soulclaimed  +  24484 Thu, 30 Apr 09 04:41 PM Ok so I am new to tattooing, I decided to buy a kit from  http://www.thetattooshop.co.uk/shop/products/tattoo-kit-puma-machine.htm   and am wondering if I also HAVE to buy and Autocave and an Ultrasonic or is it suitable and possible to just clean the kit itself some other way as the autoclave is around 600 pound and ultrasonics are 60 pound plus at the moment i will be just practicing on grapefruit etc but im just curious as ive never seen either of these items at the tattoo shop ive been to soulclaimed Joined on 04-28-2009 Uk-Leicestershire 08

	Tom  +  24486 Thu, 30 Apr 09 06:33 PM Hi Soulclaimed - I'm not a tattooist, but i have friends who own a studio, and hygiene's one of their top considerations - the autoclave and ultrasonic are pretty much always in use, and sterilisation is top priority. I asked my friend Dave about this once, as i was in the back of his shop and didn't know what all the machines were for, and he said it's standard equipment when tattooing people - it's (according to him, and i trust him to be safe) the only way to sterilise equipment properly if you're going to be tattooing people. I'd listen to Dave - he's a great artist, owns a successful little studio, and takes his profession seriously. that's as much as i know - I'll ask some other folks on here if they have any advice, as i know they're tattooists and know much better than me.   hope all's well sir :) Tom Joined on 02-27-2008 324

	soulclaimed  +  24533 Sat, 02 May 09 07:39 AM what if i use plastic disposable tubes? soulclaimed

	Kiwitastic  +  24772 Sat, 09 May 09 04:58 AM I personally would never get work done by anyone who doesn't have an autoclave that has had a recent, clean spore test. That and I expect the room to be as clean as my doctor's office. If you want to be taken seriously as an artist and someone who respects the health of their clients, you should really spring for the cost of the autoclave, it's worth it in the long run. Kiwitastic Joined on 05-08-2009 Holyoke, MA 26

	fishface  +  25395 Wed, 10 Jun 09 01:37 PM I use disposable tubes its an easy way to not need to use an auto clave or ultrasonic. fishface Joined on 06-10-2009 london 03

	soulclaimed  +  25410 Thu, 11 Jun 09 06:05 AM thats what im using now but was just curious as to what peoples thoughts were on the subject mostly, only difference is with buying disposables after a while it will get pretty pricey lol although autoclaves are around 700+ lol soulclaimed

	Skinflix Custom Ink  +  33353 Tue, 16 Jun 09 12:49 PM OK I am a Studio owner/Artist @ Skinflix Custom Ink & mobile studios in Cedar Rapids,Iowa. First off an Altrasonic cleaner does not sterilize anything ,but rather is used to basically vibrate pigments,plasmas,off of things such as stainless steel tubes,piercing utensils ,etc. When used the way most use an ultrasonic cleaner,it is merely filled with a heavy soapy solution only.Now I prefer, if you are going to use an ultrasonic ,to also add a limited amount of a liquid sterilant to the liquid such as alittle Wave-a cide 01,or even Cidex or Omnicide, as alittle extra prcautionary measure.Or a cap or 2 of bleach. After the time period of the Ultrasonic cleaner has done it's job to your satifaction,remove items ,always wearing gloves,rinse thouroughly,and then package into sterilization pouches and run through your Auto-clave. Never re-use needles,disposeable tubes,tips,etc,dispose of those into sharps container..So in all practcallity,if you can't afford both,(wait til you can!),do not skimp on cost of an  autoclave -sterilizer,which is going to protect you as well as your clients ...If you are unsure on how to operate it,ask someone who knows..!!          thanx,              Lonn @ Skinflix Custom Ink                 319-241-4012 Skinflix Custom... Joined on 06-16-2009 Cedar Rapids,Iowa 01 Lonn (owner/Artist) Skinflix Custom Ink

	soulclaimed  +  33355 Tue, 16 Jun 09 02:42 PM i have been reading up on tattooing since i originally asked the question and am aware that an ultrasonic is used for the things you previously mentioned but are you also saying that you should still use an autoclave even if you are using disposables? What would you use it on if you are disposing of your tubes?(full tubes including the grip and tip) I am aware that you should NEVER re-use needles and disposeable tubes what things are suitable for putting in the machine? soulclaimed