Anyone here use a Corn Sheller?

[farmerlon]

I grew heirloom Floriana Red Flint corn this year, ground it for cornmeal, and made Buttermilk Cornbread. Oh my goodness... taste so good (if I may say so myself), it would make you want to slap your grandma!

I've got to try to grow a bunch more of that corn next year. That has me thinking about getting a Corn Sheller to speed up the process. There are quite a few used and antique shellers available on EBAY, and even some new units on the market that are reasonably priced...
Antique corn sheller
Another corn sheller
Still another corn sheller

Anyone here have any personal experience with Corn Shellers?

[Marlingardener]

I've never used a corn sheller, but since the farmer down the road has one, I called him for his opinion. His sheller looks like the second one you cited. He said that it works great, but you can get tired turning the handle. He also suggested that you wrap the handle with duct tape or something similar, since the wooden handle can blister your hands.
He also suggested that you put a light coating of oil on the sheller when you store it after a season's use.
He shells corn to crack and use for chicken scratch, so the grind he gets may not be as fine as you would want for your cornbread.
Please do not slap your grandma. Elderly abuse is not tolerated!

[farmerlon]

Hey Marlingardener,
Thanks for the info, and for taking the time to contact your neighbor.

I will use a grain mill (that I already have) to do the grinding, to turn the corn kernels into cornmeal. The sheller is just to remove the kernels from the cob. The "shelling" can be very tedious and time consuming, and makes for some sore hands and fingers, if it's done manually.
I will definitely pick up a mechanical sheller of some sort.

Thanks for the good tips.