E-filing with Vicki Peters

Jumping back to the “Nail Those Profits” cruise, day three brought us an e-file class courtesy of Vicki Peters. You may recall a blog a little while back with advice on selecting an e-file! Now here is a class to consider on using one. Vicki gifted each attendee with a copy of her book “Drilltalk.” She began with a discussion on the different types of e-files and how to select what would work best. She gave us some insider information on a new e-file coming out from Kupa that may be called the Passport, and it will be battery powered. Vicki suggested getting a good warranty on any e-file purchased and to remove the battery anytime you put your e-file in a bag to transport. All professional files should come with a warranty and your hand-piece should be serviced yearly at the very least. If you have some slipping or heat in the hand-piece, this can be an indication that it is due for a repair. Kupa and Atwood are two companies that do repair work on e-files. Did you know that the hand-piece makes up 2/3 the cost of the e-file?

The next segment in class covered different types of bits along with how and when to use them. Silver finishes are plain bits, and gold and other finishes are silver bits dipped in a finish. There are diamond bits, carbide bits, sanding bands, and more along with a wide plethora of shapes, sizes, and grits. Bits are made in two pieces and put together; a bent bit will damage your hand-piece. You should know what can be disinfected and what should be disposed of after one use and educate your clients as to what procedure you follow for their safety. For more information on disinfection visit professionalbeautyassociation.org/nmc Did you know when you get a new flat-top bit, you you can season/file the edges to take off some of the sharpness and avoid cutting someone just like with a hand-file? Also, did you know you should never use it at the cuticle line?

Posture and ergonomics also play a role in using and e-file. You should be sitting with your feet planted, arms balanced on the table, and utilizing a fulcrum finger (also known as balance point positioning). This keeps you steady, which in turn stabilizes the hand-piece while you use it. After going through the theory information it was time for hands-on learning. The last time I touched an e-file was when I was doing some inaugural NAILS Troubleshooter videos and Vicki was shooting some the same day at the Bobit offices. She gave me a crash course then so I could better help my readers and was thrilled to have me in class on the cruise and complete the training. I’m now e-file certified! Vicki offers this course on each NTP cruise if you're interested.

— Holly