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

I usually don’t write reviews, but in this case, I make an exception the product works very well as described. I’ve had good success with it after practicing about four times on a piece of cardboard. I’ve used grass from 4 mm to 7 mm even than 12 mm and I’ve used the 1 mm screen and it’s all turned out great just followed the instructions to look at some videos online and get an idea on how to use it. It’s not hard at all. It works well very pleased with the outcome five stars for sure for this static grass applicator $65 is the cheapest I’ve been able to find one and this works just as good if not better. and all I use was the battery. I did several areas already from a decent size area to small areas I do wear gloves as electrician retired. I know what getting shock means so I do wear gloves to be on the safe side leather gloves, but that’s my choice. I’m not sure if necessary

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.

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.

The design of this applicator is dismal. It clogs immediately, and I have to beat on it to get much out of it. They say put glass in it to break the clogs...doesn't work well. I've seen videos of other applitators, and the grass comes out easily.After looking at other designs, I found the problem. Other applicators have a charging terminal located in the back of the container. This one has a spring that extends the terminal to the grid. In other applicators, the terminal gives the grass a charge, then it falls freely through the grid, attracted to the working surface, which is grounded. In this applicator, since the grid is the terminal, the grass stays stuck in the grid.I bent the spring wire to be in the back of the applicator, and left the glass in the container. Now, the grass gets a charge, and while it wants to stick to the wire, the glass knocks it loose, then it falls freely through the grid, to the surface. It stands up correctly, although there is some excess. That's no problem..after the glue dries, I suck up the excess with the shop vac.Follow up: because the full voltage is directly on the grid, when on ac adapter power there's a lot of arcing to the work surface. If you have any electronics anywhere on your layout, beware. This will zap them. Battery power not so much, and little arcing after I modified it. But, before I realized this, I lost several led lights and a Darlington transistor in my power supply. Probably ignorance on my part, but they should warn about this. I wonder if other applicators have the same issue.