Ch 8 - Electric Filing
UV/LED Gels
-Apply less pressure -Use slower speed -Use less aggressive or specialty bits -Do not use drilling solution or oil -Refine smile line when backfilling
Natural bits
-Chamois, cotton, and goat hair bits can be used to apply buffing cream and to buff natural nails and enhancement products to a high-gloss finish.
4 Types of bits
-Diamond -Carbide -Silicone -Natural bits
Troubleshoot: Not enough shine
-Graduate grits -Use extra fine sanding sleeve or hand file -Finish with a chamois bit
Troubleshoot: Heat
-Increase speed of machine -Apply less pressure -Lift bit frequently
Troubleshoot: Rings of Fire
-Keep bit parallel to nail -Angle finger down slightly at tip -Increase speed of machine -Reduce amount of pressure applied
Troubleshoot: Grabbing
-Keep bit parallel to nail -Angle finger, not bit -Ensure you can see front edge of bit -Use proper size bit -Use bits with rounded ends
Safety tips for electric filing
-Keep handpiece parallel to nail -Turn client's hand -Angle client's hand down -Avoid applying pressure down -Lift bit frequently -Use dust extraction unit -Keep hair tied back -Wear eye protection -Receive proper educatio -Avoid repetitive motions
Shortening the nails
-Medium or coarse barrel bit -Hold bit at 90-degree angle -Use a faster RPM
Cuticle work
-Medium silicone bit -Low speed
Removing lifted product
-Never use nippers -Several bits can be used
Buffing oils
-Reduces heat -Holds dust on surface of bit -Use sparingly -Remove before polishing or using UV/LED gel sealants
Techniques for speed
-Surface work: fast speed -Maintenance work: medium speed -Cuticle work: slow speed
Tapered Barrel Bits
-This shorter, cone-shaped fine bit is designed with a flat top. -It can be used to shape the top surface of the nail enhancement on small nails at a flat angle and at the cuticle and sidewalls (the areas on the sides of the nail). -It also serves to gently prep the cuticle area product for a fill
Troubleshoot: Reducing dust
-Use carbide or swiss carbide bits -Use dust extracting device -Drilling solution with fine diamond bits
Troubleshoot: Microshattering
-Use slower speed -Use proper techniques -Keep bit parallel to table -Use correct application techniques -Ensure bit is not bent -Use finger grit bit -Follow manufacturer's instructions
French Fill Bits
-designed to use sideways to carve a V into the smile line area during a pink and white backfill procedure. -Made in diamond style only, these bits come in several sizes
Silicone bits
-feel a bit like pencil erasers -grits ranging from coarse to fine. -should just lightly skim the surface of the nail to remove excess nonliving cuticle or to shine natural and artificial nails. -Medium grit is best used on natural nails.
Natural Nail Discs
-has a diamond surface that is used flat on the tip of the nail to shorten and shape the free edge. -The outer edge is made of metal or plastic and acts as a safety edge when you file
Jewelry and Specialty Bits
-long, slender carbide bit configured to drill a hole into the free edge of a nail enhancement to attach nail jewelry. -Only use on the extended free edge of the nail and never over the nail bed. -Other specialty bits have a small carbide or diamond ball on the end that can be used to carve designs into the nail enhancement
Diamond bits
-made from both natural and synthetic diamond particles -chip the surface of product when filing -can be used in a back-and-forth motion. -Grits range from extra fine to extra coarse -most commonly used grit is medium. -vary in size, shape, quality, and price.
Carbide bits
-made of carbide metal and come in different shapes, sizes, and grits. -The surface of the bit has flutes to reduce dust -sometimes have coatings applied to enhance filing and are crosscut -Specialty carbide bits can be used to remove gel polish from enhancement products as well as to prep product for maintenance services -Swiss carbide bits
Pedicure Bits
-usually cone shaped and made of diamond or sapphire material. -best for smoothing and contouring dry, callused skin. -Most come with longer shanks. -Some have hollow centers to ensure that they do not heat up too quickly. -some with rounded edges on the top. These can be used along the sides of toenails on callused skin. -used on a slow or medium speed. They should be used carefully in one direction only so as not to cause any discomfort to the client. -perfect for use on hand calluses and for getting into difficult spots on the feet that a large foot file cannot
Russian Manicure
-when you grind off cuticle and skin around natural nail -this can damage the nail -it's outside scope of nail tech license
Procedure for efile pedicures
1. Clean the feet and inspect for cuts or unhealthy conditions. 2. Dry the feet (if previously soaked in water). 3. Apply callus-reducing cream, lotion, or spray to thickened areas of skin. 4. Rinse and remove the callus-reducing product thoroughly and then dry the feet. 5. Use a medium-grit bit over the callused areas of the feet. 6. Graduate grits from coarsest to finest and run the bit over callused areas. 7. Clean and disinfect bits.
Sanding and Arbor Bands
These are one-use-only paper bits that slip onto a mandrel. These bits are made of abrasive paper just like hand files and cannot be disinfected. Sanding bands generally are used for shortening and shaping the top surface of the nails or removing a gel sealant from enhancement products. These bits should not be used on the natural nail, as they can easily cause damage to the nails. They generate very high heat and high amounts of dust. The dust particles from arbor bands are very small, enter your breathing zone, and stay airborne longer than heavier particles. For safety reasons, you should not use these without using a dust extractor system
T/F A dust extraction unit is necessary to avoid inhalation of dust particles.
True
T/F Barrel bits, sanding bits, and tapered bits can all be used for shaping the surface of the nail enhancement.
True
T/F Files purchased at a craft or hobby store should not be used for professional nail services unless significant adjustments are made to the machine.
True
T/F If the handpiece slows down when you apply pressure to the nail, you are working at a speed that is too low.
True
T/F Lift the bit frequently to avoid generating too much heat when filing.
True
T/F Maintenance work should be done with the file set to a medium speed.
True
T/F Never use a metal bit on the natural nail.
True
T/F Never use a sander on the nail natural or to remove cuticle tissue from the nail plate.
True
T/F The more powerful the machine, the higher the torque.
True
T/F The motor is located in the handpiece of the electric file.
True
T/F To get a better angle on the client's nails, turn the client's hand, not the handpiece.
True
T/F To repair a crack in the enhancement, you can use a flat-tipped barrel to slowly expose the crack and prepare it for new product to fill it.
True
T/F Use your pinky finger as the finger as a fulcrum as you work.
True
Pedicure bits:
Usually come with longer shanks
concentric bits
a balanced bit that does not wobble or vibrate; the shank is centered on the head of the bit
Kara is prepping the cuticle area product for a fill. What bit should she use?
a tapered barrel
bits
a tool that is inserted into the handpiece of an electric file
flutes
angled groove cut into the surface of carbide and Swiss carbide bits
RPMs counts the number of times per minutes that the _____ spins in a complete circle.
bit
Crosscut
can be used in a back-and-forth filing motion rather than in just one direction.
Electric files purchased outside of the nail industry are craft tools and:
can vibrate
Some states may require a(n) _____ from an approved safety course for nail professionals who are using electric files.
certificate
Natural bits can cause heat to build on the nail quickly, so be sure to lift very ________ during filing.
frequently
The speed used when operating the electric file is based on several things: torque, density and _____ of the enhancement product, and the type of bit being used.
hardness
If your hand piece creates excessive vibration, you should:
have it serviced immediately
It is wise not to operate the e-file at the _____ speed, but rather somewhere in the middle.
highest
grit
how many grains of sand are on the file per square inch
Common causes of microshattering include wear with age or _____________.
improper, overly aggressive filing
Kara knew that her favorite electric file needed to be serviced or replaced when:
it started wobbling and vibrating uncontrollably while running.
It is recommended that you hold your handpiece:
like a pencil
Electric files with more powerful motors/higher RPMs are good to use with products such as _____ and UV/LED gel products.
liquid and powder enhancements
For the safety of the nail technician, the handpiece should be lightweight and have ________.
low vibration
Swiss carbide bits
made in Switzerland and usually have rounded ends for safety
Mandrels
metal or rubber bits that are inserted into the handpiece. Sanding and arbor bands are slipped over the mandrels
Another name for the files used in nail salons or spas is _____.
micromotor machines
When using an electric file for surface work, it is recommended that you start:
on the right side of the nail
rings of fire
red marks cut into the nail by filing product with the front edge of the bit at an incorrect angle
The speed of the electric file is measured in _____, or RPMs.
revolutions per minute
One of the differences between electric files used for crafts versus those used for nails is that the _____ size in a craft machine is _____ than that in a nail e-file.
shank, larger
Prepper Bits
similar to a tapered barrel bit but slightly smaller. They come in various grits—it is recommended that you use a fine grit on a natural nail to prep it at the cuticle area for nail enhancement work
Kara has been working with electric files for several years and feels very comfortable and adept using one. When she first started out, she fumbled a little, but not anymore. For instance, when she was first starting out, she mistakenly believed that:
the more powerful the machine, the faster the RPMs should be.
revolutions per minute (RPM)
the number of times a bit turns in a complete circle in one minute
torque
the power of a machine
When purchasing an electric file, which of the following should not be a factor?
the retail outlet
microshattering
tiny cracks in nail enhancements as they age with wear and become brittle; can also be caused by aggressive filing with or without an electric file
The term _____ is used to describe the machine's ability to keep turning when _____ is applied while filing.
torque, pressure
The _____ is the box that the handpiece plugs into; it conducts _____ from the wall outlet to the file.
transformer, electricity
The _____ from a craft filing tool can harm the client's nails, can interfere with proper _____ of nail enhancement products, and can even cause damage to the nail professional's hands/wrists in cases of long-term use.
vibrations, curing
maintenance
when a nail enhancement needs to be serviced after two or more weeks from the initial application of the nail enhancement product
Shaping C-Curves
Barrel shaped or tapered bits
RPM Capacity
Between 0-35,000 RPM
Removing hard gel bits
Diamond, carbide, and swiss carbide
T/F All electric files operate in the same way; once you learn how to use one, you can use any other model with minimal to no training.
False
T/F As long as the technician is using a dust extractor, there is no need for any further personal protective equipment.
False
T/F If you feel you need to press harder, decrease the speed of the machine and apply more pressure.
False
T/F In order to get a smooth surface, use firm pressure; the more pressure, the more quickly the filing will be completed.
False
T/F It is highly suggested that surface work be done with the file on a slow speed.
False
T/F Medium barrel and carbide bits should not be used at any step during a backfill.
False
T/F Only very experienced nail professionals should use the electric file at its highest speed.
False
T/F Operating the electric file at higher speeds helps to preserve the motor and extends the machine's life.
False
T/F RPMs refer to the electric file's ability to keep power when pressure is applied while filing.
False
T/F The handpiece should be held perpendicular to the nail when using an electric file.
False
T/F The speed of an electric file is indicated by its torque.
False
T/F The term "rebalance" is used when referring to the process that needs to be done to apply new enhancement product to areas of growth on the nail.
False
T/F The transformer is the part of the electric file that spins the abrasive to file the nail.
False
T/F Use a medium silicone bit on high to remove nonliving tissue from the nail plate.
False
___________ is measured by the particles of abrasive per square inch.
Grit
Power and Torque
High torque = more power = lower speed Lower torque = less power = higher speed
What is the term used when a nail enhancement needs to be serviced after two or more weeks from the initial application of the nail enhancement product?
Maintenance
When aging nail enhancements become brittle and develop tiny cracks, it is called:
Microshattering
Which of the following is a recommended solution to rings of fire?
Reduce the amount of pressure applied during filing.
Kara is performing a nail service and is using a carbide bit in her electric file. What is she most likely doing?
Removing gel polish from enhancement products
Procedure for Disinfecting Metal File Bits
1. It is important to wear gloves while performing this procedure to protect your hands from the powerful chemicals in the disinfectant solution. 2. Remove any nail enhancement debris from the bit with a clean, disinfected nail brush by brushing aggressively. If needed, soak the bit in acetone to soften any hardened enhancement product or use a stiff or wire brush to remove visible residue. Keep in mind that the continued use of a wire brush can dull the finish of your bits. Brush clean and rinse all bits with warm running water and then thoroughly wash them with soap, the nail brush, and warm water. Thoroughly brush grooved bits. 3. Rinse away all traces of soap with warm water. The presence of soap in most disinfectants can cause them to become less effective. Soap is most easily rinsed off in warm water. Dry bits thoroughly with a clean or disposable towel or allow to air-dry on a clean towel. Your bits are now properly cleaned and ready to be disinfected. 4. It is extremely important that your bits be completely clean before placing them in the disinfectant solution. Immerse clean bits in a disinfection container large enough to completely immerse tools and bits containing an EPA-registered Hospital liquid disinfectant for the required time (10 minutes). Be sure to totally submerge the entire bit, including the shanks. If it is cloudy, the solution has been contaminated and must be replaced. Make sure to avoid skin contact with all disinfectants by using tongs or by wearing nitrile gloves. 5. Remove bits—avoiding skin contact—and rinse and dry tools thoroughly. 6. Store disinfected bits in a clean, dry container until needed. 7. Remove gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with water and liquid soap, then dry with a clean fabric or disposable towel.
Procedure for gel polish removal
1. Set the machine on low or medium. 2. Gently remove the gel polish, using smooth strokes and holding the bit parallel to the table. 3. Lift the bit to avoid building too much heat. 4. Remove the product from the sides and the area near the natural nail by angling the bit with your finger. 5. Clean and disinfect the bit.
