Needles, tips, tubes

[Anonymous]

I know that needles, tips, etc. are personal preference, but could some of you guess give advice for what to start out with as a beginner? What size, configuration of needle, tube, tip, etc, that might be helpful to someone just starting out.

Thanks!

[imported_NeedleJack]

Always best to start with whatever you can get your hands on. Most people start with 3s as that is usually what is shipped with kits in general. However, your best bet would be to use a more versatile grouping like 5s for lining and 7m for shading. Good Luck

[Papa Gee]

I normally use a 3 round liner for most tats but I also like to use an 8 round liner if I need a bolder line. It's also easy to get a diminishing line by lifting the needle at the end. Anything with a lot of detail calls for a single needle. Small flowers or twirling tendrils on a vine, that sort of thing. If I'm doing an old school tat, like a heart with a ribbon I'll use the 8 round. Especially for the lettering.

[framey]

:evil:

[Luckyshot]

3r for tight thin lines
5r for a bit thicker
any thicker then that try double lining will keep a nice tight yet thick line
7 or 9 mag for smaller fill pieces
13 mag for larger pieces
i personally use a 1" grip(thats what im most comfortable with)
and tips i usually try to stick with standard round and shovels for the mags
ive tried a ton of difrent sizes and tips,as far as tip tube grip combos go,and ive found that these work the best for ME ,but whats good for me may not be what works for you,just try,try,try

[skullman]

Ok I've know you can change your curls on ss tubs. But what about the disp kind , or is it you get what you get and don't though a fit?

[framey]

:evil:

[skullman]

Are they disposable? possible cross cont. Just wondering for the little guys without a autoclave. :(

[imported_NeedleJack]

Skull - New lexan tubes will be in next week. Yep, they are disposable. You can put your own grip on them to add weight. One time use. The convenience of being able to use a disposable that actually sucks up the ink without having to constantly redip your tube. Also, the convenience of feeling like you are actually using a SS tube because you have the necessary weight to balance your machine.

Regarding previous disposables (colored ones ie red, green, yellow etc). Yes - you can cut the grip off of those and put your own grip on. This is what a lot of folks like to do. Disadvantage - they suck ass for holding ink for more than about 2 strokes against the skin. The disadvantage of buying lexan tubes with the grip already on them is that it's one solid unit. There is no cutting off the grip. The advantage - the best on the market for disposables. The plus to all of this? Next week we will carry all 3 kinds - Lexan 5/8" Disposables, Lexan 1" Disposables, and Lexan No Grip Disposables for both 5/8" and 1" Keep your eyes open :roll:

[skullman]

I'll keep my eyes open :shock: thanx

[voodoo]

me too! :shock: what will the price of them be?