My newest challenge Part 4--Mission Accomplished

[wdkits1]

When I first took on this project I had my doubts whether or not I could get it to work. After doing a bit of research and finding some good photos of the original corn sheller it was obvious to me that this was going to be a fun little project which would test many of my skills. The only thing that my client wanted was for me to make it functional but I did talk him into letting me do the original paint job as I thought would really add a lot to the over-all looks of the project. These are a couple of pics of what I had to work with. Most of the original wood was either rotted away or was missing completely and what was left is full of post beetles, but I did have enough to get most of my measurements.

 

 

 

I began by building the frame using the same mortise and tenon joinery as the original paying attention to every detail knowing that tolerances were very tight on the original.

 

 

Dry fit frame

 

 

Because all of the parts for the sides were a full 1â€thick I bought a nice piece of 5/4 poplar that I used to get all the pieces to complete the rest of the woodwork.

 

 

I ordered square headed nuts and bolts like the original and even had to order the flat head slotted wood screws.

Between the original pieces that I had and some photos that I found I had enough information to do the paint job.

Photo of an original Hocking Valley Corn Sheller

 

 

So Here is my version of a restored †Improved Hocking Valley†corn sheller. I haven’t tried an ear of corn in it yet. but the mechanics seem to work pretty good.

 

 

 

 

[Clayton717]

looks great Mike.

[amazingkevin]

Thats got to be the best resurrection for the junk yard i've seen.Beautyful work,congradulations on your mission impossiable.All things are possiable.I bet the compliments keep coming and the smiles going to be on your face awhile now.Hard to believe the before and after photos.You've an eye for detail for sure.In fact it's better than new. First prize for you! again!

[Travis]

Boy, that turned out great! I like the fact you tracked down authentic bolts and screws. The paint job looks great too. I'd imagine your client is thrilled with the results. Good job!

[Dan]

Simply amazing! And not only the woodworking but the paint job also. Is the detail in the legs painted also? Fantastic!

 

Dan

[wdkits1]

Thanks for the comments guys. This was a fun project and I learned quite a bit in the process. Using the painted pieces from the original sheller for measurements, I made stencils of the logos and lettering which I spray painted on, then detailed each part of the sections to fix the overspray to make everything nice and crisp. I made small tracing templates for the detailing on the legs and hand painted all of the lines. I didn't charge the client enough for the paint job but that's fine, I learned quite a bit in the process to use the next time I have to do this type of work.