I was wondering what to use plastic disposable tubes or the metal ones, i find the plastic ones quite bulky at the tip compared to metal and the don't all seem to have a snug fit with the needle like the metal ones any ideas ??
There are decent plastic tubes about, you have to try a few brands to find which suits you better, myself I like pin up diamond tubes for lining, but if I had a autoclave I would use steel.
afterhours of searching Ive found just what i was looking for at www.imaxshop.com/en/, they have old school type tubes that are really fine at the tip so looks like theres a order going in to see what they are like. :icon_cheesygrin:
I found this website that sells the lexans for pretty cheap. Cheapest i've found them at least... http://www.technicaltattoosupply.com/ they go for 1$ US for 5 full tubes. I feel it's much cleaner to just chuck tubes and because I don't have an autoclave. And cannot afford one right now either the lexans is the way to go.
i use steel tips from powerline tattoo supplies, they do tips with a longer tip at the end and with a double wash hole for easy cleaning and with them having a longer tip you can see what you are doing better and they seem to cut down on ink splatter to, it took me about 9 months of trying different steel and plastic tips before i was happy, I do use plastic sometimes for colour but always steel for outline.
Personally, i am a much bigger fan of the good and old stainless steel, but since i can't afford an autoclave at this time, disposables will have to do.
I personally buy all needles and tubes at Island Tattoo Center, and they work perfectly, and they also have nice prices.