My best and most favorite rug hooking tool -- besides my hands -- is my Townsend cutter. To call it the Cadillac of cutters is not enough -- it is the Ferrari, the Astin Martin, the Lamborgini, the Rolls Royce, of cutters. I own several Frasers, Bliss' and Rigbys, have tried the Bolivar and the Honeydoo, but nothing compares to the Townsend. The ease of changing the heads and the length of the long cutter heads which cut twice as much fabric as the other cutters, is phenomenal. The blades cut by pressure and never need to be sharpened and Townsend's service is impeccable. I love my cutter. So I am saddened by the news that Bob Townsend, the owner of the company, passed away in February. I am also saddened to hear that the company is closing its doors on June 17, 2010.
A quick call to Townsend on Monday confirmed that they had stopped manufacturing more than a week ago, and they were all out of cutters and cutter heads. Word travels fast in the rug hooking community, and most of the major sellers of Townsend products are out of stock. I expect there will be some wild auctions on ebay if someone lists a Townsend item. I am wishing I had bought a few more cutter heads -- I only have three sizes right now.
There is some good news -- I read online that someone who is both an engineer and a rug hooker is negotiating to buy the company. I hope it works out -- she'll have me for a customer, for sure.
I send my sincerest condolences to Mr. Townsend's family, along with many thanks for an innovative and fine piece of machinery.
6 comments:
I certainly hope that someone buys the company! There are a lot of us out there that haven't quite saved enough to buy one yet but will certainly be future customers! Crossing my fingers! Cathy G
I have never used a cutter; as a matter of fact, wouldn't work on most of the materials I use because I use a variety and cut every bit of it by using scissors..
For all rug hookers sake, I hope someone buys the company so you can buy the parts you all need....
I, too, hope someone will continue the Townsend tradition. I bought mine last summer and have 3 cutter heads, but desperatley want a #9!!! I think I am out of luck. Darn :(
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
I am a new rug hooker and need to buy a cutter...the first two rugs I have made are primitive. What is another good cutter and what size should I get? (#).
Thanks!
I am a new rug hooker and need to buy a cutter. I have made two primitive rugs-what is a good cutter (now that there is no Townsend) and what size cartridge should I buy?Thanks so much!
Fraser and Rugby cutters are still good stand-bys -- which is why I haven't got rid of mine. If you feel rich, the Bolivar is great, too. I use an 8 cut primarily -- that is personal preference. Experiment with different cuts to find which one appeals to you the most.
Sarah
Post a Comment