Newbie to all this flocking fun

[miketyler]

Hello all -

I ran across this forum on a deep dive Google search and thought I would join in the fun. Interesting things you are doing with renovating the "real hair" GI Joes that I remember growing up as a kid. I restore old antique jukeboxes and have done some other gravity free-fall flocking projects with just OK results. I am ready to take my skills to the next level and I am hoping you can give me some guidance there.

The parts that I'd like to flock are the record turntables and possibly the record trays. I attached a few pics of some of my past projects and from what I have seen on this board I think there is room for improvement. The parts I am doing are sheet metal or cast pot metal, round, about 8-10" in diameter and I think will have excellent conductive properties. Can you add any direction or tips in helping me setup a DIY flock booth for doing these type parts? I am a novice level electronics guy and have respect when handling components.

Appreciate your insight

Mike

        

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[Ray (Flock Man)]

For something like that I would go with a handheld unit with a large hopper. This way you can move the flocker around the piece to get full coverage.

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[Ray (Flock Man)]

At one point I made a unit that is a combination of both.

It's large and can be used as a cabinet or a handheld.

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[miketyler]

Thanks Ray - I just got the jukebox going this week and now the focus turns back to flocking the turntable. Since the turntable is round and mostly flat I envisioned a small booth much like you have pictured there. Since the work is metal and conductive, how does that differ from flocking non conductive work? Very excited to get started on this

[Ray (Flock Man)]

The main difference when using metal is if you get to close to the electrode- the high voltage will jump the spark gap like a spark plug on a car. You'll need to insulate you hand some how. Maybe by using a flocking stick as I do with the heads.

[miketyler]

Hi Ray - hope all is well. When I posted this I was in a hurry and admittedly did like all the other restoration guys did. They simply hammer on a medium coat of paint and use the suede tex flocker gun (cardboard telescoping tube type) or simply took a flour sifter and let the fibers fall haphazardly on the work.

Well its 2021 now and I have another turntable to do but still want a more professional look so I'm back! I'm purchasing one of the electrostatic guns on eBay (12v model) and hope to test before EOY. Will be using brown suede tex fiber product. Do you have any other new advice on this? The turntable will be round steel object, fairly heavy. I plan to build a portable stand so it can be rotated. What about adhesive? Mst of the model train guys talk about ensure that the adhesive is properly grounded with alligator clip. Is there a preferred adhesive that conducts well for electrostatic type application?