Make a diorama Static Grass Applicator for under 10 dollars

Perfect for scale model dioramas! This hack lets you inexpensively build an applicator so that when you glue static grass to your diorama groundwork, all the blades of grass will realistically stand upright, not fall over. I also show you how to apply static grass to your dioramas. Plus it's fun to build :) Great for scale figure bases, 1/35 armor, tank or military dioramas and model bases. PLEASE NOTE: use responsibly!
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[@revhead5420]

Too ezy , made mine in about 30 mins , and works like a bought one lol

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's what I like to hear! Thanks for sharing that, Rev Head :)

[@jlpytlewski]

Damn it Dave...you scared the crap out of me when you shorted out on the tree...lol.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Len, it scared the crap out of me too at the time! ;)

[@joe_ln_modeler6964]

I love your video! I built one myself, works great. I'm so glad you helped me avoid the ridiculous prices for a static grass applicator.

[@joshjohnston7388]

Great solution! If i may: do your grass before you do the larger elements, it is much easier to get in tight. Safer too, as you can see.

[@sengasengana]

I wish you wouldn't pronounce my beautiful language so aggressively. XD Despite your obvious disgust, your pronunciation was surprisingly good. :D Thanks for the great tip. I've spent a lot of money on my hobbies, but I need grass so rarely that I'm in no way willing to spend so much money on such a device. Since your instruction comes as handy! I had been misplacing my elektrische Fliegenklatsche (read: electri-sha flee-gen-clad-sha :D) for months and recently bought a new one. And of course, three days later, the old one showed up again. How lucky, soon I'll be able to add beautiful grass to my miniature witch house without going into debt. :)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Senga, sorry, I was just playing it for laughs, I promise!

[@sengasengana]

@@DavesModelWorkshop I know. Hence the XD. 😉

[@vivekanandabhat]

Hi, thank you for the excellent video. Finished mine in 10 minutes. Excellent result

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

By the way, my favourite moment is at 10:52 - I wasn't ready for that...

[@brentnicol6391]

Dave's Model Workshop I got the fright of my life. Don't do that again. Lol

[@1poskripka]

Jumped out of my chair

[@skytheguyno]

Jump-scare that thing

[@nithazra]

I was honestly more of a fan of 5:23

[@Cptpaul12]

I laughed so damn hard!! "Whenever you do, do not touch that and that, you'll get a shock of your life" 10 seconds later - zzzZZzzzzzZzzzzzzz!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dwaynejohnson4892]

Your aggressive accent in German and calm english accent had me in absolute stitches! Thank you sir! It’s been a while since i had a good laugh 😂

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Heh heh, thanks Dwayne!

[@Fourwheeljive]

I thought about using a bug zapper while watching one of the other complicated static grass builds, but had no idea how to do it. You solved my problem and I don’t need an electrical engineering degree to make it. Thanks! Can’t wait to make mine.

[@wendesima722]

My husband picked up one of these zappers at Goodwill, and I thought he was nuts. No one's ever used it, but now I know what it's REALLY for! Lol!

[@troywalstra9300]

Really cool idea Dave! Love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Troy Walstra thanks very much! Cheers, Dave

[@james.black981]

Great work mate. Anything that saves me money that I can spend on more models instead is a bloody good idea. Cheers

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks James. Yep, I'm totally on the same page about saving money where I can. Cheers, Dave

[@MrTimHerr]

This was great. Thanks Dave! Built one and used it inside of a half hour or so. Modified so the second wire was taped to a plate of metal so I could tape waxed paper to it and make static grass tufts. This is fantastic stuff.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Tim Herrmann thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you had a good result, it really is satisfying, isn’t it?

[@TacDyne]

Best use of a bug zapper fly swatter I've seen yet! We have a number of them on hand around the house, but regular old fly swatters are better. Looks like it's time to do some conversions. :)

[@martysievers3855]

I made 2 for friends! Works great! Thanks

[@AndrewChicco]

Super awesome.... time to make one

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Have fun :)

[@landsnailproject2875]

Well done a brilliant idea!!!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Landsnail.

[@ThePapasnow]

Nice. Mine now works a treat. Thanks for the Vid.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Glad to hear it! Cheers, Dave

[@clivepartridge5015]

Cheers Dave ,excellent .

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Clive!

[@69adrummer]

Awesome hack/idea man! When you hit the tree, I was thinking, imagine some metal in the tank and when you got close, it might arc across and make little "bullet holes" or other charred looking areas like real fire fight!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

69adrummer as long as it doesn’t melt any attached plastic!!! :D

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice, thank-you!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Glad you liked it :) Dave

[@oscarjesusolmoshernandez137]

ALL YOUR´S VIDEOS ARE AMAZING... GREETINGS FROM MEXICO

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thank you! And greetings from Australia :)

[@danielsoon8751]

Hi Dave, if I don't want to remove the red wire. And I solder both of the red wire on the sieve can it work?

[@HandMakeriam]

very useful!!!Thank you~~

[@WAVP371]

Good job bro' thanks!!!

[@sleepypipit9631]

Thanks cause i wanted one and Had a Brocken one laying arround so this will be easy

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Mate, if I can make it work, anyone can! Good luck, Dave

[@Mrskippyw]

Thank you for posting this. Just made my own applicator from an old bug swatter that I had laying around. It only cost £2.99.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I absolutely *love* to hear that! :)

[@yasmaraduistermaat742]

Do you need that kind of grass or can you use grass from outside?

[@kevintwine8443]

Brilliant will give this ago 😃

[@2kidsnosleep]

This was great, love the look of the grass. Going to make one for sure. Good shock demo "don't do that at home" Up next: Home Made Flamethrowers......:)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Oh, that would be too cool! I'll add it to the list of future videos... ;)

[@2kidsnosleep]

You and that Tesla Musk guy.....Evil Geniuses

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Cue evil laugh: Bwahahahahahah!

[@Alan-ly4rb]

Just ordered the necessary parts now :) TY Huge savings. total cost about $11.00 AUD using ebay, could have done it cheaper at a $1.00 shop but I couldn't wait lol

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's brilliant! So much better than $100+ - nice one!

[@jimeronimo]

Totally dig your tree zapper..um err I mean the static grass applicator.. lol

[@goodgirl99us]

I made mine with a discard air ionizer, Never thought about the hand zapper. Nice call

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's cool Raquel, great idea!

[@DaCostaStudio]

Nice video mate :)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Da Costa! Cheers, Dave

[@willmartin9165]

Is it ok if the nail is in polystyrene?

[@SteveF188]

I get a spark when I touch the clip to the sifter but no static in between. can anyone help??

[@Yourlocaltankgirl8375]

Will it work if I don't have a soldering iron?

[@MisterTingles]

i shall try this immediately! also, that's a gorgeous plinth. also also, not the worst pronunciation of German I've heard.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Heh heh heh, thank you Mr Tingles!

[@mjtunstall1976]

great idea! i was thinking of getting one of those but yours are way cheaper! will come back to make them so railway train modelling on a budget!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I'm always happy to save money on tools :)

[@OnlyAnairaGirl]

"Which, in non-German language, is an electronic bug swat" I'm sure there's a huge variation in those parameters 😂

[@marcusaureliusantoninusaug2161]

I bought a self made one for 29 Euros, it's very similar to the one you built. I got two shocks, because it was the first time that I used one and my arm still feels a bit numb 2 hours after 😂 Btw: The grass doesn't stand up straight? I thought it would and I wanted to replicate the Ukrainian cornfields for a Barbarossa diorama, but the grass lay down very similar to your diorama, not very straight up. I was kind of disappointed....

[@lorddragonxf]

How can i make the grass look pointing to different directions? Using to pins? And. You said important use 2 x wires. What exactly means that? Awesome tutorial really im interested in create this

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Once you apply the grass, but before the glue dries, you could adjust it to different directions using a toothpick or pin, definitely. And yes, you need to have 2 x wires: one connected to the metal mesh, and one touching the base you are putting the grass on. Cheers, Dave

[@rockstrongo831]

Hi Dave, as a german native speaker (greetings from Austria) its always funny to hear when english speaking people try to pronounce german words. But i think this is vice versa. I love your video can you tell me which lenght of grass do you use and it is better to use the finest mesh for the sieve or should it have a certain minimum size?

[@Ayns.L14A]

Cheers Mate you just saved me £40.....

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Excellent!

[@konradalexander7561]

It works!!!!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Excellent!!!

[@sunchaserw1477]

please excuse me for asking: Does the red wire have to attach to the metal or either the green one can do it? Is there a specific green one to be used or throw out? Thanks.

[@joe_ln_modeler6964]

It shouldn't matter, you can have either red or green on the mesh, and both of the green wires will work.

[@Synthematix]

You soldered to stainless steel?

[@krazytroutcatcher]

Those bug swatters can vary in electrostatic discharge. This can be down to dry soldering on the PC board soldered components, resistors, diodes, transistors etc. This becomes a problem when buying online etc, as you may have to check out the PC board. The best way possible, is to find a store that stock these, there you can check them out. A meter does not work, the static discharge damages the circuitry in the meter. The best way is to put your tongue on the mesh and depress the button. If it’s not working too well, you will only get a slight tickle on the tongue. If you find a good one, you’ll know🤔🤔

[@RobotJeeg]

Question! I still have to build mone but I bought all the materials. I'm a little bit scared buy the "shock" when you touch the nail. What if I cover the head of the nail with something like plastic o putty? So that if I accidentally touch the head of the nail nothing happen?

[@polarbear7793]

Hi, I would suggest making the wire much longer and thus putting the nail at a bigger distance from the wet/glued zone whenever possible. And yes, if the nail is insulated, this is definitely safer!

[@PolakInHolland]

The shock won't kill you, it's a mild zap that's all.

[@mikem6549]

Brilliant....now What did I do With that fly swatter. Last time I tried it I got a nice zap off it. Not dangerous but I wouldn't touch both at once.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Heh heh, it's not pleasant!

[@hl1796]

Dave. after you use it , does it have enough static charge to make 4-5mm static grass stand up ? I really feel indecisive should i just buy a china applycator, buy a "Static Grass Negative Anion Ion Generator" from ebay , or make it myself follow your guide

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi HL 17, mine certainly worked on 4mm static grass. I'd say for ten bucks and an hour's work it's worth a try, the others are a lot more expensive I found...

[@rickthomas3334]

Dave does it matter what wire goes where as long as one is to the base and one for ground. I have 2 bare wires attaching to 2 screens and one brown wire to a third screen. I was thinking of the brown to the mesh and the 2 bare wires going for ground?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Rick, you should ideally have one wire to the wire mesh, and a second to ground it on the diorama base - that will complete the circuit when you turn it on. How do you have 2 x wire mesh screens? I think that might be overcomplicating it? Dave

[@rjordans]

Swap the wires and your grass may end upside-down 😁

[@w.rustylane5650]

Wonder if you can use a stationary bug zapper. Cheers from W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi W Rusty, I'm not sure. It's not one that is plugged into mains power, is it? That sounds dangerous...

[@urbanfidler6702]

can i use justa s sifter

[@jack0cat]

Got my bug zapper for free at harbor freight. Made the entire thing for nothing. 👍👍

[@paulcholewczynski8641]

Does polarity matter?

[@user-nc8qh1sv3k]

nice!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks! :) Dave

[@lynneclay5034]

Thanks a lot for this wonderful information. I can't wait to make one. Could any one please tell me if there is a way to make your own static grass. I really don't want to have to buy it.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Lynne Clay not that I know of sadly, it’s pretty fine stuff. You could try dying and trimming nylon threads, but it would be a very laborious process...

[@MedievalBricks1]

Hi. Check Lukes Aps channel He's making a lot of cool stuff for cheap. I don't remember static grass but flock in variety of colours for sure.

[@allanatwick1606]

I would Put some insulation tape around the nail /wire and it won't make contact, you only need the end exposed about 1/4 inch. One question I have is does it matter which gets wired to the positive terminal the hopper or the probe?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Good idea re: tape on the nail. I can't really say about the wiring, I'm an utter amateur when it comes to electrics - anyone else able to shed some light on that?

[@allanatwick1606]

@@DavesModelWorkshop I've asked a few people who have made their own static aplicators and no one seems to have an answer. I have a vague recollection of something in school physics where positively charged atoms Attracted the negatively charged something or other, or maybe the other way around, I can't remember to be honest, since then I've had two mini strokes and it's been over 30 years since I left school. I just thought that if one attracted the other then you may get a more efficient aplicator. Hopefully someone will read this and will be able to shed some light on the subject but until then I will keep asking people and if I get an answer I'll let you know. Cheers Dave

[@karlb6273]

Beutiful diorama! I would suggest protecting the nail with a bit of electrical tape too. Job well done!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

good suggestion, thanks Karl!

[@wsmith6570]

Another option would be to hot glue the nail (with the wire attached) to a wooden skewer. That way you could hold the wooden handle, touch the nail to the glue at an angle to get the "basket" with the grass closer to the area. Great video 👌

[@wumao6797]

So you attach the + to the wire net and the - to the base. Then put some fake grass on the net, switch on the current and shake the net so the grass fall thru the net onto the base?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Yep, that's it. The electricity gives a static charge to the base, so the blades of fake grass stand upright.

[@wumao6797]

@@DavesModelWorkshop thanks

[@Goldchucker1]

Why not just de-solder the green wire and replace it with a longer wire?

[@mrd534]

Health and safety may have a comment or 2 and compliance standards will have a fit but you know what great idea. MrD53

[@awoken8infinite]

what kind of glue was that you used when constructing this, please?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I used white PVa glue for the grass.

[@awoken8infinite]

@@DavesModelWorkshop ah I meant the handle where you used glue to put it together. is it just industrial strength super glue or something? I was looking for it. think you said "CA" glue maybe? I think I found some, but it's just very thin super glue or something?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Ah, right! Yes, I used Bob Smith Industries CA glue.

[@MultiMoffman]

Does any electric fly swat work for this?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I'd say so. Just don't use one that plugs into mains power!!!! ;)

[@MultiMoffman]

Yeah would hate to complete the circuit on mains 😂. Cheers for the reply

[@creatorsprint1]

Can you use Mod Podge as the glue?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I've never used Mod Podge, it's not widely available here in Australia, so I can't say, sorry. Does anyone else know? Dave

[@johnnypsr]

@@DavesModelWorkshop I know this is a late reply. but lightly diluted mod-podge works excellent.

[@rogo23]

Do you put batteries in?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Yes, it definitely does require batteries.

[@ericmcginnis9413]

I bought my electric bug zapper for a hair over $2 and now I'm after a strainer however I found that price's have dropped on these! I saw one for $20 online so idk but I still want to build one! Shout out to Travis @ Heavymetalone64 he inspired me to build one of these, and to build a diorama for showcasing cars!

[@ericmcginnis9413]

Who jumped when it bridged and sparked?

[@thomasmuller9160]

Nicer dicer! I've got mine for 2€ :D

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's brilliant! I think that's the cheapest yet!

[@eddiegremlin]

Shockingly simple...⚡️

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Edward Millership heh heh, I see what you did there... :)

[@erazor74a]

Thanks... Is easy and cheep.. just to my budget.. jajaja... I still looking for how made the grass... but its a big step...bye.

[@Ghryst]

did u notice how it was a dismal failure? thats cos you should be plugging the nail (try a pin) into the glue you have just spread.. u can see the grass is being drawn to the nail itself, as the most conductive thing in the vicinity

[@tomobrien4182]

I've seen some online applicators for about £15?

[@hadydamanik7654]

kau ngadimin 2 ya?

[@james_treins4630]

Could you please add the ebay listing to the description?

[@gatheringimages2785]

I can concur that you do get a shock, its quite a kick but you won't do it again in a hurry :-)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Gathering Images - heh heh, it’s a learning moment, isn’t it? ;)

[@gatheringimages2785]

@@DavesModelWorkshop Try an electric fence, brought up partly in the country, right of passage is holding an electric fence, it feels like your elbow is being being pulled apart lol

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Yeah, I might give that a miss mate! ;)

[@soonersteve3733]

Made on of these and it works. I'm thinking of changing the batteries to a single 9 volt because the current flow seems weak to me. Anyone out there done this? What do you think Dave?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's a really good idea, Steve. More current = more static = better upright blades of grass. I like it. Cheers, Dave

[@Synthematix]

A 9v battery wont last 5 mins, not enough current, 2xaa is better

[@ruthiek5340]

Am I the only one who jumped 3 feet when the strainer touched that tree? HAHAHAHA!!! Great video, by the way! Super neat tip!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Not as much as I did Ruthie! ;) Dave

[@rickmoreno6858]

So why do you need an electrical current for the grass, guess I dont get it, have been out of modeling for 20 years, life happens as does starting a family. Liking the cheap alternatives! Wish there was a way to get everything for next to nothing!?!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Rick, the static electricity charge is what makes the individual strands of "grass" stand upright. Without it, the grass pieces lie flat. And yes, you can almost always achieve results a cheaper way :) Hope this helps. Cheers, Dave

[@DSMissed]

Haha, "give me a buzz" :)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I can't remember if that was intentional or not! ;)

[@astrangeone]

Great idea! Really dont feel like picking up $200 worth of stuff.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I know, right??? If you used it once a week it might be worth shelling out for the professional version, but seriously, I'd rather spend $200 on model kits!

[@dibley1973]

@5:52 "When I am whacking this thing"... Not sure if you should be "whacking your thing" in public, mate, let alone on KZbin!

[@smitashroff1288]

How to make it completely from scratch

[@gerryclark8450]

S€2,00 for the fly thing and €1,59 for the Ziff! That's all!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

That's brilliant! I'm glad it works for you Gerard :) Cheers, Dave

[@therealtobi04]

Sehr gute video, kannst du mir vertrauen (german meme)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Danke!

[@dibley1973]

"Just wrap a shit load of electrical tape around it" :) Or maybe Araldite / epoxy resin it in?

[@TodoInventosTV]

#todoinventostv

[@smashbother5684]

I know nothing about German and I find myself doing the same thing when trying to pronounce those words.

[@trainboyyy4312]

My bujit is 8$ a week and the stuff I got and maid cost me 4$

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

How good is that? I love not paying lots of money when you can do it yourself! Nice one, Goviacn. Dave

[@trainboyyy4312]

i have no grass but i will buy some next week. i let you know how it works with the grass soon.

[@gerryclark8450]

Just made one and it looks great and works fine!

[@trainboyyy4312]

Gerard Klaucke how much did it cost u

[@1971Flieger]

No german speaks like Adolf! 😉 Gruß, Tobias (from germany)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Sorry Tobias, I was being a bit stereotypical and rude ;) Dave

[@99ize18]

The German language is very interesting. Funny how Englishers have a Superiority Complex of such hugeness and yet think they are actually superior too. 2nd only (in magnitude) to the Merkins.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

You have to admit it is a little bit funny... ;) But hey, you can write a comment to me in English and I would never be able to construct a comment back in German, so I tip my hat to anyone who is multilingual. Dave

[@CronusandRhea]

Us Americans are not all the same people, I'm pretty sure Germans vary too.

[@NapFloridian]

Germans never Vary, we have a Core-Code in our DNA of perfection. Jokes apart, you are aware that English *(yes even US English) is a Germanic Language, right? Also ich mein ja, wenn man English kann das soll nix heissen, denn jeder kann das sprechen, aber wenn du auch noch Deutsch kannst ist das ein riessen vorteil. Si tambien hablas Espanol y lo dominas igual que el Aleman y el Ingles, entonces si que eres superior que el 99.9% de todos los Americanos eso si es cierto : ;) a rant from a German-multi.... lingual ahhahaahahhahahaha

[@croaton07]

Good thing the German people have always been so understanding and polite to other people, otherwise I'd have seen a problem with that statement.

[@PolakInHolland]

The irony of the Aryan supermen talking about superiority complexes. Just remember who was peeing on the rubble of your capital in '45 eh ? Just proves the theory that you krauts have no sense of humor.

[@LorenzBaermann]

German language is charming when you don't try to make it ridiculous.