Who DID This!? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 1. 09. 2022
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores a handsome pair of antique Sussex Chairs that have undergone a questionable customization. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
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❤️❤️❤️your videos...no music, just craftsmanship, talent and educational. Absolute perfection. Thank you for preserving and staying true to the original craftsmanship of these beautiful chairs.
You're welcome!
Agreed. Music is totally unnecessary with many videos.
"I think they look pretty good." A major understatement by a master furniture restorer. Well done sir...well done.
Thank you!
CZcams sent me here no idea why but I was engrossed from start to finish, what a great craftsman, lovely work, we need to keep these skills alive. cheers.
Thank you!
Not only is Thomas an artist at restoration, he has an artist’s eye for tint and color as he matches the new wood with the old. He is amazing!
Thank you! That’s nice
I love your definition of 'living dangerously'🤣🤣
Always! Thanks!
Tom, every one of these videos is a master class to show the proper way to restore antiques and what mistakes to avoid. Thanks for sharing the expertise you have accumulated over your lifetime!
You're welcome! I appreciate it
I thoroughly enjoy watching you work. I’m a retired Surgical Technologist and even though worlds apart, I appreciate the value of the right instruments and techniques for the job.
Thanks Charlene! When I had an orthopedic surgery on my broken ankle I could see that they were repairing it exactly the same way you would repair a broken piece of wood!
Now, I would happily give house room to these smart chairs! Your craftsmen's touch has given them a new lease of life.
Thanks!
Lovely subtle job there Tom, I love the fact that you don't over-restore, you really respect the use the chairs have had. In fact it was edge of the seat stuff watching you get those back together. Thank you, I'll see myself out.😁😂👍
You're welcome! I like that "see myself out..."
I don't think I have seen a chair with so many parts. And artfully restored. Thanks again for the education.
You're welcome! Yes, I'm glad I marked them!
I love the way you preserved the age of the chairs without sacrificing the integrity.
Thank you! That's my goal - not always easy to achieve!
As someone who has re-rushed a seat or two, cutting the old one off is one of the most satisfying things ever.
Thanks! They always fight coming out though!
I think they look great! I learned about fixing and not stripping away the patina.
Thanks! Yes, I rarely will strip anything
The maestro has finished these pieces. They look & sound as though they were just built, a 100 years ago. Bravo!!!
Thank you!
Your care and patience for these treasures is something I really appreciate. And the camera work continues to improve.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
Thanks for preserving the story. Your seriousness and commitment are an example.
I appreciate that! Thanks!
Fortuanately the school of glue sculpting in the furniture repair movement was short lived. Occasionally one does run across a few adherents. 😊 Another masterful job Tom. I especially like your approach to repairing where the casters had been used. As usual, you are a master at coloring and hiding in plain sight new wood repairs. Thanks for another wonderful video and more education in the art of repair and restoration.
The problem is the long-term adherents.
Thanks! I like that - "glue sculpting"
They're still out there!
Beautiful, delicate chairs. My favourites of all the chairs you’ve repaired.
Designed by Phillip Webb in 1860 & manufactured by the brilliant & one of England's finest designers William Morris. Pure Arts & Crafts
Thanks! I would love to have one of these!
Thanks! Good info
I’m always amazed by what glue can do. I never would have known that re- gluing chairs is better than putting in nails where joints are loose! As a home manager this has changed how I do things!
Thanks! Yes, nails can hold a building together but not furniture!
I must say, your videos are utmost helpful to me. I am the son of a cabinet maker. My dad is 98 this year. While I never followed in my dad’s foot steps, this is what I plan to do when I retire in ten years. I am learning a lot from your videos. So thank you very much!
Thanks! That's great! I hope your dad hung on to his tools, it would be great if you could use them.
Watching you work on antique furniture is a enhancement to my History of Furniture class from college. Beautiful results!
Thanks! I would like to take that course...
Watching this magnificent restoration, I thought it would be really interesting for you to do a video on your history. That is starting with what inspired you to start carpentry and restoration of furniture. I know from my point of view, I wish I had done that with my father. I only have very scant information about my father and I wish I’d done something that I and my children and grandchildren could look back on. You have a great show that has inspired others and I think it would be a real privilege to know your history. Maybe that’s too far but I know it would be interesting. About others I don’t know, but I watch it! 🇦🇺👍🏻😁
Second that - and there's quite a bit of material 'already there' in some videos, including the workshop tours.
He has shared his history in previous videos. I believe he grew up in Boston. His father either made or repaired furniture (or both). He and his brother worked along with their father. His brother took over their father’s shop, and Tom opened his own shop. I believe Tom’s daughter makes custom furniture somewhere on the west coast. You can go through his videos to verify what I am recalling, and learn more.
Thanks Michael! We'll have to work on that. The problem is the "visuals". We'd have to do a lot of digging and pre-production to make a good video. It can't just be me talking...
Yes, we'll have to do that
Thanks Janet! Close - but I grew up in Takoma Park Maryland, and my Dad's shop was in Silver Spring. We were right on the "District Line" in Washington DC
The beauty of your work, old man, makes me wanna cry compared to the emptiness of my actual job. Thank you.
You're welcome! You need a new job!
DITTO to all the positively glowing comments! They are beautiful chairs! So delicate and graceful. As ever your work was mesmerizing. and my new hobby.
Thank you so much!
Those really are beautiful. One of the things I appreciate your channel is being able to see how furniture was constructed. I learn every time you dissect a piece of furniture. Thank you for the education.
You are so welcome!
Every Sussex chair I've seen always have major problems fairly early in their life. You did a wonderful job with lasting results, but I still think the design is not meant for high use. Oh, and I have NO idea how you managed to get those chair feet to work so beautifully!
They were designed for elves, who could walk atop snowdrifts, and NEVER leaned back in their chairs.
@@johnsrabe As long as one doesn't toss a dwarf on it, I suppose...
@@dlevi67 Of all the liberties Peter Jackson took, that one may be the one I liked best. “But don’t tell the elf!”
@@johnsrabe I definitely would not - especially if the chair broke!
Repair of the feet would be a craftsman's candy. Meaning a fun little challenge. Often people judge a problem like the caster damage as the end of the life of the chair, This is the difference between a craftsman and a novice. Think general practitioners versus a specialist when it comes to doctors.
I think the original designer was more focused on expressing his skills in an artful way over a durable chair. Many of the most long lasting chairs tend to be hated by users due to their weight and clunky looks. There is a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
This design; to me, has a mix of cultural styles. I would guess the chair is a self expression of its designer / builder as its repairer. These are the reasons people love things that other people invest time into versus automatic manufactured stuff. Take wood carving. There are carvings done completely by hand and there are carvings done completely by machines. Which do you prefer? The one with a soul or the one without?
Omg! That’s my rocker in the thumbnail! 😂 Can’t wait to see the restoration video! I love watching you work.
Wow! I didn't do a video of your rocker - but obviously I must have been working on it at that time
@@johnsonrestoration Had me all hyped up🥹
I really enjoy your work. The beauty of CZcams is that most of us would never have access to this kind of expertise without it. What you're doing now will educate others long after you and I are gone. What a gift of the world you're able to present. I spent a career in information technology before I retired a couple of years ago. I'm reasonably sure that none of my work exists anymore. Tech turns over and over again and makes everything obsolete so fast. I really wish that I was able to build up a talent such as this to share with the world.
Thank you! That's so nice. And yes, although that was not my intent when I started making videos, I appreciate what you're saying, and am happy that maybe I will be leaving something worthwhile when I'm gone. We so quickly forget the people who came before us.
Young man you amaze me with the outmost amount of meticulous attention, precision and respect you treat each peace of furniture that glides through your shop. All leave your shop with its original glory ready to to be admired and used accordingly. The old is new again. It’s unfortunate there’s no such shop for my old body of mine. No I’ve done my time and enjoy the old craftsmanship unsurpassed by the “tech” way . Thank goodness for your channel showing your finest work.
Thank you! Well said! I appreciate it
So beautifully done. I always get the impression that the decisions on how to intervene and when not to intervene are straightforward and simple. But then I remember this is only the result of years long, vast experience and skill. Thank you again, for another "lesson" in craftsmanship and taste. I think they look pretty good too!
Thanks! My philosophy is to keep everything as original as possible
Master of understatement. "I think they look pretty good." They look great.
Thank you!
Tom , you have the finesse of a surgeon in your furniture disassembly . I watched another channel demolish a table in their "restoration". The amount of smashing, tear out, and splintering was painful to watch.
Thanks! Oh, I've done my share of smashing!
Interesting chairs. So many parts, seems they were made for the long haul! Thanks Tom.
Yes they are! Thanks!
Another great restoration tutorial Tom. as always. and as always I came away learning something new. My wife does Caning and Rush work also. kudos to your Caning person did a nice job on those chairs. Glad to see your helper is still doing fine. little grey'r in the beard tho! But she's still with us! thanks again. God speed. ECF
Thanks! Yes, we're all getting older!
I didn't think the foot 18:00 was going to work without Epoxy, but it did. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Another lesson learned.
Thanks! Yes,it did work, thank goodness!
I has been a very long and hard day and I find very soothing and uplifting watching you quietly and unassumingly getting on with your art. Thank you Tom in so many ways.
You're welcome! I'm so glad that I could help you in this small way!
Se o Mestre Thomas Johnson morasse no Brasil, eu me candidataria a ser seu ajudante. Fico contente em ver que o seu fiel amigo está bem e sempre fazendo companhia. Grande abraço !
Obrigada! (abraço entregue)
Thanks Thomas, I did antique furniture work for the public many years and find you videos very entertaining. I retired years ago and wish I had them to view before the internet and CZcams. You have amazing family similarities to me which after the shock makes me watch more. I think your veneer work much better than mine was.
Thanks! I like the fact that we shared some of the same techniques. It's amazing how good you can be when you have a high def camera pointing straight at you hands and you know there will be thousands of people critiquing!
My grandfather George Lorenz was a master carpenter, contractors still remember him in this area. I keep thinking he'd love videos like these. Died in 1969.
Nicely done, I am impressed that they sit flat on the floor and don't wobble. Thanks for showing us
Thanks! A rare event indeed!
You just made those Chairs SO happy! Thank you for sharing your amazing Skills -
You're welcome!
Hey Tom another great video! One tip I picked up… to determine if someone has buried a nail in a mortise/tenon.. I use a nickel-sized rare earth magnet. It’ll pop onto the joint letting you know there’s steel or iron in there
Thanks! I'll try that! How do you then get it out?
@@johnsonrestoration Living on the ocean seems to get rid of all the nails around here. Seriously, though, I would be tempted to drill it out, at least to the point of weakening, with a cobalt bit. Keeping it all steady and not just boring out the wood around the nail would be a challenge. I have had to drill out nails and screws with broken heads before and it has worked well sometimes.
Really a great job Thom! Its been a long summer, with something missing....your videos! Welcome back. 👍
Thanks! But I put out quite a few this summer - maybe you missed them?
Happy Labour Day Tom Tom I don't know how much you still like fixing furniture I've enjoyed the hell out of watching it Timmy Shaw
Thanks! I do love repairing furniture! I don't know why
Nicely done! I have become addicted to the use of strong neodymium magnets to find nails where they shouldn't be, but I still get surprised by brass once in a while.
Thanks! Yes, good point about the brass
Great video Mr. Johnson, I learned something today I love how you worked on the feet of the chairs that is an awesome technique I will keep that thought in a little box in the back of my mind❤
Thanks! We all have stacks of those boxes in our minds - it's getting harder to find the right box these days!
Wonderful video Tom. Not sure about other viewers, but I did feel the tension when you applied the reverse clamp - phew!
Oh aye. the old "just one more squeeze and I'm there" anxiety.
@@gav2759 Cracks you up.
(As long as it doesn't do the same to the wood, we are fine.)
Thanks! I know - I was worried!
It is stressful!
Exactly
Good Morning Mr. Johnson - thank you for the video and knowledge!
Very welcome!
Those little foot caps were awesome. I would never have thought of that. Excellent job again. they look great!
Thanks! I liked them too!
Brilliant as always!
Thank you!
I've still got my Dad's Craftsman drill press. I'm 74 and I have never known not to have this press in his work shop. All cast iron and steel. No plastic at all. Most people have no idea about how much skill and time it takes to do a job like this. That is why Dad always said that most people wouldn't want to pay for his work. They jut try to fix the chair like the last person did and come up with all of the glue just around the outsides of the joints. Fixed for a very short time but ugly as hell... dad taught me that it was good to make wood filler with hide glue and sanding dust. Have been doing that for years. have you used the new Torx head screws?? I really like them now. I wouldn't try to cut 1/8 inch off of the legs as people are taller today than they were when these were made. No one will know.. I see you have smashed a finger and the nail is black. I also love the dog... She is getting older??
Yes, David, the dog is getting older...we all are! ...but she is a sweety isn't she?
@@marylinsmith4290 I have found that most times the older dogs are the best ones. Remember that Dog is God spelled backwards...
Thanks David! One of the great things about these videos is that people can now see what goes into it. I like the Torx too - I use them for work on the barn etc. Ella's 12 1/2 now!
Yes, we all are, but why do our dogs have to age so fast? She's my girl...
I like that!
They are stunning - and now I know how to freshen the wood on some rush seated chairs I have without refinishing! But I'll cover the seats with plastic sheeting, lest I spill/smear colored wax on them.
Thanks! Good idea!
Those Sussex chairs may possibly be the most complex construction method I've seen you tackle so ably, Tom. I smiled to myself when you described the casters on the armchair as "harebrained"; possibly the strongest wording for previous work by someone I've heard you use.
Thanks! I love these chairs! I was unfamiliar with them until this came along. I don't want to criticize anyone's work, you never know the story behind it
Never heard of a "Sussex chair", maybe because we just call them chairs, here in Sussex.
Sussex Trugs, I've heard of those, and have one.
It was a "brand"/name used by Morris & Co. as the original design idea came from a chair found by George Taylor (the Morris & Co. business manager) in Sussex.
@@dlevi67
You are right.
It is quite literally Morris & Co "Sussex Chair" .
ie: the name of the design, rather than it being a Chair from Sussex.
I've seen plenty of chairs with Raffia seats, but none like this one.
@@kevinshort3943 ....aaand I got it wrong. The chair found by Warington Taylor (who is sometimes attributed the name "George", but was actually called Alphonse Warington) is what is now known as the "Morris Chair" - a kind of comfy recliner with a stuffed seat and back. The chair inspiring the 'Sussex' range was allegedly found (still in Sussex!) by Ford Madox-Brown, an early partner of Morris & Co.
Sorry!
Thanks! I didn't know, but I trust dlevi 67's answer
Thanks! Interesting - I didn't know that
Your "they look pretty good" would be my "they couldn't look better." It is so satisfying to watch you work and to see the final product.
Thanks!
I learn something new each time you post one of your videos! Thank you very much!
You're welcome! I do too!
While you were disassembling I was thinking... "What a nice piece. Attention to detail on all of these parts." Thank you for sharing this cide.
Thanks! That's the thing about chairs - so many parts!
Just when I think you won't surprise me, you do. MASTERFULLY ACCOMPLISHED AGAIN.....
Thanks Pete!
When you glue, can you please talk more about what kind of glue you are using and why you are choosing that type...sometimes you do and I am learning SO MUCH from you. Thank you very much!
You're welcome! I will. I'm using hide glue, specifically "Old Brown Glue" oldbrownglue.com/
Just watched this again, and as before enjoyed it and always come away refreshing what I learned the last time. But the sad part this time is that your "Helper" is no longer with us. Her grace and charm will be and is missed. RIP Ella. ECF
Thanks Ellis. I know, it's tough seeing her in the older videos, but the I'm glad I did. We will never forget her!
Wish I had seen your wonderful informative video before refinishing and fixing my rickety old bent wood thrifted chair. It's always a treat watching a master craftsman work and those chairs turned out beautiful!
Thanks! Well, some things just need to be refinished!
Thrift finds abused, terribly altered and deemed headed for the landfill, I will rescue. Less is more when possible and your videos are a wonderful learning tool, thank-you for sharing your expertise.@@johnsonrestoration
Your skill and knowledge have no bounds.
Thank you!
Used to restore these chairs fairly regularly. The story was that they were popularised by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Miss my days as a furniture restorer, I still restore a few chairs a year but nothing like the dozens I used to.
Thanks! That's interesting. I will look him up
Thanks Tom, really enjoyed watching(as always)...rr Normandy, France
You're welcome!
Really enjoyed this one, thanks! Your ability to maintain originality, but make things useable and beautiful again, using love, respect and time learned skills is simply a privilege to watch.
Surprised you left that screw in where there was a crack near the the bottom of one of the legs, and that you chose to reinforce a joint with a new screw. But if you don't surprise/challenge me I don't think I'd be learning so much.
And BOY are those two beautiful chairs!
Thank you! Often if there is a screw, and even if I would never do that, but the screw is working, I figure I might as well leave it, the damage has been done
Not sure there's much money in old chairs but they are such important pieces of furniture. Tha m k you for your integrity.
You're welcome! Yes, people take them for granted
the caster damage repair was so interesting. I have one chair that I am restoring and have a similar problem on my legs. Thanks to you, I have a new game plan to attempt. Thanks Thomas
You're welcome! This worked out really well. I was determined not to cut away any more of the legs.
Majestic cat! And beautiful restoration!
Thank you!
It’s such a pity that you can’t smell the results. Often the smell of the oil, wax and rushes is half the pleasure. It’s a smell that has hardly changed since the chair was made and links you back through time to it’s creation. Thank you for a gorgeous video. I love to watch master craftspeople at work. 😊
Thanks! I have such fond memories of those odors from my Dad's shop. A combination of shellac, alcohol, and turpentine, with a dash of nitro-cellulous lacquer!
Very nice chairs. I live in Sussex, and actually own one of these too! A first-class refurbishment.
Thanks! That is so cool! Find one for me will you? An arm chair...
@@johnsonrestoration Ha! I think most of them are probably already over there tbh, Tom.
Awesome job,especially the “cute little brad nails”!! 😬
Thanks! They were cute!
Beautiful job, Tom! Excellent work! 👍😀
Thank you!
Pretty good is an understatement. ❤ Your love for what you do shows in your work
Thank you!
Love your work, I enjoy the animal pictures. Thanks for sharing
You're very welcome!
Another wonderful job Tom. It's such a joy to watch you breathe life back into these pieces. I've recently taken delivery of four mid century dining chairs with a lot of bad repair work done to them in a previous life. Hoping to repair and restore them for personal use. I would never have considered undertaking such a task without the likes of yourself offering such great guidance. And as always it's a joy to see your loyal buddy hanging on your every word. As usual, sending ear scratches and belly rubs her way. I think I keep mixing up her name. Is it Bella or Ella?
The name is Bean. Ella Bean.
(007 theme fades in the distance)
Thanks Emer! It really makes me happy to think that my videos can help in some way
I’m laughing! I say the same thing
I love to watch you work. Thank you for posting.
You’re welcome!
Great job Thomas ,I loved the conicle sleeves for the leg repairs.
Thanks! Me too! Because they actually worked
Thomas, I got a good chuckle with your framed dog. He was so perfect! You certainly are a Master! Thanks for sharing. I have these same repairs needed on a couple of frames but no jig saw.
Thanks! You can get a coping saw to use by hand very inexpensively home.howstuffworks.com/coping-saw.htm
Watching you pull out the pocket knife reminds me of my grandfather. He refinished furniture In lower Delaware for many years. He said you loose money on chairs but make it up on tables.
Thanks! I could never buy into the chairs as a money loser mind-set. I know what he means though. If you charged for the time it really takes to repair chairs, the number of chairs in the shop would drop a lot. Problem solved
Absolutely LOVE your work Thomas!
Thank you!
Amazing skill and attention to detail. Great repair on the legs too.👌🏻
Thanks! I was happy that worked out so well!
Sometimes I'm not sure what to say. I've enjoyed watching you work since January of 2017 (it's weird that I know that), and I never get tired of it.
Thanks! I can't believe how long we've been making videos! Since 2011
Great job Tom. Beautiful antiques!
Many thanks!
"I think they look pretty good." What an understatement? I really enjoy watching these videos and wonder at his patience and mastery. Amazing!
Thank you very much!
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode
Thank you! That makes me happy
Your dog is listening intently! I love how slowly and measured you are in your work, just like my dad was. I am not that way, but I appreciate you.
Thanks! It's just more interesting when you can work thoughtfully, and of course the luxury of time!
Hi Tom, watching a Master Craftsman at work again - so satisfying. What a great fix for the bottoms of the legs - GENIUS ! I must admit, I was a bit horrified at you using a new Phillips screw instead of finding a nice old iron Flat Head screw. I know it's hidden now, but one day someone will be taking it apart for refurbishment and think OMG, WHO did this ! Nevertheless, obviously a brilliant job, and the final finish is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your skillss. Take care 🙂
@@tetedur377 More like...150 years.
Thanks! Yes, I am always reluctant to use phillips heads on antiques. I always use old screws where they will be seen
Thanks! I hope so!
Thomas: these chairs are so wonderful. They are in great condition now that you restored them. Very involved. I think smaller people were meant to sit in these chairs. Although restored beautifully, till very delicate looking. Carol from California
Thank you Carol!
Once again, persistence and experience tell the tale!👍
Thank you!
Omg that little critter at the start 😍
Thanks!
I still love how you preserve as much original wood as possible still excites me to this day
Thank you! I figure you can never go wrong saving as much as possible
I love your work!! It is hypnotic to watch the evolution of the reparation until the end. Thanks
Greetings from Spain
Thanks! And Hello to Spain!
Another excellent example of true craftsmanship!
Thanks!
An even greater skill to master is to know when NOT to do something. Which is shown perfectly in this video. Great work again TJ.
Thanks Lee! It’s always tough to know which way to go
Such delicate and elegant chairs. I love that you did not go the route of colouring the worn areas. You never destroy the history of a piece.
Thanks! I try not to!
The chairs came out amazing. Thanks for the video sir.
You're welcome!
Ogglądam filmy i zaczynam żałować, że 45 lat temu zamiast uczyć się stolarstwa uczyłem się mechaniki. Pozdrawiam Panie Johnson, dużo zdrowia i siły, także dla czworonożnego pomocnika.
Dziękuję! Proszę nie żałuj! Lubię "pomocnika"!
Always good to find one of your videos in my post Tom. You made a wonderful job of those fine chairs which will allow them to last another Century, so preserving the remaining pieces of what was once a full set of diners and carvers. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
Another great fix Tom 👏👏👍
Thanks!
Beautiful chairs! Good fix on the leg repair.
Thanks! It worked well!
People call Mr. Johnson’s video restorations tutorials, but I wonder if anyone else might have the tools, experience, and mindset to accomplish the restorations this man does. I love to watch him work his magic, knowing it is entertainment I enjoy watching but work I will never be able to do.
Thanks! I get input from a lot of people though who have learned and put into practice many of the techniques I show - very gratifying to me!