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- čas přidán 28. 03. 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores iconic chairs by three well-known designers of modernist furniture. 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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Tom, this video has given me flashbacks to times in our garage with my dad fixing broken items. My dad was a jack of all trades with little of the skills you possess, but a saying for all occasions. For times like the disassembly of the broken chair back in your video he would say, "Son, anyone can build something but it takes a real craftsman to take it back apart." You are one of those craftsmen. Thank you for your videos and showing the rest of us "how the sausage was made."
Thank you! I like that!
Tom, maybe I missed the fanfare, but you met your goal of 150,000 subscribers and then some. A hearty congratulations! 👌🙏
Thank you! I did! It's amazing
Good morning, Tom. Just having a cup of coffee and getting smarter. Thanks.
Same here!
That's great! First comment!
I like it! Thanks
A brave man takes on this kind of repairs. To take all these chairs apart is one thing but to reassemble them such that they come true and plumb…
…That’s where experience kicks in.
I especially enjoyed the tray that you made to sort your screws to put back into a container. I typically spread a container of screws onto a rag or towel, then form a funnel to return them.
Thanks! Yes, that's a tried and true method! My friend made this "parts buddy" and it's great
A great treat - 49mins 20secs of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration - many thanks 👍
You're welcome!
Of all the furniture repair/restoration channels, i only really learn something from you; your skills are absolutely amazing. Thank you for opening this YT channel and letting me learn about furniture restoration.
You're so welcome!
You are amazing at gluing/repairing broken chairs! Restoring those irregular broken joints back together is pure artistry. Best wishes.
Thank you very much!
I was excited to see these works by well known furniture designers. Beautiful work as usual!
Thank you!
Hi Tom. Glad you mentioned notifications. This is the 1st one I've had from you in quite a while. I've been watching YT for well over 10 yrs & this last 8-10 months have been really odd. I frequently get new channels (in roughly the same genre) suggested to me instead. I'll check my account settings & see if I can control or stop that, allowing my 'favourites' like you to be noticed. Glad I caught this vlog, I always enjoy them and learn alot in the process. Thank you for all your hard work & long hours of editing. Pat/Yukon 🙏
Thank you Pat! Yes, I don't understand the notification thing! I'm glad you checked
Thank you for revisiting the restoration of these chairs. The videos were excellent the first time around but you simply can not ever learn enough and so watching them was as educational as ever. It was really nice to see Ella at the end of the video. Our animals, who become family members, are always missed.
Thanks! I do miss her!
I’m a retired structural engineer and I think of chairs as dynamic structures, similar to suspension bridges. They experience loads from all directions and are designed to flex slightly as the sitter shifts position. For this reason, a poorly designed and built chair will fail fairly quickly. A well designed chair will last for years. In contrast, tables, dressers, and other furniture are static structures and are designed to be rigid.
How fascinating and so true of course.👍
Thanks John! That is very interesting. I hadn't quite thought of it that way.
Yes, interesting
I think it is apparent function has fallen far behind form in the last decades. Frank Lloyd Wright designs are prime examples. Leaking roofs, structural failures and other design flaws immediately after construction being the norm with his designs. Not to forget his three legged office chair. I see the same with these chairs. Not hard to spot those that will have problems and what the problems will be. Our mid 18th century Windsor chair is as tight as the day it was made and has no signs of ever being worked on and looks as good as any of these chairs. Thank goodness for the Tom Johnsons for keeping these sometimes structurally challenging objects alive.
I would never consider you a ‘Technician’, Tom. You are genuinely a Master Craftsman. Another interesting and edifying video of your exceptional craftmanship, Sir.
Thank you! Well, I consider myself a tradesman, which is slowly being replaced by the word "technician"
Amen to that🥰👌
@@johnsonrestoration you're most welcome, Sir!
Yes Thomas, you do "pretty good"😁!! You really cleaned up on this video....I was glued to my chair the entire time!! As always, be blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Thank you John! That's a good one!
Exceptional all the way, but especially the repair on the Wegner. You sir, are an American treasure. Thanks....
Wow, thanks! That's very nice
I've watched many restoration channels. Yours by far is the best. Thankyou so much for talking us through your processes.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Have a new appreciation for quality and construction techniques of contemporary furniture. Glad they could be restored to their original condition.
Thanks! Yes, they're well made!
Well, Mr. Johnson! Another beautiful job x 3. You never cease to amaze me.
Thank you! That's nice
I deeply regret getting rid of an old wooden arm chair someone gave us when we got married 27 years ago. It got loose over time but it was prob 30-40 years old back then. I wish I had known about these techniques. Treasures that get discarded due to ignorance. Thanks for showing how to bring these back to like new condition.
You're welcome! Yes, but no point in looking back...
Love your screw sorting tray. Gotta make me one of those!
Yes! A friend made that, it's great
I like your rants! They are knowledgeable rants.
Thanks! I try to avoid them but every once in awhile...
Hi Tom and thanks for another great video. I so appreciate not only your skills but also the fact you take the time to film and explain what you’re doing. I’ve turned off all my notifications but for your channel so when I see a notification I know I’m in for a treat. You had me sold on the Howard’s feedn wax from the get go. I had it imported to Sweden at no small cost but I love the stuff. Happy Easter!
Thank you! I appreciate that! Yes, the Howard's is great stuff
Your work and Your _kind of working_ , how you _do_ things and tackle problems ever so gently (even in your rants) gives me peace and joy felt from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Johnson.
_Please_ take care of Yourself, for You are a really bright light in this world!
Thank you Chandra! That is very nice
Tung oil is just so satisfying. Looks so good. I did not know it was such a historic product until i learned it from you.
Thanks! I love the stuff!
Not every restoration needs a wholesale disassembly and reconstruction, but even the most mundane repair offers up invaluable analysis and craftsman-worthy techniques. Kudos, Thomas!
Thank you! Nicely said!
15 hours for that last set of chairs? I think it would take me longer to get one of those things apart. Great job, as always.
Thanks! I have a lot of practice!
Hadn't ever seen the Wegner repair. Outstanding Mr. Johnson, as per usual!
Thanks Jesse! Actually I have never seen too many of these chairs - they must be well made!
I like the ole school pick it box I used to make them too
Thanks! Yeah, it's great!
My favorite 'modern' chair is the 'papa bear' by Wegner; looks so comfortable. Lovely video again Tom, those dowels were really tricky but of course your long experience worked it's magic. xo
Thanks! I'll have to look that one up!
Yes, that is nice!
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, TOM...YOU'RE A FURNITURE SURGEON. ALWAYS LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND WORK, AMAZING STUFF! YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Great art as usual Tom, and a shot of Ella as a bonus.
Thanks! I miss her!
Beautiful servicing and repairing those stunning chairs. Absolutely love all the sounds, scenery and critters too. 😊
Thank you!
some great looking chairs! I think the Moser chairs are my favorites of the bunch. Of course the Wegner chair is beautiful and you did such a great job on the arms! I don't much like the fabric on the seat cushion, but I know you didn't pick it! Thanks again for your great videos.
You're welcome! Yes, they're all nice chairs! I like the Mosers the best too
Morning Tom. Great to start the day with an interesting video of three fine restoration stories. Thanks for bringing us along.
You're so welcome!
Wegner. The Chair. And the miracle of the dowel.
How those pieces came back together the way they did, I don't know. You must have the steadiest hands in the world to drill out skewed dowels in a curved piece of timber, and re-assembling them with matching lines.
Happy Easter to you and family, Tom!
Thank you Davide! I hope the same for you and your family also! And once again, thank you for adding so much to my channel through your interest in the comments. I have learned a lot from you!
@@johnsonrestoration Thank _you,_ Tom - the balance of learning is _very_ heavily tipped towards Maine... 😉 You know what they say: "those that can, do; those that cannot, talk" - I'm very much a talker.
9:00 Was this filmed in 2016? 1982 was 42 years ago in 2024.
I'm restoring oiled oak kitchen cabinets that my stepfather built around 1987. Some is quite sun damaged, and there's s little water damage. I'm re-matching the colors. There's dirt and wear behind cupboard and drawer pulls. The pulls are antique brass plated zinc, The zinc is showing through. I found some vintage solid brass antiqued pulls. They're expensive, but add to the beauty and honor the craftsmanship. The worn zinc looks kinda cheap. I can't begin to tell you how your videos have helped and influenced me with my restoration projects! Thank you!
I've become a big fan of brass and stainless wood screws. Steel just destroys wood if there's any moisture. I melt paraffin onto the threads. If a piece is old enough, I use the original screws. I've also wired original hardware under the furniture out of sight.
Thanks! I know what you mean about screws! I always will put the originals back if possible. Good luck with the kitchen!
Hallo Thomas, das war wieder ein sehr interessantes und unterhaltsames Video. Sehr sehr schöne Arbeit. Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Osterfest viele liebe Grüße Christel 👍☺️🐰
Danke Christel! Ich hoffe, du hast auch schöne Ostern!
Thanks for your great videos. 🇦🇺👴🏻
You're so welcome!
Hi Tom another great tutorial .I found the comment about chairs ,in the book you had ,interesting.When one thinks that the word cathedral stems from the the word cathedra for the Bishops chair.Along with the significant use of the word chair in chairman,.
And we always refer to the monarch as sitting on the throne.In the U.K.Parliament we have front benches and back benches.The list goes on......
Great to watch your videos and see a master craftsman at work!!!!
Thanks! It is interesting to think about
1:40 We always enjoy seeing the animals as a special part of the excellent furniture restoration videos.💗
Thanks, also, for sharing your knowledge!
You're so welcome!
Thanks for all the great information you provide, I really learn a lot from watching you. You caused me to try things I wouldn't normally try, and succeed.
That's great! You're very welcome!
Hi Tom, hope you're having a great Easter holiday. Lovely to see this collection of beautiful chair restorations. 😊 I also love seeing the animals at the beginning and end of your videos. Are the llamas 🦙 yours? Best wishes to you both. Kate. X
Thank you Kate! We were only boarding the alpacas, they're gone now, the owner sold them. Have a great Easter too!
Hi Tom yours videos are always great absolutely love them keep doing what you doing ..looking forward to see your next ones...
Thanks 👍
Tom, thanks once again, for yet another informative, entertaining and interesting videos of three previous projects relating to chairs.
Every time I watch your work I pick up at least one idea or information that can be beneficial to my work as a very amateurish restorer
You're welcome Peter!
So relaxing to watch you work. Just a thought. On the last set of chairs where an 'Extra' dowel had been inserted, and you sawed it off to re assemble the chair. Have you considered using a multi tool with the vibrating saw blade to do the work when you have restricted access?
Thanks! I do have one, and yes, they come in handy. I often forget about it
Really Wonderful. I am getting set to embark on a mild refurbishment of a beloved family chair, and hopefully the skills I see you use, I can apply. Thank you, I know taking the time to record these is an effort, and it is much appreciated. All the best.
You're very welcome! Good luck!
Another great video Tom and as always superb camera angle's . I noticed in the intro when you were discussing all the chair manufacturers. you did not mention Sam Maloof, and at $10,000 a chair I can understand why haha. thanks for another great video/tutorial no matter how many times I watch them I always come away learnng and relearning thngs. thanks for sharing. ECF
Thanks Ellis! I guess I was referring to large manufacturers! We don't think of Maloof and all the other great studio furniture makers "manufacturers", but of course they are
Had the pleasure to work with George Nakishima ''s niece , some of his chairs are in the Denver Art Museum ,
ow! That's great. I've worked on a number of Nakashima's pieces
As you know I’ve been watching your videos for years, including the back catalogue, and I now know which restorations/repairs I enjoy the most.
Although I can admire the great skills you have in everything you do, chairs are my least fave.
I love cabinet & cupboard repairs the best. The worse they are, the more I love ‘em. More cabinets please? 🙂🙂❤
Happy Easter
Thank you! I've always just done whatever came through the door. Now I'm cleaning out my barn! I do have a couple of case pieces coming up
Nice book , good line spacing , good font and applied with a good amount of black ink.
Yes, it is! I like books with lots of photos!
Thank you for this video! I was looking at my pressed-back chairs and thinking that I should wash, apply oxsalic acid, tongue oil, etc. and bee's wax to them and my grandmother's 5-leg, fancy turned kitchen table. (I'm 67) All are now in my dining area. She had her 50th birthday when I was about 3 years old.
I was thinking the same about my old oak ladderback chairs. They’re at least 60 years old and I inherited them from my mom years ago. Nice projects to keep our old selves busy. ☺️👵🏼
@@robinmoore7202 Very true! The more I watch, the more I want to do this to something.
You're welcome! Give it a try! Do one first and see how it goes
Yes, you should!
That's great!
Thank you for another excellent demonstration and lesson. Much appreciated. I love the idea of getting into the habit of numbering the parts and the positions they go back to.
Thanks! Yes, you learn the hard way!
Love anything Thomas Moser
Yes! Thanks! I've visited their factory - very interesting.
you are such a good teacher, and your video is a great! I am from Denmark and I am still in awe of Wegner's The chair.. it is perfection.
Thank you! Yes, I agree!
Wonderful work and result as usual. Love your channel.
Thank you!
These chairs remind me of the ones my oldest sister and brother in law had. They resemble the style.
Your work is very thorough, which is needed to prevent further damage.
Wonderful job!
Thank you!
I realy injoyed these segments of varioty of chairs you repaired
Thank you!
Loving your videos per usual love how informative you always are. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! I will...
somewhat amazed at no cane damage amoungsst that six chair set. no suprised at another excellent resut
Thanks! That was pretty amazing, you'd expect some damage!
Love all the amazing work you do. I hope I absorb some for myself.
You can do it! Thanks!
Hi Tom. First of all, thanks for the wonderful videos - plus I am pleased that you have returned to "sensible" titles! Now that Wegner chair is, I believe, a copy, not an original. I own an original and have built an exact copy of one, even copying the exact joinery, and all with hand tools. The seat back is joined to the seat arms with a "dovetail joint". Actually, it is a triangular finger joint. The very first chairs covered this with cane, but all the others revealed this joint. In fact, celebrated the dovetail joint. The shaping here of the arms and legs looks pretty spot-on, so mmmm .... One other thought is that there was a previous repair, and this cut off the sections where the dovetail joints were situated, and replaced the sections with dowelled fillers?
Thanks! But with all MCM furniture, how do you designate which is original? Is it only the very first production run? Only the original prototypes? I believe this chair came out of the gate with more than one factory, and each factory had their own solution for this joint.
I was just noodling around with a google search but no article seems to address my question of what is an original MCM. With older periods a piece only has to be made during the original period of popularity. Every Chippendale chair wasn't made by Chippendale himself for instance. once we enter the Federal period, any Chippendale style furniture was technically a reproduction. I am definitely not a scholar! I'd like to know the answer
@@johnsonrestoration Tom, all the chairs were made by one factory, Carl Hansen & Son. There were no variations. I have worked out what happened here: if you look at the left side (facing the top rail, you will see that the saw cut was made where the upper dovetail began. The grain of the spliced in pieces does not match. It is clear to me that these are original chairs but a previous repair removed the sections where the dovetails joined the arms to the top rail. I wish I could show you photos. Do a search and you will see for yourself. Regards from Perth, Australia. Derek Cohen
Tom, I cannot post a link to my website as CZcams will remove the post. Search my name (add woodworking), and look down the furniture index for the history and build of this chair. There is also an email address if you wish to contact me. Regards from Perth, Derek Cohen
You always show clever ways to approach your projects. If people actually knew how much work is in doing a chair, lol!!!
Thanks
Thanks! Yes, that's one of the benefits of these videos - people can't realize how much work goes into these projects
A splendid job professionally performed once more.
Thank you Thomas!
You're very welcome!
They always look pretty danm good! Congrats!
Thanks!!
Hey Tom! How about a contest where one of your fans wins a chance to come watch you do some of your restorations? I live in FL, and I would be more than happy to drive, find a place to stay, and just be able to watch you do your thing!! It would be a great honor!!
he could probably set up some bleachers in his shop and we could just sit and spectate 😂
Thanks! That's actually a good idea for a "count the clamps" contest
I immediately thought about a surgery gallery you see in movies
Thanks for sharing.You are a Master. 😊
You are so welcome!
really, really nice. Great job. Thank you for sharing!
You're very welcome!
Love the chair episode!
Thank you!
Could that 6 chair set be hickory? You really showed how much work is involved in fixing broken furniture. Thank you for the lessons😊.
You're welcome! I don't think so, they would never use that in a factory, it's difficult to work with
Nice to see old world craftmanship still alive- love the use of a pocket knife- I use my little Buck every day!
Thanks! Yes, I don't how people get through the day without a knife!
@@johnsonrestoration I was wondering what the knife on your belt is?
I cant even fathom how those backrests (on the Mosners) were made. Outsganding craftsmanship.
It is amazing! Thanks
Es ist kostbar und schön dass sie sowas zeigen in Zeiten der digitalen und pseudo Welten. Ohne handwerkliches Wissen und Können wäre die Welt leer! Sie sind ein Meister und zeigen wie Altes wieder mit frischer Schönheit erweckt werden kann. Ein Mehrwert für Mensch und Resourcen! Danke❤ beste Grüsse
Bitteschön! Und ich stimme voll und ganz zu!
My notifications are on. No problem. Another masterpiece in the book!
Thanks!
That is a great tutorial on repairing three very different chair styles, Thomas. Thanks.
You're welcome!
Thanks Tom. I learn so much from you.
You're very welcome!
That was very educational and informative seeing you do 3 very different styles of chairs with different problems. They all turned out perfect because of your talent and skill! My favorite style and the wood was the first one you did, love the grain! Thank you for sharing. 💕💕💕😊
You are so welcome!
Love your videos-- I wish you were closer to WI!!!!
Thanks! Well, maybe you should move to Maine!
As always i thoroughly enjoyed this montage, Tom. You always know just how much, or how little to do to a piece of furniture. Lovely to see dear Ella there too. A Happy Easter to you and yours.🙏👍
Thank you! Have a great Easter too!
Ur book reminded me of a custom furniture store gone now..sw 10 th across from library..whoa sum great custom rockers,beds,dressers, art..jewerly.another store across street the library metro station but nothing like the other store..
Cool, thanks!
Hi Tom. Thanks for sharing the details about the styles of chair you’re repairing. That’s really interesting. Great video! Scott
Thanks Scott! I hope all is well!
what cool chairs! It's amazing how rusty hardware can weld itself into the wood.
Thanks! Yes, it is!
Thank you, Tom. I have my parents bedroom set from the 1930's that have some damage and I was f=going to paint them. Luckly, I found your channel. As result of your channel I am rethinking honoring the original finish of these pieces that my mom took such care of during her life. I have a small request-- please show how to treat veneers that have bubbled a bit..
I imagine it would be hard to pinpoint one video but he has done it on many veneer repairs on his channel. It might take a little hunting through his videos, but you will definitely find your answers.
You're welcome Alice! Yes, robinmoore7202 is right - I have a lot of videos showing veneer repairs! Google "Thomas Johnson Veneer Repairs"
Thanks Robin! Yes, I have shown a lot of veneer repairs over the years!
@@robinmoore7202 Thank you for the information.
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you--and especially forohow to pin point these videos.
As usual, great work Mr. Johnson, you are a Master!
Thank you!
Loved the videos. Appreciate all your expertise, you don't make it look easy but give so many insights into construction and bad repairs. They all look pretty good.
Thanks! 👍
Thanks Tom I really enjoyed this video showing an assortment of chairs each with different problems . When you advised to look underneath a piece for more information I was reminded of my Mum who was a seamstress and wouldn't buy any piece of clothing until she had turned it inside out and examined the workmanship.
Thanks! I like that! It's so true...
You are a miracle worker...Happy easter!
Thank you! You too!
Thank you Tom. I loooove chairs and especially mid century so what a treat!
You're welcome! I love them too
Great work!
Thanks!
Beautiful chair restorations ❤❤❤ you are always a valuable resource.
Thank you!
Beautiful!!! Well done brother!!!
Thanks!
So informative as usual. I like this compilation video format. Those chairs are truly works of art. You so beautifully restore them to their former glory. You are so talented!
Thank you!
Beautiful chairs. Beautiful work.
Thank you very much!
Gorgeous
Thank you!
Thanks Tom
You're welcome!
You may recall I am not fond of seamy backsides of some furniture. Of course, I mean the side that usually faces a wall. Perhaps it is time that restorers offer to clients a dressing-up of such back. I'm thinking of a paper wallpaper say, of wood panels - or whatever a client may desire. Have a great day, Mr. Johnson.
Thanks! Me too - I frequently will clean and shellac backs and the undersides.
Quedaron, preciosas.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Si! Gracias
How do you decide which product (alcohol, acetone, crud cutter, dish soap and water) to initially clean a piece of furniture? I always learn so much from your videos, thank you.
Thanks! It depends on what the existing finish is like, and what I want it to look like when it's done. Every job is different
These are beautiful chairs. Not what I would think of as my “style” but I might be very wrong!
Thanks! Not my style either but I greatly admire them!
Thanks for the book tip - 1000 chairs. I ordered it immediately. Regards from Germany.
Great! Interesting book!
Cool and simple sorting tray at 29:49. After you re-assemble a chair, is it ever not square to the floor any more and wobbly? Do you then saw off a bit from one leg to fix it? Might have happened to me.
Thanks! That is always an issue that you need to be aware of. Typically I will dry clamp a chair and put it on the table saw to check. It can be a problem with antiques. And sometimes yes, you do everything you can but still might need to sand a leg bottom or 2
thank you
You're welcome!