Need a new needle to try...

Hey people! Ok, I need to expand my mind and start experimentation with different needle groups - I have got into the swing of things and generally stick with a few different types for all the work I do.

Currently, I mainly use a 7rl to line followed by a 9RL for bigger stuff and 5rl for smaller bits. I like to sculpt lines and have at least 3 different line weights in all the stuff I do. I also have loads of 3rls, 11's too so I'm ok for lining, I just need some advice on shading and colour.

At first I used 14rs for block colour and solid black and still do if no shading is involved, for shading I have used a 9rs for small bits but my staple group of choice seems to be a 13m2 - I just love them - smooth blends, large enough for big pieces but tight enough for small areas too.

Can a few of you experienced people please be so kind as to give me some ideas of what they use? I am thinking of trying some 13 round mags ? Can go bigger or slightly smaller

This is what I currently have in my artillery so if you could avoid suggesting them I would appreciate it!

3rl
3rs
5rl
5rs
7rl
7rs
9rl
9rs
11RL
14rs
6f
7m1
15m1
13m2

Like I said, I fancy giving some round / curved mags a go, are they any good for shading / colour?

If you really wanna be nice, feel free to post up pics of results from recommendations. - a picture is worth a 1000 words (and I have a little bit of a hard time taking advice from people who never post work - in my weight lifting forum, all the 'gurus' love giving advice even though they are in real bad shape!) Anyone relate this to other walks of life?

Cheers all,


Dave

I only use 3 / 5 / 7 / 9(not very often) rl 'long taper'
9 rs for power lining
and 5 / 7 / 9 / 11 / 13(not very often) mags 'standard'

Once you find the needles you like you should start playing around with different tapers.

Try a 15 bugpin RM, I know I tried one a week ago and now I'm not sure why I haven't been using bugpins for coloring/shading all along.

Zionova said:

Try a 15 bugpin RM, I know I tried one a week ago and now I'm not sure why I haven't been using bugpins for coloring/shading all along.

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Other than the 7rl and 7mag1 needles I also use a 15bugpinRM. You can use a 13 tube and they create the smoothest gradients/blends. I think these are awesome for black and grey. Other than these I might use a 5 or 7rs once is a while but tend to stay away from rounds in general. Mags pretty much all the time for me. I will say that the bugpins will take longer to do a large fill because the needles are thinner.

Zionova said:

Try a 15 bugpin RM, I know I tried one a week ago and now I'm not sure why I haven't been using bugpins for coloring/shading all along.

Click to expand...

These are my favorites for packing and shading on larger pieces, smaller ones I have been using 7 bugpin RM's. I got some 15 flats with #12bugpins that I use too.

I like to line with 7 or 9 rls...I use 5s now and then for smaller stuff. I just bought some 13rls...not sure why. I guess I'm going to tattoo a side of beef.

I used to use only mags...now I really like round shaders. Mostly because now my machines are tuned well and I don't chew up skin. I still like mags, though. I love a 9rs...probably my "go to" group for shading or solid color. I did get some 13rs recently for bigger areas.

I tried curved mags a few times...I didn't care for them. I should try them again now that I'm a little more experienced.

TexasPT said:

I like to line with 7 or 9 rls...I use 5s now and then for smaller stuff. I just bought some 13rls...not sure why. I guess I'm going to tattoo a side of beef.

I used to use only mags...now I really like round shaders. Mostly because now my machines are tuned well and I don't chew up skin. I still like mags, though. I love a 9rs...probably my "go to" group for shading or solid color. I did get some 13rs recently for bigger areas.

I tried curved mags a few times...I didn't care for them. I should try them again now that I'm a little more experienced.

Click to expand...

The 15mag bugpins that I have are RM and these are the first I have tried in curved mags. I really didnt notice a difference other than you cant use the sides for getting in small areas like you can with regular mags. For this reason I probably wont buy anymore curved mags as they are limited in usage, to me anyways. 7RS and 9RS are awesome for nice bold outlines/powerlines. I guess it really comes down to what works best for ya. 7RL and 7M1 are my go to needles though.

that's why I didn't like them...can't get into corners.

I've really been digging on the #12 9 flat lately. Haven't found much that can't be done with it. Recently did an entire tattoo with one.

I just got my bi-monthly supply shipment in yesterday. Amongst the usual goods, I decided to order some #8 bugpin 3 round tight liners. The reason I bought these was (obviously) for some tiny detail work, but also to tighten up the corners of my lines, and some sculpting applications. Also for putting the finishing touches on some script and lettering. Ain't tried 'em yet, but I will soon.

Also got some UV ink that I'm stoked to try out. :icon_cheesygrin:

Thanks for your input everyone - I'm gonna do some ordering later - some good ideas in here,

Thank-you all.

Dave :icon_cheesygrin: