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Dispersing long static grass in homemade applicator

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  • Member since
    August 2014
Dispersing long static grass in homemade applicator
Posted by aWintersTale on Sunday, July 5, 2015 4:47 PM

Inquiring if anyone has tried 10 and 12mm static grass (or even 6mm)  in a homemade applicator, and if any problems arose because of the length of the grass and a weak electrical field from the homemade device.  Thanks.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Cave City, KY
Posted by Watchmann on Sunday, July 5, 2015 8:14 PM

I've done six and 12 mm static grass in mine.  What electronics are in your applicator?

  • Member since
    August 2014
Posted by aWintersTale on Monday, July 6, 2015 12:13 AM

Watchmann, thanks for your response. I'm using a converted fly swatter of the two AAA battery type. I thought I'd post before purchasing longer static grass to use with my applicator, to see if there are specific techniques utilized to help coax the strands out of the hopper. It would seem that the longer strands require greater distance between the hopper and the work surface - maybe to the point where the strands are no longer under the influence of the electrical charge, and thus "fall over." I need the high and tight look.

  • Member since
    February 2007
Posted by mitsdude on Monday, July 6, 2015 2:03 AM

The disadvantage of the flyswatter compared to the commercial applicators is they produce a weaker static charge.

There are plans out there on where to buy a static generator that runs on AC power giving you the power of a commercial applicator.

Actually a few weeks ago I viewed a Youtube video on how to apply the longer static grass fibers. I'll check my Youtube history.

  • Member since
    August 2014
Posted by aWintersTale on Monday, July 6, 2015 10:14 AM

Mitsdude, thank you. i do notice that the application of static grass by commercial applicators as seen on Youtube is much more robust, both in the quantity of grass laid down, and the ability to disperse over a wide area more uniformly, while allowing a greater distance between the applicator and the work surface. My intent for a possible "wind effects" diorama would be tall strands of grass over a wide area. I do have the patience for applying Woodland Scenics Harvest Gold Field Grass one by one, but that might not see a completed diorama until fiscal year 2017.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Cave City, KY
Posted by Watchmann on Monday, July 6, 2015 1:42 PM

Winter, you might have trouble with yours.  I was able to purchase a negative ion generator, so it's equal to the commercial units.  I used Woodland Scenics Field Grass and cut it to the length I wanted, which was about 12mm.  You might get some to try, it might be cheaper than buying 12mm static grass.

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