Graff Gouging Machine Services
Your old Graff machine can be brought back to a precision Double Radius Gouger.
Early Work With David Weber
My journey with this venerable Machine started when I began working with David Weber in Birmingham, AL, around 1997.
Shared Workspace and Cane Processing Setup
David and I rented and shared a little office across Hwy 31 just west of his house in Homewood, AL. David moved his reed-making to the office. He was in the 2 front rooms, and I had the 2 back rooms. The first thing I did was set up a cane processing Line that he is still using today in Chandler, AZ. Thus, I could prep a Pound of cane in about 2 hours, around 400 to 450 pieces ready to start gouging.
Troubleshooting and Leveling System Development
Then one day, he was working on a Graff Machine Setup and was not getting results, and asked me to take a look at it. This got my troubleshooting skills stirred up, so I had just received my Black Granite surface plate and put the dial indicator on the machine, and found out the guide rod was not level with the bed, and the bed was not level with them either. So I had observed shims under the ends of the bed and posts. This was to me somewhat crude, and so I came up with the RMT leveling system that solved getting these machines trued up and working so David could do his magic.
Development of the RMT Gouger Prototype
At the same time, I was working on my design and thus applied my leveling system to the RMT Gouger, and David helped me get all the little bugs worked out, and I built the Prototype RMT Originals Gouger. David still has this machine and still uses it to gouge cane with.
Clearing Backlog and Increasing Productivity
David was getting and had several machines to get worked on, so I set a price for my work, and thus, working as a team, we were able to clear out the backlog and almost quadruple the number of machines that David used to get done in a whole year in a few months.
Continuation of Work and Transition of Responsibility
We continued to do Graff setups even after he moved to Chandler, AZ. But now the demand for his oboe repair, Weber bell, and reed making is taking all of his time, and he is passing the Mantle on to me to continue what we started as a team effort, setting up and restoring Vintage Graff machines and other machines as well. All of what David was doing, such as grinding the blade, adjusting the guides, and final setup, he has confirmed in my work, and I now have a complete grasp of the principles of the proper machine setup.
Schedule of Services
Basic RMT Originals Graff Upgrade
Basic RMT Originals Graff Upgrade: $ 450.00
Basic Upgrade Details
- Install the RMT Leveling system and set up the machine.
- Bore a carriage bushing to 3/8" and install a 3/8" Thompson Precision Guide Rod and new posts.
Basic Upgrade Notes
This is the minimum work that I do, and the machine should give you years of good service. The bushing can be adjusted for any slack that it might develop by just tightening the 2 clamping screws on the carriage just a little bit; too much will actually tighten the bushing, where the carriage will be hard to move.
Deluxe RMT Originals Graff Upgrade
Deluxe RMT Originals Graff Upgrade: $ 550.00
Deluxe Upgrade Details
- Install the RMT Leveling System and set up the machine.
- Install Precision 3/8" Thompson Ball Bushings and precision 3/8" Thompson Guide Rod and new posts.
Design Philosophy and Inspiration
My gouger is the product of a desire to build a stable machine that conforms to the Principles that Marcel Tabuteau established in developing the Double Radius Gouge that is the Baseline of the American School of Oboe Reed making.
Early Inspiration and Goal
As a freshman at LSU in 1969, it was my goal to make a gouging machine someday, and this is the fulfillment of that dream that I expressed to my teacher, Earnest Harrison.
Design Objectives Overview
There were several features that I wanted to incorporate into my machine that would solve some of the problems of the various machines that are in use today.
Purchasing Details
Call for ordering: (205) 559-3485.
Delivery Information
RMT Originals Models and Features
Clip Style Model
This is what most everyone is used to; its features are as follows:
Clipless Style Model
This is what I call a Production Model:
Woodwind Accessories
RMT Originals Gouger
Specialized Cane Preparation
I design and produce RMT Originals gouging machines specifically for oboe and English horn reed makers who demand absolute precision. Built on the trusted principles of the Graff machine and Marcel Tabuteau’s double radius gouge, they provide foundational accuracy for American-style reed making.
My Advanced Innovations
I have introduced key engineering innovations to these classic designs, including a sophisticated, advanced leveling system and convenient top-facing adjustment points. These features allow you to fine-tune your machinery easily without needing to disassemble the entire unit.
Restorations and Upgrades
In addition to manufacturing new models, I offer complete upgrades and restoration services for vintage Graff machines. My basic upgrade package starts at $450, while my deluxe restoration package starts at $550 and includes precision ball bushings and posts.
Setup and Optimization Guidelines
To set up your machine for optimal blade positioning and bed offset, use the dedicated adjustment systems accessible from the top. For the best customized results, I highly recommend performing these iterations with your actual cane and measuring with precision gauges.
