Carter Lathe

Charles P. Carter of Ware, Massachusetts patented a simple lathe parer with a disc slicer in 1856. A flat piece of metal oriented across the base forces the blade against the apple. The shaft has no threads and one might think it would be difficult to use; however, the disc slicer helps to advance the apple at a steady pace (Thornton 1991, p. 44). The Carter has an unusual first class lever paring arm apparatus. Resistance is felt at the paring head. The paring arm's L-shaped structure pivots backwards. The spring action of the metal plate applies the force needed to keep the paring arm firmly against the apple by pushing on a small right angle bend at the end of the paring arm apparatus.