Hi.
I am about to start making a static grass applicator using a positive ion generator that I have. I understand the electronics and the mechanics of making the applicator but don't know how the mesh size relates to the fibres length. What would be the recomended mesh size for say 2, 5, 7 and 10 mm fibres? I will be able to make more than one mesh so would like to match mesh to fibres.
Chris Waring.
Chris,
I used a piece of hardware store alum. window screen, not sure of mesh size, but works fine applying 2, 4 and 6 fibers. For portability I began using a 9v batt. to power the ion generator, but does a better job at rated 12v. Also changed out the oversize grounding wire for better flexibility.
regards, Peter
Thanks HO-Velo.
I intend running mine from an old 12 DC controller that I have. I was just curious if mesh size made a difference to the operation.
Chris.
Hi all.
I will have to do some experimenting. Do the fibers fall through the mesh as easily when it's energised as when it's off?
This is my Grass Tech applicator.
It's a small kitchen strainer, really, about 3 inches across. I find this works very well for 2, 4 and 6 mm grass, the only ones I've tried. I like the 4 mm stuff best.
Grass Tech gets my vote for MR Product of the Year, if there is such a thing. They did fundamentally the same job as a $300 European gadget for $35. It's battery powered, so you don't end up dragging wires all over your scenery and breaking things. I was going to make my own, but when I was looking online for directions, this showed up on eBay for $25.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The brand of fibers I'm using are kinda clumpy out of the container, but the clumps break up and easily pass thru the screen with a tap on the side of the flock cup now and then while applying the grass.
I'm still a greenhorn in the static grass dept. and open to experimentation. In Lance Mindheim's Mar. 2014 blog. he suggests laying down a base layer of beige static grass first, then going over the base randomly with the green. I tried this and really like the effect.
I built my applicators based upon the excellent static grass applicators tutorial in the Mar/Apr. 2010 online issue of MRH. I went with the "flyswatter" type first, it worked, but was anemic. No biggie, I was only out $5 or so for the flyswatter and the build was fun. The 12V ion generator type costs more to build, but is a huge improvement, really makes those static fibers stand up and take notice.
Thanks all.
I am making the 12v ion generator version. I think I will just get on with it and experiment with mesh size when it's up and running.