Clipper vac question

[happy trails]

I started my mobile business wen today was my first chance to use my clipper vac(never used one before) I know I need to buy longer guard blades the longest I have now is a zero.How long does it take to get use to it?I noticed it tracks some so I finished the dog with a 4 blade about the same length as the cv with a zero on it.Is it safe to use on a dog with alot of loose skin? thanks Robin

[PetsRus]

Yes, just stretch the skin as you would without the CV. The slower you go the less rough it is also. I really believe that it it safer with the CV for anything. I get so many complaints about the other groomers in town nicking their dogs in their private areas or if they have matting. One thing is that they don't use a CV (and they are careless sometimes, I have watched them groom). The CV pulls that hair away from the skin and makes it much easier to get through. Don't give up on it like so many do. Give it a chance you will end up loving it and not being able to groom without it. I groomed (not as a profession) without it for 2 years and had a hard time learning to use it when I went into business but LOVE IT. You will have to get the longer combs, they do work really well with the CV also.

[mustluvdogs1]

Keep skin pulled tight. if fur is not..NOT curly try open regulator..watch Marlenes tape video over and over and over. In a week or two..you will love it..if not keep going...you will.You can even call Romanis' sometimes Marlene is in..she is a friend of mine...love her..very nice.I do find that really short snap on oster i think can even track backwards...I trim backwards all the time. Schn 7F against grain.smooth. &f usually w/ me against often...no tacks.

[Aussheplady]

clipper vac

First off, I would get the larger combs ASAP. I found that if I used a longer comb than normal and went reverse direction (keeping skin stretched flat) with the valve open, I got fewer track marks. Actually it looks like there is more at first, but once the pet is brushed, it turns out looking great. About the only coats I can use the clipper vac "with" the direction of the coat are those with fairly thick coats. The thinner ones, just don't turn out looking right to me unless I go reverse.

I wouldn't trade my clipper vac for anything!

[TinaNCG]

You might try using the Stainless Steel Comb blades from Wahl...I love em, I do not use the plastic combs anymore.
The clipper vac is a great tool, I love mine.

On soft coated breeds, use the comb blades against the lay of the coat, this will eliminate track marks. Leave the vent open when using the CV on soft coats.

Practice makes perfect

and remember....a good pair of thinning shears are a groomers eraser.
Use them to your advantage.

[Luvkitties]

what about for a newbie?

What do you all think about a groomer in training, using a clipper vac now while I am still training? Of course I am familiar with a regular clipper but I am already looking at things to make my job easier, like the groomers helper and the clipper vac.

[Aussheplady]

groomer in training and clipper vac

What do you all think about a groomer in training, using a clipper vac now while I am still training? Of course I am familiar with a regular clipper but I am already looking at things to make my job easier, like the groomers helper and the clipper vac.

I think that so long as you are familiar with grooming without one (for the occasion down the road that your cv quits and you have to adjust back) that learning to use the clipper vac is a great idea. I have an actual clipper vac, but I bought the IVAC clipper to use with it as I needed less weight. And not having the hose in my way was sure a big bonus too. The clipper vac not only aids in your grooming, but really aids in helping protect your health. Inhaling fine, clipped hair is not good for either groomer or the pet. It is also great at helping to keep your grooming area cleaner, meaning there is less time spent cleaning up between dogs.

Carol

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

What do you all think about a groomer in training, using a clipper vac now while I am still training? Of course I am familiar with a regular clipper but I am already looking at things to make my job easier, like the groomers helper and the clipper vac.

Girl, get both, you'll love it. BUT, I would emphasize that you should learn to groom WITHOUT the clipper vac first. Should it ever break down, or a part didn't work, or your clipper with the vacuum attachment broke, you'd be toast. But otherwise, it is SO nice to have both! I had two vicious dogs on my table the other day, yeah, 2 in the same day, lol, and the Groomers Helper saved me from having to haul both dogs in to have the vet techs hold them while I clipped. And to be honest, I felt SAFER having the dog on my table hooked up to the Groomers Helper than I would having the dog on the floor with a muzzle on being held by a person.

We made it out alive.

Tammy in Utah

[azoci]

The best advice I can give you in learning "how" to use a clipper vac to the best ability is to get a video or DVD showing just how to use one. Too many groomers just take the plunge of trying to use a CV, thinking it's result will be the same as clipping WITHOUT suction, and are dissapointed with the result they get when they do clip WITH suction.

There are do's and don'ts. Once you get the hang of what you can accomplish with suction, you'll be much happier with your unit. I am, to the point that I have 2, my Modle 1 in the rig, and my tot that is my 'stand-by or take it with me . I'll just never clip with-out one. It's like working in the dark-ages without for me.

The iVac is a great tool, concept is super, now if I can just get mine changed out one more time, one that works...I'll be a happy camper! But it's like any new peice of equipment, some times you just have a unit that is a lemon. I did the up-grade cord, and my unit is having issues. So, we'll do a complete change out to a different color (meaning different unit) and see if the new one works. But I have several 503's to swap out when the iVac is down. I just really like that iVac clipper. Oh well. Such is life.