Do you autoclave the actual machine?

I'm asking this because of all the people who tell scratchers to get an autoclave. Do you autoclave the machine or just the tubes and grips? I'm searching for an apprenticeship myself but if I can't afford one then I guess I'm gonna be a "scratcher". I want to learn from an actual respected tattoo artist but I'm not willing to dish out thousands of dollars to due so. I'm looking online for courses I can take to get atleast a certificate that proves I know something about diseases and how they are transfered. So please stop hating on someone for trying. I dropped out of high school to be with my grandparents who were both terminally ill. I also don't want to go back. High school was horrible for me and I don't want to be an artists' bitch for 2 years for something that I can learn in 6 months. Learning everyday and not cleaning toilets is something I want. So have fun putting down the "scratchers". I fully respect and envy professional tattoo artists. I also respect the "scratchers"that put out great work and are steril about it too. So an answer to my question would be great. Thank You.

YES YOU autoclave the whole machine !!! When ever you get a new machine , place it in the oven for about an hour at 121°C (250°F)

lol, creeper Don't take any on-line tattoo courses. They are ALL shit. No e-books either. The first courses you should take are at the Red Cross. I think you can do it online too. Pay a fee and get certified in BBP (bloodborn pathogens), First Aid and CPR.

"So have fun putting down the "scratchers". I fully respect and envy professional tattoo artists. " >>> If you fully respected professional tattoo artists you would not be disgracing everyone by pokin' out some shitty tattoos in Uncle Cletus' chicken pluckin' shed. "I also respect the "scratchers"that put out great work and are steril about it too." >>>This is an oxymoron, and if you take internet classes you are too (only without the oxy.) Get an apprenticeship, the shop there will have a working autoclave and the PROFESSIONAL there will tell you what to autoclave and what not. He will also teach you how to spell words like STERILE.Until then don't worry about an autoclave because unless you are an idiot, you will be tattooing pig's ears and faux skin.

it's important to note that you must also autoclave your head and finger tips.

Unless u have Neuma...

Been there Pokerguy. And I was like you , thought I respected the professionals, thought I could learn in a few months, thought it wasn't worth any money to learn from them, thought it was ok to tattoo friends, thought I was a good tattoo artist, thought it was easy, thought I could do a portrait, thought I knew how to sterilize tools and supplies. Well I was way fuckin wrong and so are you. You'll learn lots and lots of things if you really really want to be a tattoo artist. The first thing I learned was that I sucked lol. I couldn't even draw on paper as good as your average tattooist could tattoo on skin. I'm certain that if you're serious about becoming a respected or respectable tattoo artist, you'll learn alot of the same things. As far as autoclaving machines. You shouldn't even own one yet in my opinion.

Trust me pokerguy45 in the kitchen oven for an hour , and dont open the door no matter what ...... because it will let all the heat out . This is the tattooist biggest secret !!!

Pokerguy. Just the tubes and grips and tips go in the autoclave. As for the machine give it a spray down with alcohol after every tattoo and every so often take apart your machine, clean it and autoclave the metal parts (contact springs, armature bar, frame etc..). I don't clean mine as much as i shold but i bag and/or tape up everything i touch before a tattoo and change my gloves often.

**I don't clean mine as much as i shold ** ewwwwww! gross, blah, yuck . . . and thats why I only get tattooed by Neuma's from now on

Thanks Mikes Hero. I do not own a machine and I know how to spell sterile (sorry I forgot to press the "E" key one more time asshole. I'm a good artisit on paper and on a canvas. Some of the people I know that work at shops are moronic. All they do is trace the image and go to work. Whenever someone comes to them with a design, they won't do it.

Thanks Mikes Hero. I do not own a machine and I know how to spell sterile (sorry I forgot to press the "E" key one more time asshole. I'm a good artisit on paper and on a canvas. Some of the people I know that work at shops are moronic. All they do is trace the image and go to work. Whenever someone comes to them with a design, they won't do it.