How to create a static grass applicator under 10$ - scale modelling tool build

In this video I will show you how i build myself a static grass applicator -something that I want to do since forever. I think that all the materials needed could be found in under 10$. I can't compare this to a 150$ static grass applicator as I don't have one but I don't think there will be much difference.
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Disclaimers: This video is NOT sponsored by any company, all opinions are my own. The tools and materials links in the description are affiliate links that let you help support the channel at no extra cost.
This video is not intended for persons under 14 years of age.
#scalemodel #diorama #hobby

[@MightyCrazy]

Can I use this to create a natural looking hair on my head?

[@MMScaleModels]

Maybe it's worth trying 🙂

[@boblobla1611]

I found the best results by using marine grade varnish as a base (I tried PVA and my new hair washed off in the shower). I also fastened the alligator clip on the negative wire to my earlobe, as I found that to be far less painful than sticking the sharp probe into my scalp.

[@ryderstewart2324]

@@boblobla1611how’d you stick it on, did you glue its or just put them on as is

[@boblobla1611]

@@ryderstewart2324 I've tried several adhesives. PVA is excellent for a night out on the town as it washes off easily allowing you to change styles as you wish. I found two part epoxies start to yellow over time giving my scalp a jaundiced look. Recently I started to use AK Diorama mud. You can create small scalp dioramas which are quite the conversation starter. I think AFVs in 1/72 are the limit though unless you have an enormous head. Hope this helps and good luck.

[@anotheruser9876]

That strainer and fly swat handle fitted like a Tamiya kit. :P Thanks again for this great How To video. Very informative!

[@MMScaleModels]

I couldn't believe my eyes when that thing snapped in place like it is designed to fit there. Lucked out this time 😄

[@hewlett-packardlovecraft2297]

Came here to re-watch this video specifically when it was time for me to finally make my applicator, and I have to say thanks- it works like a charm. The comments section, however, appears to be a LOT more negative than would seem reasonable. Shame, really- the content you churn out is of the highest quality; I can't thank you enough for your output. Got my bug zapper from a local hardware store for 6.99 USD, had the rest laying around the house, and not quite 30 minutes later, I've got me a static grass applicator. That WORKS. Keep up the good work, friend- looking forward to years more of your videos. Enjoy the rest of your week.

[@MMScaleModels]

Thank you for your kind words and i am happy that this worked for you. people are always gonna have different opinions but as long as we keep it polite I am fine :)

[@hewlett-packardlovecraft2297]

@@MMScaleModels True enough. Take care

[@smallrails6831]

Awesome idea. Hello from NZ

[@SmallSoldier]

Brilliant m8! When I make one this is the tutorial I’ll be referencing. Thanks for posting this.👊🏻👊🏻😁

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks mate, appreciated! 👊

[@bugler75]

Honestly, I had just started to make the same last night, same fly swatter, same sieve! Thanks for confirming it works!

[@MMScaleModels]

Considering the price of a factory applicator no wander why people opt for the DIY solution.

[@bugler75]

Exactly what I thought! 😊

[@Panzermeister36]

Excellent video! I have been planning to make one of these for a while now.

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks mate 👍🍻, this applicator has a few limitations but considering the price it is great.

[@sebastienfouque550]

Thank you very much for this video. I have built mine yesterday, it works fine, amazing. I recommand to modify the battery holder to a 9V one. It works even more better.

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks, I will try that. I kind of noticed that it needs more power but I was not sure if the board can handle it.

[@sebastienfouque550]

@@MMScaleModels you're completely right. I didn't thought about the admissible voltable of the board. I have to check with a multimeter

[@Minutemman]

I don't get all the hate, its $10 for christ sake you shouldn't expect much for that, plus I think it looks just fine and will have to build it to! Keep up the outstanding work!!!

[@CptnAlpac]

Exactly what i was looking for, ty :D

[@MMScaleModels]

You are welcome!

[@julianamysczak9194]

Perfect example of how to complicate things that are already super easy :'D But if you wanna do that I totally respect!

[@MMScaleModels]

Can you elaborate on what is easy?

[@ModelMinutes]

Very clever! I know Shuttle Factory made something like this at one point . .. I might have to make one too!

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks mate :)

[@ImaginaryDock]

It's very practical. I have the materials, but I haven't made them yet. I wanted to watch your video and make it :)

[@MMScaleModels]

Just do it 😁

[@ImaginaryDock]

@@MMScaleModels That's the best as you say ^^

[@reigels]

Harbor Freight sells the fly swatters in the US for less than 5 bucks. . I built one of these a few years ago and it works great! Thanks for posting.

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks for watching mate 👍🍻

[@jeffdoveton5121]

Thanks for that , made one today and it works like a charm. Cost R145 or roughly $9

[@MMScaleModels]

You are welcome, glad it works for you.

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Not gonna lie, this was amazing. You reorganized some cheap dollar store bug zapper and made it into a useful tool.

[@MMScaleModels]

Glad you liked it!

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

@@MMScaleModels I plan to make one myself, but want to add a FDM printed attachment for a jar with different sized metal sivs. Seems like the way to go considering all the different lengths of grasses out there. Different mesh lids with a plug soldered on each. Does the length of cable matter? If I add 2-3 inches here or there? Thanks and your welcome.

[@MMScaleModels]

That's a neat Idea. Don't know for sure but I think it does not matter.

[@RangerChris61]

Have basically the same parts and need to get around to finally putting them together, am very happy to know the ones i selected with work fine. For the larger one you might try quick set epoxy.

[@MMScaleModels]

That's also a viable option, thanks

[@artepresepialedipaolomarin9312]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofFnJiom9Fohtk

[@monsterx3055]

I like the beat you used

[@MMScaleModels]

👌

[@peterschlosser7605]

Nice job. MacGyver lives!

[@MMScaleModels]

In every one of us :)

[@ThurzagLP]

Great tutorial!

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks mate!

[@user-qg1vj9jw3m]

I didn't understand anything, what is the relationship of the red piece to the device, and how did you connect with it

[@mrd534]

MrD53 Dear Sir Inspired as always thank you for your store of knowledge and your willingness to pass it on. MrD53

[@MMScaleModels]

My pleasure!

[@user-sc6pk6ef2l]

Я смотрю ты тоже самоделки 👍 респект и уважуха 😆🖐️🤗👍👍👍

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks mate 👍🍻

[@ianwright1791]

Ingenious! Now, where can I buy a bug zapper in February...? 😕

[@Elemental_Entity]

Harbor Freight, less than $5

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

Thank you... I could not invest $75 (US) in just an experiment. I make flutes of wood, but on the side I was making a couple of quality wooden UFO flying saucers on the wood lathe. One was almost finished when I damaged it. Then my wife says, "Hey, that's the one that crashed; bury the damage under the ground!". Before, I just thought about rocks that look like asteroids, but the Roswell one needs to be on some ground scenery. Thanks!!! I made the UFO's out of branches with different color heartwood (in the center), this way, the dome of the saucer is a different color, all one piece. Difficult to orient the grain this way, though, making a "spinning top", essentially, facing wrong. Too much cutting end-grain on all the wide, flat space of the saucer, top and bottom. Almost all endgrain except the sides. But it's worth it when it doesn't destroy. Brown dome, white saucer.

[@MMScaleModels]

Awesome stuff, I love working with wood.. for. different purpose but still.

[@TheFrogfeeder]

So every video I can find just names the wires by color... does it matter which wire goes where, + to strainer/- to probe, other way?? Lol my swatter has purple and blue wires... what polarity goes where, or does it matter?

[@MMScaleModels]

I believe that the probe should be the ground wire (-)

[@withDefiance]

Is it me, or would it need a bit of a stronger battery to make the effect of the gras standing more strong? It seems still to lie a lot.

[@MMScaleModels]

Maybe stronger will be better but this works too.

[@withDefiance]

@@MMScaleModels Can that be achieved by just putting a stronger battery in the system (sorry, I'm really bad at electrics) 😅

[@MMScaleModels]

Well, I am not any better at that unfortunately... so I can't say :)

[@ryderstewart2324]

Is there a way to do this without a soldering iron

[@MMScaleModels]

Probably with some twisting.

[@johnsmith-zf3eo]

This was a good tutorial and mine works really well . Just a reminder toeverybody, if your zapper has a capacitor you need to to discharge when your finished

[@difeleve123]

Hi! How do i discharge the capacitor?

[@johnsmith-zf3eo]

@@difeleve123 touch the ground wire to the positive on the sive. I did it with my hand by accident

[@Ghostbustersbulletin]

Ngl I don’t wanna kill myself trying to make a train set

[@MMScaleModels]

Probably not for everyone

[@mechticulous8202]

Unless you have a pacemaker and directly short it out, it can't hurt you beyond the zap .😅

[@kr0w21]

I have a question for the pros since I am not one. Why can't I just make my own only using an empty water bottle with holes or why can't I just use a sifter thingy used in the videos

[@MMScaleModels]

Yo can but the strands will sit randomly. With the applicator you charge them with one sign and the surface with other. In this way the strands should stay upright.

[@kr0w21]

@MM Scale Models ok thanks

[@marcybron]

hi !!! I have a problem with the electrostatic grass that I can not solve ... the tufts hardly work well with the manual applicator because lint forms on the top of the strainer ..... what am I doing wrong? Has it ever happened to you? Thank you!!

[@MMScaleModels]

Hi, I get the same effect. However it does not bother me. I touch the net on the ground to get the grass off of it and keep on going.

[@marcybron]

@@MMScaleModels Well, you put the applicator on the floor from time to time ... how often?

[@MMScaleModels]

I mean on your diorama not on the floor. As often as you need to remove the buid-up I guess.

[@liamhgd581]

It's static... What did u expect ? Blow it off with you mouth. Wipe it on something. Rub ur hand over it. I'm sure this is something u can figure out yourself ?

[@marcybron]

@@liamhgd581 thanks Lian thanks !! great answer 👏👏👏 I bet you are the smartest in your house... and that you live alone... great champion

[@Simeon1111]

Whats making the grass stand up rather than just fall?

[@TstrangeO]

Electricity, like a balloon rubbed on hair

[@MMScaleModels]

That's very good example, I was not sure how to explain this effect :)

[@Simeon1111]

@@MMScaleModels thanks for the tutorial as well, it’s great!

[@cado_013]

I from Brazil i like the video bud in image no speak what is The red recipient in minite 5:24... what is function of this? And mor : in video the whire is color green in other moment the whire color is black in metal...what is the plant project ?

[@MMScaleModels]

Hi, the red cup is for taller grass... bigger mesh size. On the second question... I extended the green wire with a black one.

[@cado_013]

@@MMScaleModels thanks, sorry for my inglish... i try talk to you . Like. Congratulations for your job.

[@ciscom6669]

good morning, can I directly connect the battery to the strainer without a zapper?

[@MMScaleModels]

I dont think so

[@josehatillo1]

Try made its🤔

[@gonzaloastudillo5370]

Hey there! Made this and its perfect for 2mm grass. Im having density problems with 4mm or more static grass. Anyone has the same issue? Any idea how to improve density in applied grass?

[@MMScaleModels]

Some say that higher voltage is key, but I don't know how much the board can hadle.

[@jst1man]

Did you cutting have saved yourself a lot of trouble and used the fly swatter.

[@liamhgd581]

While this isn't a bad tutorial. I would recommend people have a look at luke towans video. His is 100 times better. But admittedly it cost a lot more than this one to make. So I suppose it depends on your budget

[@Darkdemonoflite]

dont tie a knot next time use glue dun to create a stopper. the knot can put wear and strain

[@MMScaleModels]

Thanks for the tip mate

[@liamhgd581]

I'm glad it's not only me who noticed that. I'm shocked he didn't just snap the wire inside the safety sleeve the way he pulled on it

[@AzureKite619]

Link to the music?

[@arifkuyucu]

Vay elektrikli sinek öldürücü nelere yarıyormuş

[@MMScaleModels]

Charges the static grass and the base with opposite signs so to speak.

[@user-dq3jv2xw5v]

Obviously it does't work. I don't see any static.

[@MMScaleModels]

What do you expect to see?

[@user-dq3jv2xw5v]

​@@MMScaleModels Flock, sticking vertically out of the glue.

[@MMScaleModels]

@@user-dq3jv2xw5v The flock stands upright IMO

[@jexodustalks]

@@MMScaleModels it clear sticks perfectly straight up. the guy has 6:66 as a name and obviously was probably using a small phone the size of is epeen to watch and not able to see detail.

[@liamhgd581]

It's clearly dose stand up. But I dno if i would say perfectly. But how can someone complain about them results for such little money?

[@tomsannerhaugen1536]

How to set your house on fire, for only 3,99!

[@MMScaleModels]

You can do that for free

[@devonpenner7177]

With a 9v or a couple AA batteries? Get real lol

[@ruslanzakirov4678]

Это даже нельзя назвать херовым акцентом, банально потому что некоторые слова произносятся не правильно и вцелом режут слух. Почему нельзя было записать видео на русском и сделать английские субтитры?

[@MMScaleModels]

I don't speak your language.

[@szili76]

@@MMScaleModels Your english is fine. ❤❤❤ Thank you for the video

[@paulbismuth6167]

For less than 1$ and the same result, you can just use a sieve lol... Nothing "static" in this video

[@liamhgd581]

A sive alone would not work. Yes there is static. What do u think the battery and wires are for ? To transfer the electricity so the static grass stands up.

[@ScrapCrafty]

The electric wire attached to the mesh on the strainer is attached to the battery which gives the grass that runs through it a static charge. The electric clamped pin touching the polystyrene also produces a small static charge enough to make the statically charged grass that ran through the strainer a polar electric effect for the grass to stand up. Its is basically the same thing as rubbing a balloon on your hair and having your hair stand up. When you move the balloon your hair will follow the balloon because of the electric charge attracting your hair to the balloon. This is also why we add adhesive to the polystyrene before a static charge to the grass because without the adhesive drying, the grass would fall flat once the static charge runs out.

[@humblehombre9904]

Why are you wearing gloves? Men don’t need gloves.

[@MMScaleModels]

My manliness does not suffer the tiniest bit from wearing gloves 😉

[@newtybot]

Nothing is more manlier than respecting your body

[@liamhgd581]

There always has to be one doesn't it .... Shut up and let the guy do his thing. If he wants to have some protection then so be it. If u want to be a fool and not have protection then so be it. Live and let live

[@centauroii257]

5:38 Why didn't you show the WHOLE machine working?

[@MMScaleModels]

Why would one need to see a handle?

[@centauroii257]

@@MMScaleModels So I can be sure that that machine is yours or a bought one with the same part.

[@MMScaleModels]

@@centauroii257 oh, come on

[@centauroii257]

@@MMScaleModels When someone creates something, they show the whole product and they use it to do something. You just shaked it for a couple of seconds cutting the 60% of the product image.

[@Minutemman]

@@centauroii257 no one needs to see the handle bruh, who would buy a $25-50 machine to just dismantle it and attach it to a strainer?