Built-In Vacuum: What Nail Techs Need to Know
Let’s be honest — does the built-in vacuum suck up 100% of the dust?
Well… yes and no. It really depends on the type of dust you’re making.
This system is made to handle the ultra-fine, airborne dust — the stuff that floats invisibly through the air and settles on absolutely everything: your furniture, your tools, your clients’ hair, clothes, and skin.
Worse yet, people end up breathing it in — and that fine dust can easily reach deep into the lungs, carrying bacteria and germs along with it.
Good news: when it comes to capturing harmful, floating dust, this vacuum absolutely gets the job done — 100% no problem.
But real talk:
When you’re removing bulk product like gel polish, acrylics, builder gels, or even cleaning up the cuticle area, the particles are much bigger and heavier.
When your e-file hits them, they fly off like little missiles.
No built-in vacuum, no matter how strong, can catch all of those. Some will get sucked in, but a good amount is just going to fall down naturally.
Want to maximize your vacuum’s performance?
Use elongated pododiscs.
Short bits can block the airflow right where the suction happens, cutting down your vacuum’s effectiveness.
Longer pododiscs keep the workspace clear and let the dust flow right into the suction area — instead of blowing it back at you.
Also important:
This vacuum was primarily designed for pedicure work — specifically for smoothing and thinning thickened skin on the soles.
That’s why it’s tuned for fine dust capture at medium RPMs (not super high speeds like some high-powered acrylic work requires).
If you try to use it for heavy-duty acrylic filing at high speeds, you’ll see it’s not really built for that — and that’s totally normal.
Pro tips from the field:
- Lay down damp paper towels or dust collector under your workspace to catch bigger particles that fall.
- Some techs put a shallow basin of water under the client’s feet during pedicures to trap dust and debris — quick, easy clean-up!
- Always double-check and clean the vacuum filter regularly. Fine dust can build up and reduce suction over time if you don’t stay on top of it.
- Please note: this device isn’t suitable for “liquid pedicures” using keratolytics or water soaking, as moisture can cause dust to stick inside the handpiece and lead to damage. We also don’t recommend using it for manicures. It’s specially designed for dry pedicure techniques to keep it working at its best!
- For the best performance, the handpiece requires drill bits with a shank diameter of 2.35 mm (3/32 inch). Bits that are too small may not lock in properly and could come loose during use. Always double-check the size before installing a bit to ensure a secure fit. All Staleks nail drill bits meet the required size and are fully compatible.
- Slowly increase the drill speed until you feel a slight vibration — that means you’ve just passed the optimal speed. Lower it a little, remember this setting, and continue working at that speed for the best performance.
Remember, your built-in vacuum is your partner for a cleaner, safer workspace — but like any tool, knowing how to use it right makes all the difference.
Get Professional Results: How to Use Your Podo Disk Like a Pro
Angle matters
- When you’re covering larger areas like heels, hold your disk at about a 20–25° angle.
- Detail work: For cracks, calluses, or small spots, tilt it steeper — around 60–70° for better control.
- Go-to angle: Keeping the disk at around 45° usually works great for most services.
⚡ Pro tip: Never go straight 90° to the skin — that’s a fast track to overheating and possibly hurting your client.
Speed Settings
Size matters when it comes to your disk and your e-file speed:
- XS (10mm): up to 30,000 RPM
- S (15mm): up to 30,000 RPM
- M (20mm): up to 25,000 RPM
- L (25mm): up to 20,000 RPM
The smaller the disk, the faster you can safely run your e-file without losing control.
Pressure & Technique
- Light hand always wins: Let the speed do the work. If you’re pushing too hard, you’re doing it wrong.
- Use the edge: Work with the edge of your disk, not the whole face — it gives you way more precision and keeps the skin cooler.
- Smooth moves: Glide it lightly across the skin, either side to side or in gentle downward strokes. Keep your angle steady.
🚨 Heads up: If you feel heat building up, check your pressure and adjust your angle — something’s off.
Prep & Aftercare
- Center your grits: Always place your disposable abrasive dead center, and leave a little metal showing around the edge for better control.
- Work on dry skin: Pedi disks are meant for dry pedis. You can soften the skin first with keratolytics if you want, but it’s not a must.
- Clean it right: After each client, disinfect and sterilize your disk properly — no shortcuts!
