Beautiful Acme-Gridley 3/4" RA8 screw machines 1987-2000

Graff Machine Tools recently purchased 15 late model Acme-Gridley 3/4" RA8 screw machines for a customer in the Midwest. We are always searching for high quality screw machines, cnc swiss, machining centers and Hydromat rotary transfer machines. If you need help locating or selling machine tools, contact Jim by email  or phoning (708)217-2476.

IMTS 2014

Jim Graff visiting Star at IMTS 2014

I've spent every day this week at IMTS 2014, the International Manufacturing Technology Show. It's held every 2 years in Chicago. The 2014 show is the largest, in number of exhibitors and visitors, I've seen in recent years. 

Yesterday, my wife, Ronni,  came to IMTS and wanted to see the exhibit getting heavy media coverage, the Local Motor's 3D printed car.  Frankly, I wasn't impressed. We'd missed the printing; all we saw were a few mechanics assembling the car.

I was more interested in the exhibits from Star, Citizen, Schutte and other machine tool builders.  Ronni oohed and aahed over the new machines with me. Then, she asked how much they cost. I could guess, but I didn't have an answer. 

We're accustomed to seeing prices on items when we shop. The annual Chicago Auto Show is the other large show we attend.  Most cars have prices and features clearly listed. Many exhibitors have computers where customers can build and price a car to their specifications.     

We asked a salesman  at one booth for the price of a machine. After he tapped characters into his smart phone for about 15 minutes, we explained that an estimate would be fine, and he gave us a figure.

Later, we ran into a customer who was also visiting IMTS. We discussed the lack of prices on the machines. He agreed that buyers would prefer to know the cost of the machines they're seeing.

I'm glad to see so many exhibitors and visitors. However, I believe business would be better if machine tool makers adopt 21st century marketing practices. Clearly label machines with prices and features at IMTS and on manufacturer websites. Let customers select the features they need, and price a machine that meets their specifications. Giving customers what they want is essential for business success. Is anyone out there paying attention?

New Britain Industrial Museum Needs You!

New Britain Model 62

I had a wonderful conversation last week with Karen Hudkins, Director of the New Britain Industrial Museum http://nbindustrial.org/ in New Britain, CT.   She's begun cataloging binders of photos of machines made by New Britain Machine. Karen needs the stories that go with the pictures.

If you use New Britains or worked for New Britain, please contact Karen and tell her your story. newbritainim@gmail.com   

Jim's Garden

Jim watering his garden.

Each spring, Jim waits until the danger of frost passes, and selects tomato plants for his garden.  This year, he planted Sweet 100, Heirloom and sweet bell peppers.

The machinery business has a great deal in common with gardening.  Both require work and patience. Like good tomatoes, great deals require finding the right stuff.  Then, the customer has to be satisfied.  

Jim likes to share his tomatoes and advice on machinery. Whether you're in the market for a nice Citizen or have a taste for fresh tomatoes, contact him today.

Ronni Graff

Graff Machine Tools delivers!

There is tooling in my car trunk, 100 pounds or so of holders. I bought them at auction for a customer.  I'm driving by his shop next week, and thought I'd save him some money on freight. 

Everyone loves free shipping. Graff Machine Tools offers it when we can.  I can't put a Citizen or Wickman in my trunk, but I can usually give customers a delivered price on machines they purchase from me.

Please contact me for a quote on your next machine.  I can be reached by phone or email 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

 Jim Graff