TruePower Static Grass Applicator for Railway Terrain Modeling Diorama - Electrostatic Flocking Machine for Velvet Dashboard, Jewelry Box

EDIT: I discovered that when used with batteries instead of wall wart, the lightning storm I experienced doesn't happen. I expect that will the wall wart, the wart gave a path to earth ground allowing the lightning to occur. Using battery mode also seems to have eliminated the shocks I was getting.Battery mode still works well for leaving the grass standing on end.I changed my rating from 2 stars to 4 stars.ORIGINAL: I bought this unit to add static grass to my model railroad because it claimed a high static voltage.The static charge is imputed by the metal mesh that covers the flocking container.On my model railroad it did a better job of getting 6mm grass to stand up.However it has two serious issues:1) if I don't hold it perfectly it shocks my hand. I suspect that two handed operation could result in a shock across the body, possibly causing serious medical problems in some individuals.2) if I'm adding grass near tracks and I let it get within about 2 inches of the track, lightning strikes from the applicator to the track - ZAP! Static discharge is not a good thing to have around DCC boosters, electronic over current protection devices and auto-reversers, command stations, and decoders.My layout appears to have survived several lightning strikes before this occurred to me. At a recent op session it appeared all locos were working, but the command station was exhibiting some quirky new behavior that *might* be a result of being zapped. My PSX power shield devices and PSX-AR auto reverses appear to survived. I have a lit of $$$ tied up in DCC equipment. I'll think twice before using this unit anywhere near the tracks on my layout

The thing does work. I got it, carefully read the instructions, plugged it in to use it, and immediately was getting shocked. As others have noted, the insulation on the ground wire is inadequate, meaning that when I put my hand near the ground wire I was zapped. Moreover, even when not touching the base I was working on, the hand holding the flocking tool got a nearly imperceptible shock a few times a second. It seemed like the insulation on the ground wire itself was enough to provide a pathway for static discharge to the casing of the tool, then through my hand, and into a chair made mostly of plastic (semi-educated guess).Additionally, I'm thinking you want to keep the pin in your surface out of the line of fire (out to the side rather than in the middle of your glue puddle). They don't state this in the instructions, but that's how they have it in their photos. My first attempt lead to a ground wire and pin covered in flocking, with little success on the surface.I plugged in a old 9 volt battery, added glue to the side of the ground pin rather than directly around it, and tried again. The tool didn't shock me, and did a fantastic job of flocking the surface with 4mm grass through a 1mm mesh.I think it's just wildly overpowered. I bought this because I assumed more voltage is better, but it mainly seems to cause a lot of unwanted static discharge and electrocution concern. Use an old battery in it to limit it's power, or better yet buy a cheaper unit that doesn't roleplay as a tesla coil.

I carefully read the reviews on the product before I ordered it from Amazon. The package arrived completely intact as did the product, itself. Before using it on my model railroad, I setup a test application. Got everything ready to go and the unit WOULD NOT TURN “ON!” I tried EVERYTHING: installed a fresh 9v battery, tried different power outlets, tried turning on/off multiple times, tried pressing the static applicator button … NOTHING worked. Even called the manufacturer and explained my situation. He said that “… unfortunately, I had a defective product” and offered to replace it. Called Amazon Customer Service and arranged a return for a credit TO GET A REPLACEMENT. Within about 24 hrs, Amazon delivered a SECOND one to my front door. Pessimistically, I plugged the second one in RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX and again, with/without a fresh 9v battery, IT DID NOT TURN ON! This one’s going back to Amazon and I’m selecting a different applicator.CHANGE OF OPINION: After I posted this scathing review, a manufacturers representative reached out to me and offered to send a brand new applicator, factory direct (at no cost) to me with no obligation in response to make up for my grief/aggravation. I agreed and the FIRST thing I did was plug it in to see if I could get the power light to go on/off. IT DID. I later inserted a 9v battery and IT WORK.Still pessimistic and not wanting to screwup my layout, I took a scrap piece of cardboard, painted it with white glue and used the applicator to apply 4mm grass. IT WORKED! Haven’t tried any other grass sizes but my ONLY constructive comment is that the three different mesh caps should be labeled/marked in some fashion and the packing literature makes it difficult to tell them apart. It’s probably my lack of experience with applicators but it would be helpful to have suggested mesh sizes associated with corresponding static grass length. Hats off to the manufacturer for standing behind their product.

This company has stood behind their product and reasoned with me on the product. I had it over a month before use but when used it did not work. I gave a bad review however the company did everything they could to resolve issue and sent a new one at no cost to me. Jon really cared and came through. Therefor I recommend this product, it does work when you practice on application methods. It works if you are patient.

When this tool first arrived, it worked well until the second time I turned it on. The switch got stuck and would not turn off. Had to completely remove all power sources (AC and 9V battery) just to shut it off,and got a mild shock in the process. Contacted customer service and had an almost immediate response from Jon. He had a unit tested there and resent the next day. Had the new one in just a few days. This time I tried it with just the battery, and the results were nothing less than spectacular - especially as this was my first time using static grass. I used both 4mm and 7mm lengths with no trouble at all and it just looked great. Two slight warnings** The rubber cover on the negative lead is NOT enough to prevent getting shocked. I advise both attaching the clip to a wire or nail, etc. to actually touch the glue area, and either hold the lead with an additional non-conductive holder (I used a plastic potato chip clip!) or at least give it a few layers of electrical tape. But honestly, that is a testament to just how much power this thing puts out even with just the battery. Super pleased with the item and look forward to using it on many future dioramas, and the customer service was really excellent in this day of less-than-stellar experiences. Jon even followed up after the replacement item arrived to see if everything was okay. Sure, I could deduct a star for the initial faulty unit but the customer service easily earned them the fifth star back anyway. You could spend more on another 'brand name' unit but this one works great and they back it up without question.