Hi all, I borrowed a Noch grassmaster but I think it's a bit hefty price wise.
I then saw the article by Luke Towan on how to build your own.
I didn't like to have to scurry around to find the hardware though ...
The electronics were all readily available, and I ordered all of it online.
A friend and I decided to build one each.
The housing then?
I would like the ability to alter it and change the cups and nozzles to suit various types of applications.
I designed it in CAD and made it as small as possible but still be easily assembled.
It has features I like, as the ability to run on both 12 volt thru a cable or with a 9 volt battery. All controlled with a three way switch.
The prototype is currently being 3D printed. It will be used to see if any alterations has to be done.
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
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I'dlike to build myself a low cost grass applicator but I'm tech challenged when it comes to 3D stuff, I must admit.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Built a couple out of electric flyswatters, worked great. Had the chance to buy one out the door for like $75 for the name brand, the flyswatter ones worked so well I said, why spend for the name brand.
I have to disagree. I've had a few of the flyswatter types, and they're in no way capable of the things the Noch type can do. As an example really long fibers.
Graffen have to disagree. I've had a few of the flyswatter types, and they're in no way capable of the things the Noch type can do. As an example really long fibers.
That could be; not sure what you mean by ''really long fibers''. But the one I built for around 10.00$ works fine.
Some of my grass/weeds is over knee high to an HO guy. Any thing more ,just ain't worth the 100 plus extra dollors.
I researched static grass "machines". What I saw was that you had to get much closer to the ground for the home-mades to work. I decided I wanted to see underneath the machine. Plus I wanted to lessen the chance of scraping my new creation.
So I got the Noch thing. It works great. It costs too much. If someone made one (or demonstrated a home-made one) that worked as well for less, I'd buy that one. I've been waiting awhile.
I don't know the specific length Graffen is referring to. I do know that I installed a whole field of 6mm grass very easily with the Noch. Two feet high, in HO.
I note that Graffen's 3D printer will be plastic. The main tube of the Noch is metal. I wonder if that is significant. Of course, if it is, redesigning for a metal tube is simple enough.
Ed
Considering the flyswatters so often used in the home built ones are available in the US in dollar stores, the electronics are going ot be seriously lacking. However, I can't imaging a higher energy circuit built with first line components would cost anywhere near what Noch charges. It's just not that complicated of a circuit.
The possible problem with a plastic unit is that some types of plastic readily acquire a static charge, which would cause the grass material to stick to the sides of the tube and not dispense out the end. I have no experience witht he various plastics used in 3D printing, other than ABS, so I don't know how that would act.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I didn't realize how many were out there, and all of the home-made versions until I Googled static grass applicators.
A link from here, in 2008. Joe Fugate even shows off his home-made one.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/115598.aspx
Mike.
My You Tube
Graffenflyswatter types
I found the flyswatter type static grass applicator too anemic for my purpose, so built one with a 12v powered ION generator based upon MRH article. Used ABS tubing for the body and have yet to experience any sticking of static fibers. Powerful and works great, but the longest fibers used so far is 6mm.
Regards, Peter
A great idea for an article by the MR staff:
A comparison of various versions of static grass machines.
I'm looking for a static grass applicator. I could go DIY. The RTR versions are ridiculously expensive. I've seen kits for a reasonable price. Hardly any moving parts; should be pretty easy to assemble.
Needs to be small to get into corners and tight spots. Battery powered. Dragging a cord across an N-scale landscape could easily damage delicate scenery. And since N-scale, flock would be in the 2- or 3 mm range max. Don't need a huge hopper. And, if the hopper picks up a charge and the flock sticks to the sides . . . that would drive me nuts.
Open for suggestions.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
I built two both from $4.00 flyswatters.
The Bat-a-grasser MK1
The Bat-a-grasser MK2
The results for $4.00 and ten minutes work. The second one allowed me to get in closer using the ABS pipe as the hopper. A narrower pipe, such as 1" would let you in real close.
I just could not bring myself to spend big bucks for the little bit of grass I was doing. If I was to use it a lot, by all means, I would have spent the $$$.
This is 6mm grass.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I built my own, and found it to work well, although I've not yet tried it with longer fibres. There's an illustrated how-to HERE.
Wayne
I built a grass applicator from the z- trains plans using a 12VDC ion generator. Very powerful, more so than the Noch. Some time ago, MRH did a very comprehensive article comparing all the versions of the factory made, bug zapper built vs z trains style.
As for the screen vs back of the canister for the positive lead, the directions I used called for the lead to be attached to the screen. It works very well so I reccommend that approach.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
Graffen I have to disagree. I've had a few of the flyswatter types, and they're in no way capable of the things the Noch type can do. As an example really long fibers.
rrebell Graffen I have to disagree. I've had a few of the flyswatter types, and they're in no way capable of the things the Noch type can do. As an example really long fibers. It could be because of the way I use mine. I ussualy don't use the screen for the fibers but sprinkle the fibers onto the glue in mass and then zap them straight and valcum the extras after the glue dries. I am in HO so the 6mm fibers are the longest I ussually use but have done longer ones with success.
It could be because of the way I use mine. I ussualy don't use the screen for the fibers but sprinkle the fibers onto the glue in mass and then zap them straight and valcum the extras after the glue dries. I am in HO so the 6mm fibers are the longest I ussually use but have done longer ones with success.
That's innovative.
My print turned out really good, now it's assembly time.
Hi again!
First test of the home-built grassmaster with a 9 volt battery for power and Woodland scenics short grass.
Tomorrow I will test with the 12 volt trafo and longer grass.
I was surprised how strong the static field is. The hair on my hand stands straight up when I get close ...
The grass gets really dense and stands up really nice.
This project gives a good result.
The cost was really affordable. When summarizing every component and the material for the 3D print, it cost me roughly $50!
Under half of what equal products on the market costs with the same specs.
I bought one of the Grass Tech ones for under $30. It works great and I'm very happy with both the product and the price.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thats good news Graffen. I bought the fly swatter parts etc. to build one right before I move. I have house projects a-penty for the next few months but hopefully will be able to get back into hobby stuff.