Posted this on another Site, but Want to ask here, too....

MLPMommy4Life · 06-19-2012, 03:56 PM

I thought that perhaps a few customizers may be able to assist a newbie with a really seemingly silly question... hopefully it makes sense to you all.

I began working on restoring my pony collection yesterday (I took to washing a few and making lists and things), and on my list of things that need to be done to some is a rehairing/tailing process. Now, I know that those who are experienced in this use things like at this link or some kind of felting needle:

Doll Hair- DOLLYHAIR.COM Saran and Nylon for rerooting

My question as it is, is that I'm left-handed, which means that I have to work backwards from most other people. I don't want to buy a big, bulky kind of tool and not be able to use it properly, as most of my real strength is in my right hand. So I found this link online (below) and was wondering if it could be the same thing, except on a smaller scale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-root-r...item588e3fc418

This looks like a rehairing tool that I'd be able to work with a lot easier, but if it won't work, I'm not going to waste the money buying it. I wanted to get the yay or "neigh" (pun intended) from those who have done this before.

Also, if this is in the wrong part of the forum, please move it, as this looked like it was the closest place to post such a topic.

Thanks!

Amanda

Skeen · 06-19-2012, 06:55 PM

I have the Dollyhair tool and I use it with either hand. All tools that I've ever seen used could be used with either hand, since they're all essentially a needle in some kind of stick or tube.

Taffy · 06-19-2012, 07:48 PM

I'm fairly new to re-hairing myself, but I don't use a tool like this. I find a wire fishing lead works really easily and is super cheap. The wire is flexible, but really strong and best of all; it works for left and right handed people! (Or the ambidextrous, like myself, ha ha!) I buy a 5 pack of 9 inch ones from my local dollar store for $1, and that lasts me about one pony. You just make it into a loop, clamp a point into the middle, and push it through into the pony!

I have an album with pictures of the process here: http://www.mlptp.net/forums/album.php?albumid=2139

I'm not saying that this is any better than an actual re-hairing tool, but it's quick, cheap and good in a pinch if you need something - not to mention that it works wonderfully for pulling the tail through and you don't have to fuss with needles. I'd suggest trying a method like this before purchasing expensive tools, just in case you decide Customs aren't for you. You're wallet will only be out $1 or $2 as opposed to $15 - $20.

MLPMommy4Life · 06-19-2012, 11:46 PM

You're both awesome! Thank you for the advice and suggestions! :wow1:

Looks like it'd be handy to be versed in both ways to do it. I'll look for the wire fishing lead!

Will definitely purchase the dollyhair tool... hopefully it'll be back in stock soon.

Would felting needles also work well in the meantime?

Skeen · 06-20-2012, 11:04 AM

I've never used a felting needle. Back in the day (I'm old!) we used to have to rehair from the inside of the pony's head using either a curved needle or pliers and a straight needle. Good times.

If you buy the Dollyahir tool make sure you switch out the needle it comes with for a larger one. The default is too small for the plugs in a pony's head (I think her tool is mostly meant for dolls). Tapestry needles are what I use but I can't remember the size.

LightningSilver-Light · 06-20-2012, 08:34 PM

I find myself buying a lot of needles to find the right gauge to keep the needles from breaking; the thicker, the better! I've cycled through a package of needles from Wal*Mart, in like one setting. *_____* Medium-sized sturdier needles are definitely the route to go!

If you get needles that are too large and thick, it can be a real pain but some times all you have to do is enlarge the hole (for instance, I use a giant-sized safety pin; can be found at most craft stores) prior to sticking the needle in to make it easier for the needle to go in. Less head aches that way!
I'm thinking back to a time I had a hard-plastic pony and a needle that was too thick.... >____<
A lot of trial and error goes in to it, also because of the varied thicknesses of the pony plastics and rubber.

MLPMommy4Life · 06-21-2012, 09:04 PM

Skeen, don't feel bad... I'm a 70's child, so I'm not a youngblood anymore... at least age-wise, I'm not. Now, mentally, I still think I'm in my early twenties sometimes....

Anyway, thank you for the tips and any others you care to share will be greatly appreciated. The last thing I want to do is break something and waste money, whether it be on a pony or a needle.... I just know not to buy needles from Wal-Mart now lol.....

LightningSilver-Light · 06-23-2012, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLPMommy4Life

Skeen, don't feel bad... I'm a 70's child, so I'm not a youngblood anymore... at least age-wise, I'm not. Now, mentally, I still think I'm in my early twenties sometimes....

Anyway, thank you for the tips and any others you care to share will be greatly appreciated. The last thing I want to do is break something and waste money, whether it be on a pony or a needle.... I just know not to buy needles from Wal-Mart now lol.....

I was totally miffed that night when I got out my package of needles from Wal*Mart and almost every last one of them broke in one sitting. And they were the strongest needles I could find there, too!