Photo Index - R. L. Carter Co., Inc. - Model TRA with Carter R2M motor

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
R. L. Carter Co., Inc.
Syracuse, NY; Phoenix, NY; New Britain, CT

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Overarm Router
Machine Size:	1/2" Collet
Submitted By:	Dave Potts

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model TRA with Carter R2M motor
Date of Manufacturer:	1930s
Serial Number:	1412
Last Updated	1/15/2008 7:05:30 PM

Comments:

The many emails, chats, and visits I've shared with Tony Bradley have always opened new doors to the enterprises that Raymond L. Carter had cooking during his short lifetime. Tony's last visit yielded such an event when he unveiled a studio photo of a quite massive overarm router that he described as the a cross between the missing link and the golden fleece. It was massive.... 700-pounds... and featured goose-necked castings on both the upper and lower arms. Tony wasn't even sure if had ever been produced, and it wasn't until later that he discovered one mislabeled in the OWWM archive ( http://owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=1912 ).

As fate would have it, the new year started with one of these machines turning up on Long Island on a popular on-line auction site. The model TRA featured a 3-hp, 18500 rpm router motor, available in 110 or 220 VAC or DC current. The table measured 24-inches square and featured up to 17-inches of clearance between the motor and table top. The machine would shipped from Phoenix, NY and was available for $450/$475 without/with a disappearing pin in the table. The shipping weight is described as being 800-lbs.

While I was not the winning bidder on this machine, sharing stories with Tony Bradley and listening to his findings and insights to Ray Carter's life is always fascinating.

Photo 1:

Comments: R.L. Carter Ad Studio photo showing the machine's "air purifier" on top of the motor
Source: Courtesy of Anthony Bradley

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Photo 2:

Comments: Motor close-up.... 3 HP, 18,500 rpm
Source: Seller's photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: Side view of the Carter TRA overarm router
Source: Seller's photo

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