Chapter 8: Electric Filing

Machines vary in RPM capacity, between?

0 and 35,000

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 enchantment 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.

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.

Chamois, cotton, and goat hair can be used for?

To apply buffing cream and to buff natural nails and enhancement products to a high-gloss finish.

Diamond bits are used as?

To chip with surface of product when filing and can be used in a back-and-forth motion. The most commonly used grit is medium.

What causes particles to move?

Trauma, vibration, heat, or damage to the product can cause the particles to move, increasing the size of the gaps of air between them. This can break down the product and weaken the enhancement.

What are some solutions to avoid microshattering?

Use a slower speed. Use proper filing techniques. Keep the bit parallel to the table during filing. Use correct application techniques. Make sure the bit is not bent. Use a finer grit bit. Use quality electric files according to manufacturer's instructions.

What are some solutions to reduce dust?

Use carbide or Swiss carbide bits: These shave heavier particles of product and direct them down toward the table. Use a dust-extracting device either in or on your table. Be sure to clean filters after each client and exchange them with new ones regularly. For liquid and powder products, use drilling solution with fine and extra fine diamonds bits prior to polish or shining.

Pedicure bits

Usually cone-shaped and made of diamond or sapphire material. They work best for smoothing and contouring dry, callused skin. These can be used along the sides of toenails on callused skin. They should be used carefully in one direction only so as not to cause any discomfort. It bit can be used on hand calluses and for getting into difficult spots on the feet that a large foot file cannot.

What three factors determine which electric file you should purchase?

Wants, needs, and budget.

Flutes

Angled groove cut into the surface of carbide and Swiss carbide bits.

Heat buildup can be caused by?

Applying too much pressure during filing (due to speed being too low), by having the speed too high when using natural nail buffing bits, or by leaving the bit in the same place for too long.

How can you avoid causing rings of fire?

Avoid pressing down hard when using an electric file.

What is an important step when prepping to use electric filing during a pedicure?

Be sure the feet are soft and dry before you start work on the callus.

Diamond bird are made from?

Both natural and synthetic diamond particles that are adhered to the metal surface of the bit.

Pedicure bits can be used where on the foot?

Callus, the sides of the toenails and under the toes.

Why should bits be concentric?

Concentric bits are balanced bits that do not wobble or vibrate. If the concentricity is not perfect, the bit may actually be hitting the nail as it spins, causing damage and microshattering. It can also damage your handpiece.

While gels are a softer product than traditional acrylics, they are also:

Denser; this makes them more difficult to remove by hand filing.

To remove hard gels, these bits should be used:

Diamond bits - medium grit. Carbide bits - medium or fine grit. Swiss carbide bits (coarse; most have a blue band).

Prepper bits

Diamond prepper bits are similar to tapered barrel shape but slightly smaller. Recommended that you use a fine grit on a natural nail to prep it at the cuticle area for nail enhancement work.

What are the four main types of bits?

Diamond, carbide, silicone, and natural bits.

Pedicure bits come in varying types and materials which are:

Diamond, stainless steel, sapphire, or ruby bits can all be used to shorten toenails and reduce thick areas of skin or callusing.

What does it mean to graduate grits?

Graduating grits is the key to finishing nails without leaving scratches. Graduate bits from coarser to finer, as with handheld abrasives, and remove the dust each time, in between changing bits as you graduate. These will keep you from scratching on the surface and give a smoother finish.

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.

What should you do if you find yourself applying pressure when filing?

If you feel that you need to press harder, increase the speed of the machine and apply less pressure down on the nail.

Potential causes for not having enough shine on the surface of the product after filing are?

Improper graduation of grits and not using buffing cream or solutions.

Some potential causes of microshattering are?

Improper speed of the machine during filing, poor quality or bent bits, using bits that are too coarse, using low-quality and brittle nail enhancement products, holding the handpiece at the wrong angle, and working too aggressively with the electric file.

Where is the motor located in a professional electric file?

In the handpiece.

Why should you file slowly and lift the bit frequently?

It will keep it from getting hot and causing discomfort to the client.

What are some solutions to avoid rings of fire?

Keep the bit parallel to the nail. Angie the finger down slightly at the tip, allowing you to file the old product in front of the growth area without touching the natural nail itself. If you feel the need to press down on the bit, increase the speed of your machine instead. Reduce the overall amount of pressure applied during filing.

What are some solutions to avoid grabbing?

Keep the bit parallel to the nail. Angle the finger, not the bit, to file the sides of the nail and the cuticle area. Ensure you are able to see the front edge of the bit. Remember that bits have two sides; we tend to look where the side of the bit touches the nail while filing. It is the other side that is on or near the skin that can grab and tear the skin.

Swiss carbide bits are?

Made in Switzerland and usually rounded ends for safety. These are excellent for beginners because the rounded ends reduce the chance of cutting the skin. They are crosscut, can be used in a back-and-forth motion in forward and reverse, and give a very smooth filing result.

Mandrels are..

Metal or rubber bits that are inserted into the handpiece. Sanding and arbor bands are slipped over the mandrels.

Sanding bands or sleeves are _____ recommended for pedicure services.

NOT

Chamois are available in?

Natural, synthetic, or leather.

List three features to look for when choosing an electric file.

RPMS, comfortable hand piece, forward and reserve.

Rings of fire

Red marks cut into the nail by filing product with the front edge of the bit at an incorrect angle.

Goat hairs bits are great for?

Removing dust or chrome powders from the skin around the natural after gel sealers are applied and cured.

What bits are one use only?

Sanding and arbor bands. They are made of abrasive paper just like hand files and cannot be disinfected.

A French fill but was 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

Silicone bits feel a bit like pencil erasers, with grits ranging from coarse to fine. Silicone bits should just lightly skim the surface of the natural to remove excess non living cuticle or to shine natural and artificial nails. Medium grit is best used on natural nails.

Potential causes of grabbing are that?

The bit is too close to the skin, you are using the bit at an improper angle, or the bit is too large.

Grit

The number of abrasive particles per square inch on a hand file or buffer; the higher the number, the smaller the particles and the finer the grit.

Define RPMs

The number of times a bit turns in a complete circle in one minute.

Revolutions per minute (RPM)

The number of times a bit turns in a complete circle in one minute.

Torque

The power of a machine.

Maintenance

The term used for a nail enhancement service two or more weeks after the last service; also called a fill or rebalance.

Electric files vary between?

5,000 and 35,000 RPMs but there are some machines that top out at 20,000 RPMs.

Use your pedicure bit in one direction to reduce callus by _____.

70-80%

Concentric bits

A balanced bit that does not wobble or vibrate; the shank is centered on the head of the light.

Bits

A tool that is inserted into the handpiece of an electric file.