have metal...no autoclave...

Greetings, fellow tattoo lovers...My name is John, new to the site. Im not currently an apprentice, but working on it right now. I havent been able to get a good answer so I thought I would leave it to the community of "us" (newbies, scratchers, whatever u refer to) and the pro's. I have a kit, which I have just recently received. I have all metal grips, steel and alluminum. Now, I have only used each grip and tube and tip ONCE, bc I dont have an autoclave. What could I do to ensure that all metal is sterile without the autoclave? One suggestion is just to "boil" in water for bout half an hour, cool off, soak in mix of water and alcohol (50/50) and then back in the boiling water for another 30 minute cycle. Would this actually suffice until I can get the cash for a decent autoclave? And is an ultrasonic really required or is it just prefered? By the way, anyone that is reading this, if you havent already, GET THE FRIGGEN BOOK "BASIC FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN TATTOO," you definately WONT regret the info. Ive read twice thru and coming to my 3rd! But anyways, back to subject at hand, any other suggestions, or will this work? Thanks!

[canvasyou]

If you have read the book, then you know....
You can ONLY sterilize tubes w/ Autoclave that has been tested.

Shell out the $1.50 for a disposable tube.
Seriously -
DO NOT use the methods you described to tattoo - using dirty gear.

Only disposable tubes should be used by an apprentice, get an apprenticeship! And you will learn how to run an autoclave!

: )

I understand. Money is tight, so I have to use what I have. I was told this by a Doctor, so I thought it would be ok, being as I also bag them after in seperate baggies. Are U SURE this doesnt sterilize? Ive had multiple docs tell me this is more than enough. But we are talking about tattooing, so u would know. anyhow, just want to be as safe as possible with what I DO have, because honestly I WILL be doing more tats.

[canvasyou]

"Bleach will kill many, but not all spores. It is also highly corrosive."
"Sterilization can be achieved by applying the proper combinations of heat, chemicals, irradiation, high pressure, and filtration."

USE DISPOSIBLE TUBES - if you are new to tattooing, and you are "going to be tattooing no matter what"
They are approx $1.50 each.
If you can not afford a disposible tube because "money is tight"
Then you shoudl probably spend some more time looking for a real job than reading forums online.

1.) Get an apprenticeship - if possible
2.) Do NOT tattoo anyone but yourself if you are not an apprentice
3.) Do NOT use metal tubes and tips on ANYONE but yourself unless you own an autoclave or EO Sterilizer
4.) Do not bitch about disposible tubes costing too much money - when you are probably charging people for hack job scratcher tattoos.

I am not one to yell at scratchers - but seriously, you ask for advice - then you keep on going saying "are you sure... cause I am just going to tattoo anyway"
Seriously ??

And even though you didn't say it - I am going to answer your next questions for you.
NO - do NOT tell your clients they can have a discount if they "save their needles"
NO - do not use the same needle on a husband and wife
NO - do not dip your used tattoo gear in bleach and expect it to be sterile

Please don't get butt hurt on this - but this is why I dedicated a bunch of pages in my book to this topic, because I know people are going to tattoo no matter what. At least they can be smart about it. And the technology exists that you can get disposible tubes and needles and barrier bags for cheap - so why even risk it?

And yes - you are a scratcher, so don't all butt hurt about being called one.
Take it for what it is - and just buy some disposible tubes and keep on scratching.

best of luck to you - hope you can get an apprenticeship somewhere - i know it is hard..

-CR Jordan

I totally respect that. I actually have researched some disposables, and they arent that much. Thanks for the constructive critisism, man. I didnt mean to sound as if i would do it regardless, just wanted to be right. You know how us hardheaded fuckers are...lol anyways, I still have not used the metal but once, they are still bagged. I am taking your advice, man. Im just anxious about tattooing, man.! thanks for the feedback.

By the way, I was searching for some disposables, found just the tube for a reasonable price. Its the whole tube and tip, but not the grip. If I got this setup, would that be ok till I can get the full grip, tube and tip disposable? I mean, The grip doesnt get any contact with skin, but it does get the "fluids" so was woundering if I did this, how safe would it be with a metal grip that has been soaked in alcohol? or possibley a new grip cover every time? by the way, i found another shop that Im gonna try for an apprentice at. The guy used to be best friends with my Martial Arts trainer a long time ago, so he recognises me. Is it also ok to do that, I mean have two shops that I am trying to get an apprentice? or stick with just one and try like hell? thanks for the replies, man. I take critisism VERY well.

John Dalton

[canvasyou]

Superior, Unimax, Technical, CAM, Kingpin, Eikon,
Everyone sells disposible tubes w/ grips -
Around $1.00 each or less...
I don't see your complaint about price.

Well, I can get 250 individual wrapped and sterilized with gas tubes and tip combo for just $20. I already have the needles. So Im guessing that aint your version of a good idea...Still pushing the full disposable deal. I do understand, but to get the amount I would need, It would cost me a few hundred as aposed to just $20 or so. I also have a SHIT load of latex grip covers that go ALL THE WAY around the grip and snug over the tube a lil, so I know it is sterile. SO this setup is exactly what a disposable setup is. It is just cheaper for right now till i can afford the stuff YOU recommend. Does this setup with the disposable tube and tip with disposable grip covers suffice about the same as a full on disposable? Being as EVERYTHING that has SOME contact with client will be thrown away? Im just going over my options until I can get some supplies. SO far, $40 for tube/tip combo and grip covers, as compared to the same deal, 250 full disposable at around $250. Whadya think? And price FOR RIGHT NOW is a big deal.

[xDreamerx]

.....

[canvasyou]

Well, I can get 250 individual wrapped and sterilized with gas tubes and tip combo for just $20. I already have the needles. So Im guessing that aint your version of a good idea...Still pushing the full disposable deal. I do understand, but to get the amount I would need, It would cost me a few hundred as aposed to just $20 or so. I also have a SHIT load of latex grip covers that go ALL THE WAY around the grip and snug over the tube a lil, so I know it is sterile. SO this setup is exactly what a disposable setup is. It is just cheaper for right now till i can afford the stuff YOU recommend. Does this setup with the disposable tube and tip with disposable grip covers suffice about the same as a full on disposable? Being as EVERYTHING that has SOME contact with client will be thrown away? Im just going over my options until I can get some supplies. SO far, $40 for tube/tip combo and grip covers, as compared to the same deal, 250 full disposable at around $250. Whadya think? And price FOR RIGHT NOW is a big deal.

Okay... for the final time.
Please go to this website... http://unimaxsupply.com/tatneedle/1combopurple.htm
Spend yourself $1.99 for a 1" needle tube combo.
You are not going to be doing good tattoos - you are not going to be doing thousands of tattoos, you are obviously not working a shop - or your mentor would give you tubes to work with.

Please stop asking for advise - then telling me what you think is a better idea.

$1.99 - I don't see how you can not afford that??

Buy disposible tube / needle combo - and done deal - end of discussion...
This is the only thing I endorse and due to your lack of understanding for the process... (which is obvious by assuming you can just cover your grip w/ a grip cover and be good to go).

I am not saying you have to use Unimax - I am just making it easy for you - since this has been a very - very painful forum.
Once again - $1.99 for a combo... simple - problem solved.

If you don't have $500.00 to buy supplies - then you should not be tattooing. You need to get another job - and you need to save your money - work as an apprentice or even as a janitor in a tattoo studio.
Do whatever you have to do to get into a real studio. Learn what you can. Get 3 jobs and spend all your money on getting tattooed. Then spend what little left over money you have on buying tattoo machines, power supplies, and disposibles.
Experiement costs money -
If you are not being told what is good - via an proper tattoo apprenticeship - then you have to spend money and learn the hard way.
You can NOT skimp on being clean w/ disposible.

It seems like tattooing should be such an open / shut case - with disposible and not tattooing at home... and yet here we are going over it again... but its not the message that is lost in translation... i have a feeling that if you were working in a studio - you would be doing a lot of floor mopping.. and giving the guys who work there a heart attack on a daily basis.
: )