sterilization

do pressure cookers suffice in sterilizing tattoo equipement? My
husband and I are just starting out; tattooing ourselves and friends,
so we don't have much money. People are liking what they are seeing,
but we don't want to take any chances with the nasty things that can't
be seen. Any educated advice would be much appreciated.

rocket girl wrote:
> do pressure cookers suffice in sterilizing tattoo equipement? My
> husband and I are just starting out; tattooing ourselves and friends,
> so we don't have much money. People are liking what they are seeing,
> but we don't want to take any chances with the nasty things that can't
> be seen. Any educated advice would be much appreciated.

"The most common method of sterilization currently used in laboratories
and hospitals is autoclaving, which is basically a sophisticated
pressure cooker. This employs stream under pressure to raise the
temperature to 121 C at 15-17 psi for at least 15 minutes. At this
elevated temperature all living cells, including endospores and
viruses, are killed." Full text:
http://www.bact.wisc.edu/Microtextbo...rtid=13&page=1
aka http://tinyurl.com/dfmaa

I can't answer your question, but that at least offers some basic
information. Comforting to read, essentially, that an autoclave is just
a fancy pressure cooker. And although you say you don't have much
money, could you afford a case of beer and a $50 tattoo? Make a friend
at an area tattoo shop. Maybe an out of the area tattoo shop. Ask them
about their sterilization procedures.

Congratulations on your entrepreneurial spirit. Best of luck to you and
your husband. Pay no attention to the whispers of scratcher this and
blablah that. ;o)

--
Curt
http://curtjames.com/

Thanks so much for your encouragement. The man that has taught us what
we know about tattooing said that a pressure cooker was a cheaper way
to go. Autoclaves $2500, pressure cooker $65. Still nervous, so I want
as many opinions that I can get.
Are you a tattooist?
Forgive my ignorance, but I am assuming a "scratcher" is someone that
hasn't been apprenticed by a well known tattooist?
Although both of us (me & my husband) have both thought about going to
a couple of local shops where there are some artists that we would
respect and would love to have apprentice us, we have a young child and
can't afford the paycut that getting an official "apprenticeship would
offer. I have to say though, that we have been really lucky with the
artists that have been willing to share information with us so freely,
and that have encouraged us to learn this great art. We are totally
hooked on both receiving and giving tattoos.
Thanks again for the info

Curt James wrote:
> rocket girl wrote:
> > do pressure cookers suffice in sterilizing tattoo equipement? My
> > husband and I are just starting out; tattooing ourselves and friends,
> > so we don't have much money. People are liking what they are seeing,
> > but we don't want to take any chances with the nasty things that can't
> > be seen. Any educated advice would be much appreciated.
>
> "The most common method of sterilization currently used in laboratories
> and hospitals is autoclaving, which is basically a sophisticated
> pressure cooker. This employs stream under pressure to raise the
> temperature to 121 C at 15-17 psi for at least 15 minutes. At this
> elevated temperature all living cells, including endospores and
> viruses, are killed." Full text:
> http://www.bact.wisc.edu/Microtextbo...rtid=13&page=1
> aka http://tinyurl.com/dfmaa
>
> I can't answer your question, but that at least offers some basic
> information. Comforting to read, essentially, that an autoclave is just
> a fancy pressure cooker. And although you say you don't have much
> money, could you afford a case of beer and a $50 tattoo? Make a friend
> at an area tattoo shop. Maybe an out of the area tattoo shop. Ask them
> about their sterilization procedures.
>
> Congratulations on your entrepreneurial spirit. Best of luck to you and
> your husband. Pay no attention to the whispers of scratcher this and
> blablah that. ;o)
>
> --
> Curt
> http://curtjames.com/

rocket girl <simicich@telus.net> wrote:
> Thanks so much for your encouragement. The man that has taught us what
> we know about tattooing said that a pressure cooker was a cheaper way
> to go. Autoclaves $2500, pressure cooker $65. Still nervous, so I want
> as many opinions that I can get.

The only correct opinion in this case is that you need an autoclave,
and one that works. Note that you can buy them used for something
less than 2500 bucks.

Pressure cookers are useless for sterilization---they do not sterilize
at all. They aren't capable of reaching the temperatures or pressures
that a bonafide autoclave is.

I know it may seem like not so much a big deal, and I know people like
Curt will give you very dangerous advice in this vein, but it's quite
serious---you wouldn't feel too good about tattooing if you realized
you were responsible for a staphylococcus infection that became
pneumonia or septicemia in a client, or especially a friend. Find
the money, make the investment, take it all VERY seriously and make
your sacrifices, and I think you stand an excellent chance of having
a safe and lucrative business doing exactly what you like.

> Are you a tattooist?

Curt is not a tattooist, and it may be handy to note that he *doesn't know
any tattoo artists*--despite his repeated claims. His counsel is at
best not very good, and at worst downright dangerous.

> Forgive my ignorance, but I am assuming a "scratcher" is someone that
> hasn't been apprenticed by a well known tattooist?

"Scratcher" is a derogatory term for "crappy tattooist".

> Although both of us (me & my husband) have both thought about going to
> a couple of local shops where there are some artists that we would
> respect and would love to have apprentice us, we have a young child and
> can't afford the paycut that getting an official "apprenticeship would
> offer. I have to say though, that we have been really lucky with the
> artists that have been willing to share information with us so freely,
> and that have encouraged us to learn this great art. We are totally
> hooked on both receiving and giving tattoos.
> Thanks again for the info

There are plenty of brilliant tattoo artists who never apprenticed--
but they all have one thing in common--they made tattooing their
lives.

So its possible to do it the way you're doing it, but please, for
petes sake, get a real autoclave, and have it sporetested regularly.




-----yttrx




--
http://www.yttrx.net

rocket girl wrote:

> Thanks so much for your encouragement.

You're welcome.

> The man that has taught us what we know about tattooing said
> that a pressure cooker was a cheaper way to go. Autoclaves $2500,
> pressure cooker $65. Still nervous, so I want as many opinions that
> I can get.

Of course it's smart to get a number of opinions. Good on you.

> Are you a tattooist?

No. That's why I said I can't answer your question, but instead offered
the basic information and recommended you make a friend at an area
tattoo shop, asking them about their sterilization procedures. Is the
man that taught you what you know about tattooing and that pressure
cookers was an obviously cheaper way to go, is he a tattooist?

> Forgive my ignorance,

Hey, we're all ignorant of something, right? Again, kudos to you for
looking for advice!

> but I am assuming a "scratcher" is someone that hasn't been
> apprenticed by a well known tattooist?

Yeah, that'd be a scratcher, however it's my opinion that someone out
there was originally the very first tattooist. Did they have an
apprenticeship? And I'm sure you don't have to go back in tattoo
history thousands of years to find other people who simply started with
bottle of ink and a needle and who also turned out some beautiful art.

[...]

> Thanks again for the info

:o)

--
Curt
http://curtjames.com/

Thanks. I figured that in this case the price difference probably meant
something. The man that is teaching us is super old school, started
tattooing 30 years ago, and I guess things were done a little
differently back then.haha.
Are you a tattooist? This site seems pretty cool. I found it
yesterday. I'm reading "bodies of inscription" and read about this site
in there. I want to hook in and meet some people that have made
tattooing their lives and learn what I can from whoever is willing to
teach me. I am a little shy, and fearful though.
I love tattoos. I love the art, the process, but I don't like the
judgement of others. I guess people are going to judge regardless
though. Anyway, thanks again for your reply. I guess it'll be just me
and my husband tattooing each other for a while. (We use one use only
needles - it's just the tubes and grips that need to be autoclaved).
yttrx wrote:
> rocket girl <simicich@telus.net> wrote:
> > Thanks so much for your encouragement. The man that has taught us what
> > we know about tattooing said that a pressure cooker was a cheaper way
> > to go. Autoclaves $2500, pressure cooker $65. Still nervous, so I want
> > as many opinions that I can get.
>
> The only correct opinion in this case is that you need an autoclave,
> and one that works. Note that you can buy them used for something
> less than 2500 bucks.
>
> Pressure cookers are useless for sterilization---they do not sterilize
> at all. They aren't capable of reaching the temperatures or pressures
> that a bonafide autoclave is.
>
> I know it may seem like not so much a big deal, and I know people like
> Curt will give you very dangerous advice in this vein, but it's quite
> serious---you wouldn't feel too good about tattooing if you realized
> you were responsible for a staphylococcus infection that became
> pneumonia or septicemia in a client, or especially a friend. Find
> the money, make the investment, take it all VERY seriously and make
> your sacrifices, and I think you stand an excellent chance of having
> a safe and lucrative business doing exactly what you like.
>
> > Are you a tattooist?
>
> Curt is not a tattooist, and it may be handy to note that he *doesn't know
> any tattoo artists*--despite his repeated claims. His counsel is at
> best not very good, and at worst downright dangerous.
>
> > Forgive my ignorance, but I am assuming a "scratcher" is someone that
> > hasn't been apprenticed by a well known tattooist?
>
> "Scratcher" is a derogatory term for "crappy tattooist".
>
> > Although both of us (me & my husband) have both thought about going to
> > a couple of local shops where there are some artists that we would
> > respect and would love to have apprentice us, we have a young child and
> > can't afford the paycut that getting an official "apprenticeship would
> > offer. I have to say though, that we have been really lucky with the
> > artists that have been willing to share information with us so freely,
> > and that have encouraged us to learn this great art. We are totally
> > hooked on both receiving and giving tattoos.
> > Thanks again for the info
>
> There are plenty of brilliant tattoo artists who never apprenticed--
> but they all have one thing in common--they made tattooing their
> lives.
>
> So its possible to do it the way you're doing it, but please, for
> petes sake, get a real autoclave, and have it sporetested regularly.
>
>
>
>
> -----yttrx
>
>
>
>
> --
> http://www.yttrx.net

rocket girl <simicich@telus.net> wrote:
> Thanks. I figured that in this case the price difference probably meant
> something. The man that is teaching us is super old school, started
> tattooing 30 years ago, and I guess things were done a little
> differently back then.haha.
> Are you a tattooist? This site seems pretty cool.

Nope, my experience comes from extensive coverage, many close friends
who've been doing it for a very long time, and a writing gigs in the
field, both print and web.

> I found it
> yesterday. I'm reading "bodies of inscription" and read about this site
> in there. I want to hook in and meet some people that have made
> tattooing their lives and learn what I can from whoever is willing to
> teach me. I am a little shy, and fearful though.

Good, I think that's a healthy reaction to diving into the unknown.

It means your brain works--which is excellent news, since youre
going to need it.

> I love tattoos. I love the art, the process, but I don't like the
> judgement of others.

Man, youre REALLY gonna have to get used to that. There are about
three tattoo artists in the world that I've never heard a bad thing
about.




-----yttrx



--
http://www.yttrx.net

for sure, I have a background in fine arts so I am used to the
critiquing (spelling?!) process, and I have to remember that opinion is
just that - opinion, and it doesn't have to belong to me.
By the way, who are the artists that have unmarked reputations? I'd
love to take a look at their work, see what I can learn through
observation.
What kind of work do you have done?
I love the japanese stuff. I am a spiritual person, and I feel totally
inspired and serene when I see a good piece. I want a 3/4 japanese
style sleeve. I only have 4 tattoos at this point, but am always
planning more:) I also have a soft spot for the old school/sailor stuff
- it makes me smile! I'm thinking of getting a heart with an anchor
behind it and some roses and a banner that says "mum" on my shoulder.
(I think my mum would love it, but I don't know.... so many ideas, so
little skin!!!)
yttrx wrote:
> rocket girl <simicich@telus.net> wrote:
> > Thanks. I figured that in this case the price difference probably meant
> > something. The man that is teaching us is super old school, started
> > tattooing 30 years ago, and I guess things were done a little
> > differently back then.haha.
> > Are you a tattooist? This site seems pretty cool.
>
> Nope, my experience comes from extensive coverage, many close friends
> who've been doing it for a very long time, and a writing gigs in the
> field, both print and web.
>
> > I found it
> > yesterday. I'm reading "bodies of inscription" and read about this site
> > in there. I want to hook in and meet some people that have made
> > tattooing their lives and learn what I can from whoever is willing to
> > teach me. I am a little shy, and fearful though.
>
> Good, I think that's a healthy reaction to diving into the unknown.
>
> It means your brain works--which is excellent news, since youre
> going to need it.
>
> > I love tattoos. I love the art, the process, but I don't like the
> > judgement of others.
>
> Man, youre REALLY gonna have to get used to that. There are about
> three tattoo artists in the world that I've never heard a bad thing
> about.
>
>
>
>
> -----yttrx
>
>
>
> --
> http://www.yttrx.net

rocket girl <simicich@telus.net> wrote:
> for sure, I have a background in fine arts so I am used to the
> critiquing (spelling?!) process, and I have to remember that opinion is
> just that - opinion, and it doesn't have to belong to me.
> By the way, who are the artists that have unmarked reputations? I'd
> love to take a look at their work, see what I can learn through
> observation.

Kim Saigh, Guy Atchison, Anil Gupta

Though a lot of people complained about Anil's miniatures years ago,
it turns out that they were unfounded. I haven't heard a negative
thing about him in years.

> What kind of work do you have done?
> I love the japanese stuff. I am a spiritual person, and I feel totally
> inspired and serene when I see a good piece. I want a 3/4 japanese
> style sleeve. I only have 4 tattoos at this point, but am always
> planning more:) I also have a soft spot for the old school/sailor stuff
> - it makes me smile! I'm thinking of getting a heart with an anchor
> behind it and some roses and a banner that says "mum" on my shoulder.
> (I think my mum would love it, but I don't know.... so many ideas, so
> little skin!!!)

Sweet. My mom cries every time she sees a new one on me. It rocks.




-----yttrx



--
http://www.yttrx.net

yttrx <yttrx@yttrx.net> wrote:
y> Man, youre REALLY gonna have to get used to that. There are about
y> three tattoo artists in the world that I've never heard a bad thing
y> about.

yeah, & i don't like one of them. :D

lish "figured out what you're good for:
crank@got.net making anything look better." -uc
43.9% / 30 RANA 125 / 68

yttrx <yttrx@yttrx.net> wrote:
y> Kim Saigh, Guy Atchison, Anil Gupta

see, i was right.

y> Sweet. My mom cries every time she sees a new one on me. It rocks.

it's EASY to make your mom cry.

lish "what is your position here?"
crank@got.net "your practical & intellectual superior." -nd,rr
43.9% / 30 RANA 125 / 68

i'll teach you to turn away. <crank@got.net> wrote:
> yttrx <yttrx@yttrx.net> wrote:
> y> Man, youre REALLY gonna have to get used to that. There are about
> y> three tattoo artists in the world that I've never heard a bad thing
> y> about.
>
> yeah, & i don't like one of them. :D
>

Have you seen his latest stuff?




-----yttrx



--
http://www.yttrx.net

i'll teach you to turn away. <crank@got.net> wrote:
> yttrx <yttrx@yttrx.net> wrote:
> y> Kim Saigh, Guy Atchison, Anil Gupta
>
> see, i was right.
>

Oh come on!

http://www.anilgupta.com/largepics/f...FlamesMask.htm
http://www.anilgupta.com/largepics/abstract/Martina.htm
http://www.anilgupta.com/largepics/f...wDerekHess.htm


Yer crazy.




-----yttrx



--
http://www.yttrx.net

rocket girl wrote:
> Thanks so much for your encouragement. The man that has taught us what
> we know about tattooing said that a pressure cooker was a cheaper way
> to go. Autoclaves $2500, pressure cooker $65. Still nervous, so I want
> as many opinions that I can get.
> Are you a tattooist?
> Forgive my ignorance, but I am assuming a "scratcher" is someone that
> hasn't been apprenticed by a well known tattooist?
> Although both of us (me & my husband) have both thought about going to
> a couple of local shops where there are some artists that we would
> respect and would love to have apprentice us, we have a young child and
> can't afford the paycut that getting an official "apprenticeship would
> offer. I have to say though, that we have been really lucky with the
> artists that have been willing to share information with us so freely,
> and that have encouraged us to learn this great art. We are totally
> hooked on both receiving and giving tattoos.
> Thanks again for the info
>
> Curt James wrote:
> > rocket girl wrote:
> > > do pressure cookers suffice in sterilizing tattoo equipement? My
> > > husband and I are just starting out; tattooing ourselves and friends,
> > > so we don't have much money. People are liking what they are seeing,
> > > but we don't want to take any chances with the nasty things that can't
> > > be seen. Any educated advice would be much appreciated.
> >
> > "The most common method of sterilization currently used in laboratories
> > and hospitals is autoclaving, which is basically a sophisticated
> > pressure cooker. This employs stream under pressure to raise the
> > temperature to 121 C at 15-17 psi for at least 15 minutes. At this
> > elevated temperature all living cells, including endospores and
> > viruses, are killed." Full text:
> > http://www.bact.wisc.edu/Microtextbo...rtid=13&page=1
> > aka http://tinyurl.com/dfmaa
> >
> > I can't answer your question, but that at least offers some basic
> > information. Comforting to read, essentially, that an autoclave is just
> > a fancy pressure cooker. And although you say you don't have much
> > money, could you afford a case of beer and a $50 tattoo? Make a friend
> > at an area tattoo shop. Maybe an out of the area tattoo shop. Ask them
> > about their sterilization procedures.
> >
> > Congratulations on your entrepreneurial spirit. Best of luck to you and
> > your husband. Pay no attention to the whispers of scratcher this and
> > blablah that. ;o)
> >
> > --
> > Curt
> > http://curtjames.com/



I Have A Tub Type Auto-clave From Spaulding Rodgers In My Shop It Was
$550 New So You Can Find A New Auto-Clave Cheaper Also You Mite Wanna
Look Up A Wayne Dry Heat Sterilizer.