scratchers for tattoo work within their price range! Simply because someone needs to save a few bucks doesn't mean they deserve to be put under risky situations. Aside from all this, aspiring new tattooists are met with closed doors at every turn often frustrating them enough to prevent them from doing what they truly want to do. This is simply wrong because I can tell you now I've seen better work coming from many scratchers than I see coming out of a lot of shops. If someone has talent, desire, and a love for art then if tattooing is what they want to do they should be doing it! Unlike the popular belief, it's not about the money... it's about having people proudly display your artwork to the rest of the world for the rest of their lives! The money is just a bonus side effect.

bojie · #10 (**permalink**) 13-11-2009

Don't know where you are from but check out the seller lhltattoo on ebay. It's a US seller and where I buy my disposable sets from. Awsome prices and I don't seem to have the troubles with them you are having with yours. Also check out this link http://www.eachtattoo.com/categories...sable-Needles/