lineing with mags?

[krow]

i was reading in another forum that you can line with mag needles.i was wondering if anyone here has done this?

[Papa Gee]

Recently I used an 8 round shader to outline a tribal I had done earlier. I wanted a really bold line so I opted for the shader. The original tribal was done in purple and looked plain. So I outlined it in black.

[MedusaQueen]

I had posted before about using mag needles; they are my favorites (7 mags are my universal needles). I line with them on a regular basis; for naturalistic pieces that should not show a heavy black line all around. Don't try it if you're wanting a clean line, ain't gonna happen. I use the mag to etch or scratch in the outline (by running it on an angle, as Montana stated, flat side to side will act as a razor and slice the skin), and then I can wipe away my stencil and start the real work by shading away from those lines. They do not have to be nice lines because all the shading you do should hide any and all imperfections (granted you etch them in light enough) I have learned to use a mag in so many ways because they are so versatile. Basicallly, my stock of needles consists of 5 rnd liners and 7mag shaders. I'll grab a 9 mag for bigger tribals or a 7 rnd for new school lines, but I only go buy them if I have that kind of peice lined up, and I usually just double line with 5 to take the place of a 7. The only time I need the 5 rnds is for the simple cursive words or basic flash tattoos, but my magic maker is the 7 mag. It's one bad little mo-fo. I find 3 liners practically useless, and I don't even remember the last time I used one. If something requires that small of a line, I just grab the mag and don't bother with a liner. Why dirty 2 needles when the one is capable of both jobs?

[DOPPLENHAKEN]

how come you dont use a 4 mag?it would seem like it would be more manuaverable than a 7,and cover almost as much space?i'll have to try the seven but it just seems that it would be harder to use :?

[MedusaQueen]

A 4 flat you mean? It couldn't be as broad as a 7 mag, a mag's needles are staggered. There may only be four needles on the bottom, but they are each seperated by the other three needles on the top, so it is 3 spaces wider than a 4 flat would be, and those other 3 needles on the top fill in that much more space of a tattoo. As for a 4 MAG, there would only be 2 needles on the bottom, but I don't think I've even heard of a 4 mag, just a 4 flat. Basically, the more needles there are, the more space it's filling in.

Personally, I don't work with flats, only mags. The shading of a mag is more fluent, and it is perfectly capable of solid color, may be tricky to use, but well worth the effort.

[Papa Gee]

I've got some 7's and 9's in my cart for my next order of tubes and needles. So far my experience with mags has been with an 11M. Too big for the work I was doing at the time and it was too easy for me to overwork the skin. The problem I have with flats and mags is that I have to turn the tube in my hand to get into smaller areas. This causes me a lot of pain and cramping.With a round I dont have to do that. I do have a question though. The 7M uses a 4 flat tube? or a 6 flat?

[DOPPLENHAKEN]

i think that would be a trip to see,useing the seven mag to out line,i'm ganna have to tryb that on a friend :twisted:

[krow]

how come it seems no one uses 5 mags.i never used mags before and 5m to try.i figured i work my way up as i get used to em.why is the 7m everyones favorite needle...just curious..thanx

[thattt2guy]

the only time i would recommend a mag for lining is when your REWORKING tribal, just be careful not to tear the skin, if you look under the albums under religious you'll see a big cross that i reoutlined with a 13M, yes THIRTEEN MAG, can be very tricky and i wouldn't recommend it to anyone new to this biz