Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

What should I look for when buying an electric file?

August 1, 2007

At Kupa, we assist thousands of nail technicians yearly, guiding them to make the right decision. This is something the team at KUPA does at trade shows as well. If a nail tech inquires at our trade show booth we give them what I call a “drill tour.” We start at the bottom and work our way to the top of the line, explaining all the features and benefits of each machine, along with the costs.

Purchasing an electric file for the first time can be a bit overwhelming and you need to do your homework. Think of it like buying a car. Shop around, ask your friends, look at what everyone else has, and then do some comparative shopping.

I firmly believe that every nail professional should have a good machine, whether they use it all the time or just once in a while. Electric files can enhance your services, save your hands, do efficient backfills, and get into places a hand file can’t. On the other hand, I believe every tech should be able to hand file without the use of an electric file, producing the same quality service, no matter how you file. Plus you do not want to be handicapped if you don’t have access to an electric file for some reason.

Here are a few things you should consider when doing your comparative shopping:

USAGE

  • Will you use it on every client or only a few times a day?

  • Are you fully booked or just starting out? (That will also play a part in how much you will use it.)

  • Have you been hand filing for years and need to use an e-file to save your hands?

  • How much table space do you have available for an electric file on your desk?

COST

  • Do you want a starter machine?

  • Will you want to upgrade to a higher-end machine later?

  • Do you want the best one available or an intermediate model?

  • How much you plan on spending will dictate what you can get for your money.

If you’re about to venture into electric filing or want to upgrade go to our website (http://kupainc.com) listen to my Drill Tour podcast. 

More FAQ

Problems with edges when doing acrylics?

I am still having a problem with my edges when doing acrylics. I would like to just get it right so I am not touching the sides and the cuticle.... read more

What is the best way to clean gel brushes?

I just started using gels. What is the best way to clean gel brushes?... read more

LED lamp efficacy across gel brands

Will the new LED lamps work with regular UV gels such as IBD, CND, or Star Nail, or does it only cure hybrid gels such as Gelish, Shellac, Gellac and other soak-off gels?... read more

How do I convince clients to try GelColor by OPI?

How do I convince clients to try GelColor by OPI?... read more

Can humidity cause lifting?

I live in central Florida. Every year when the humidity rises, natural nails start separating from the enhancements on the sides of the free edge. This leads to the enhancements chipping away. Every year, all summer long, I’m rebuilding free edges using forms and product. I’ve tried using a dehumidifier, but it does not seem to be helping.... read more

How can I get acrylic nails to shine better using top coats?

Can you tell me why when I use a top coat on acrylic nails the shine does not come out well? I must admit I don’t do the three-way shine after using the final white block prior to a polish application, but is there a best top coat for pure, long-lasting shine?... read more

Removing Gels to Apply Acrylic

There are many gel nail salons around where I live, meaning there are many people with gel nails. I do acrylic nails and I’m wondering if there is a special removal method to follow for gels because I know they don’t soak off like acrylic. I have a lot of people coming to me with their gel nails still on. Do I just thin them down as good as I can and apply the acrylic as usual? Will the acrylic still adhere with that thin layer of gel on? Or do I need to completely get rid of the gel and get to the natural nail to be able to apply the acrylic?... read more

Cleaning Dried Acrylic Off Brush

I need advice on how to get dried acrylic off my nail brush. I did my first set of fills today but now I am wondering how to clean my brush. My friend said soak it in acetone and then wash it really well. Could this affect my brush or is it OK to clean it?... read more

Acrylics Suddenly Lifting and Have Air Bubbles.

I’ve been a nail tech for three years and have worked at a few salons. I have since opened my own salon and am now having a problem with my acrylics. I am having a lot of lifting and air bubbles in the middle of the nail. I have never had this problem before. My technique has not changed. My prep is good. I remove the cuticle, rough up the nail, and prime. I have tried a few lines of products and it’s happening with all of them. Could it be the environment of the new shop? Please help!... read more

Clogged Airbrush

I have an airbrush machine that I have used one time. After that I have not been able to get any paint to spray out. I even bought a new attachment just in case I did something wrong or did not clean it properly. But before I try it again and risk ruining another attachment, can you please tell me what I might have done wrong? Is there a way to fix this problem?... read more

How can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape?

I don’t use tips — I’ve never been a fan. I build my pink-and-whites from scratch and have always been much happier with how they look and wear — my clients are too. But how can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape? I have several clients with an oval shape but I can’t get them this pointy and they end up having straighter sidewalls.... read more

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?... read more