My DIY static grass applictor.

Discussion in 'Scenics' started by Andrew Laing, Jan 28, 2020.

  1. Andrew Laing

    Andrew Laing Full Member

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    Found an old fly swatter in the garage and being a cheapskate I remembered seeing one being used to make a static grass applicator. So I bought a seive for £2 and a Tupperware tub for £1-75.
     

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  2. Andrew Laing

    Andrew Laing Full Member

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    I decided to use the fly swatter handle as it has a battery compartment and holds the little circuit board steady. After I pulled the head of the swatter apart, it was 3 pieces of plastic and 3 metal gauzes, all I needed was to cut a slot for half the handle to fit through and the other half stayed on the outside. These then screwed together through the lid. I also cut out a hole in the lid for the grass to fall through.
    I then glued the metal gauze, conected to the positive wire, to the inside of the lid.
     

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  3. Andrew Laing

    Andrew Laing Full Member

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    Now seeing that the gauze holes are rather large I have cut some more gauze that can be placed on top of the glued gauze at a slightly different angle for finer flock, By changing the angle it alters the size of the holes.
     
  4. mikejh

    mikejh Full Member

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    Made one a couple of years ago almost the same as yours and it is still going strong works fine. Replaced the two AAA batteries with a nine volt.

    Cheers Mike
     
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  5. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    mmmmmm ... now I have one of these fly swatters, actually I have a few, unfortunately they are all stored away in a very safe place :facepalm:

    but if I ever find them I know what to do with one of them.

    Paul
     
  6. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    I like the idea of a variable mesh adjustment for different length fibres, but what really intrigues me Dundee is why you have a secret stash of fly swotters. :avatar:
     
  7. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    The flies must be big and nasty in Dundee and they probably disappear when they see a fly swatter. We have the same problem here in Oz.
    I would assume Dundee Paul would have fly swatters secreted all over the joint, so that when he sees a fly, he can just whip one out and zap the little blighters into oblivion.....Thwack !!!!....:faint:
    I have heard too, that he is pretty quick on the draw..:scratchchin:
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
     
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  8. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    My second static grass applicator in as many years has decided to call it a day so rather than spend further dollars I have been researching the DIY options. Not having any used mozzie zappers, I finally decided to proceed down the path outlined in Youtube by Luke Towan. Seems like many have followed that path so I thought I would give it a go rather than continue to deplete my available modelling funds.
    I was attracted by the seemingly robust nature of the Negative Ion Generator which has a lot more grunt than most others. All you need is some 50mm pvc pipe and joiner, a pipe end cap, a few small screws, sliding switch, 12 volt power source (from an old surplus laptop) the Negative Ion Generator, basket for the grass and mesh. Most items from my junk pile but basket and generator set me back all of $2 and $14 respectively. Here are the components prepared and ready for assembly. The pipe joiner was cut to size on my band saw to secure the pipe on both sides of the bottom of the basket:

    IMG_1614.jpg

    Basket mesh high voltage connection. The mesh was recycled from the previous failed unit. Note the fill in piece of scrap polystyrene sheet used to seal the end of the pipe. I did not glue the fixing collars in place as I wanted to be able to access the insides should the need arise. In any event, I was careful to limit sanding of the end of the pipe to ensure a very tight fit.:

    IMG_1619.jpg

    Electricals coming together. I added a momentary on/off button switch as well as an led indicator so I do not give myself nasty surprises when operating the device.

    IMG_1620.jpg

    Completed project. Black wire with alligator clip is the high voltage earth:

    IMG_1622.jpg

    The unit operates very well and has a large flock capacity.

    PS..I bought a spare Negative Ion Generator!

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
  9. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    Nice job there Richard,....:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
    It just goes to show the vast difference between the cost of materials and the retail price of some of the so called " quality " units.
    You have made a rock solid quality static grass applicator that should give you years of service for very little cost.
    Well done
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
     
  10. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Gormo

    I just wonder sometimes how many other solutions are out there that can save us all a fortune. Not overlooking of course those many solutions already available through Gormo's Shed!

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
  11. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    I dare say that there are many more still to come.
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
     
  12. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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  13. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Gary

    I knew there had to be more static grass expertise somewhere on this site.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
  14. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    I'm getting deja voo :avatar:

    IMG_0766.JPG

    Almost identical!

    Cheers, Pete.
     
  15. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Hi Pete
    I still can't get over how good the design is. So far superior to the commercial rubbish I had been using. When you run the unit over the grass it just waves like wheat in the wind.
    I have also now (finally) mastered the art of adding different colour hues to a base static grass. Just give it a light spray of Crystal Kote, on with the next layer (fine) of static grass and there it is. Here are a few shots of my latest applications on my Dargan layout.

    IMG_1624.jpg

    IMG_1625.jpg

    IMG_1626.jpg



    Now have to go over most of the old stuff to get it all up to scratch.

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
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  16. Colin_W

    Colin_W Full Member

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    I built one too :facepalm:
    IMG-20200606-WA0014.jpeg IMG-20200606-WA0012.jpeg
    The container is a childs water bottle fro B&M £2.00. The grill is a sieve from the same place about the same price. Ion generator from ebay £5.54 for 2 and a button and power supply(12v) from who knows where :giggle:. I printed the bit to go over the bottom of the bottle and house the Ion generator and the button.
    IMG-20200606-WA0018.jpeg
     
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  17. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Us modellers are all a very inventive lot, particularly when it comes to saving our valuable funds so they may be spent on the real necessities...the next loco (Auscision B 61 "Bernie Baker").

    Cheers

    and happy modelling

    Richard
     
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  18. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    G`day Richard,
    That looks great mate....:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
    You just need a HO scaled little bloke in there with a whipper snipper knocking back some of the growth along the track......:avatar::avatar::avatar::avatar:

    or even a bare foot bloke doing a dance across a Bindi patch..???.......I think that`s better than my first idea.???....:scratchchin:
    :cheers::tophat:......keep up the great work Richard......Gormo
     
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  19. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Thanks Gormo...I am fast running out of my stocks of static grass...must surely be time for me to further review Gormo's shed on how to make my own static grass?

    Cheers

    and happy modelling
    Richard
     
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  20. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    Funny you should say that Richard, I was watching a YouTube video on making your own static grass using a cheapo party wig green paint and scissors. I just wish I had saved it for sharing :facepalm:

    Pete.
     

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