Static grass applicator question

[Oldguy]

As most already know, my first try at static grass application was a disaster.  I had a old railroad buddy came down to my area and stopped by for a visit.  He does a lot of scenery work on various layouts in KC, and thought perhaps it was the use of Woodland Scenic's material. 

Then I got looking at my WWS applicator and noticed there is no wire to the screen as I have seen on some others.

So now for my question, for those who have successfully applied static grass, what unit do you use and does it have a wire to the metal screen?

[vinceg]

I have the WWS applicator and, coincidentally, used it for the first time this week. Works fine. Although there is no wire attached to the screen the little stud at the bottom of the canister (or top -- depends how you're holding it) does just fine in charging the fibers. I actually like this approach as I worry how you avoid shocking yourself with a unit that has a screen charged to 15KV.....especially with a ground stud not too far away.

Just a few days ago I added some static grass to my Queen City Coal diorama. First time ever for me. It seems to work great. I expect I'll be posting some pictures sometime this weekend.

[Zephyrus52246]

My Heki flockstar does have a wire on the screen.  The Noch Grass master does not.  The Heki works a lot better.  I think it has more power as well.  I've used Heki and Noch static grass.  I think they both work the same. 


Jeff

[Oldguy]

Vince and Jeff, thanks for the replies.
It may just be that the WS static grass, could be the issue.  I did get some other static grasses and will give them a shot in a week or so.

[Dave Buchholz]

I'm considering getting a static charge machine soon for landscaping. I found this old topic.

Would anyone like to add their opinions or comments?
If you have used more than one brand if machine, how would you compare them?

Pluses/minuses

Fifth Dave to the right

[deemery]

From what I've read on static tools:  (1) more power is better (and 'power' here is usually measured by/implied by voltage.)  (2) A lot of people have had success with 'build-your-own'.  There's a well-regarded article on build-your-own starting on page 93 here:  http://macrodyn.com/assets/files/MRH06/MRH-2010-Mar-Apr-Mac.pdf  

This thread at MRH Forums shows an interesting approach, where one guy built a long and narrow box for doing static grass on a slope:  https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/grass-on-steep-inclines-13744173?pid=1343560412  

I have a WW Scenics kit, that has their large and their detail spreader.  The few times I've used them, they worked OK.  But I haven't tried this with longer static grass.  

dave

[KentuckySouthern]

THIS JUST IN...

I use the Woodland scenics static machine WITH the power supply. It is way better than trying to go cheep and used the 9v battery.  I'm pleased with the results. Elene's sticky glue and WS static material.  Not trying for Advanced Placement points, either.  Just covering up plywood and plaster.

You WILL waste a lot of material unless you're much neater than I am. What little I've done looks fairly good, even mixed lengths and colors some.  Not done enough to be beyond anecdotal, no way am I an expert, just a dabbler.  But not really a Yankee, y'all   

-30-

[deemery]

A cheap battery operated vacuum cleaner (mine is charged by USB-C) works great for removing and recycling static grass.  Apply it after each layer, empty out the vacuum back into the static grass bag, and do another layer...

dave