Repairing an Antique Slant Top Desk - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

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  • čas přidán 23. 05. 2019
  • Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine repairs this antique slant top desk which has suffered numerous maladies over its many years. 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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Komentáře • 741

  • @OwlingDogDesign
    @OwlingDogDesign Před 2 lety +2

    When Tom Johnson says, "It looks pretty good," you know that means it looks fantastic.

  • @DrGarri
    @DrGarri Před 4 lety +24

    I live in Germany, in what used to be the Soviet part. Here most people want to get rid of their old furniture and buy plywood ones! As a hobby, and since I was a kid, I have loved repairing old stuff, especially furniture, so I go around looking for things, and sometimes I have found real treasures stored in a barn, things that the owners didn't even know were there! I love this gentleman's videos, I have learned many things watching them, I wish he could list the materials he uses, since in Germany they normally have very different names (like veneer, in Germany called Fournier). Many thanks for sharing your vast knowledge, from a fan in Leipzig.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 4 lety +7

      You're welcome! And I'm sure you must find fabulous things in Europe!

    • @sammyjo8109
      @sammyjo8109 Před 2 lety +2

      Older furniture in Germany is beautiful. I lived there for three years over 50 years ago. It is wonderful you are giving some old furniture new life. It is the same in the US with people now purchasing "throw away furniture." It is an IKEA world now.

    • @DrGarri
      @DrGarri Před 2 lety +2

      @@sammyjo8109 Yes, and sometimes I've gotten it for free, simply because people don't want to pay for the transport of their grandparent's old furniture to the disposal place! IKEA reigns supreme, my luck!

  • @taytase
    @taytase Před 5 lety

    Somewhere out there is a university that owes you an honorary doctorate in wood-ology. You treat every piece that comes your way like a treasure, and thanks to you, it is again!

  • @58Kym
    @58Kym Před 5 lety +1

    Those brass knobs looks 100% better. I love that desk.

  • @Val_Emrys
    @Val_Emrys Před 4 lety

    Another example of why you won the Clampmaster Lifetime Achievement Award. This is my second time watching this particular restoration.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 4 lety

      Thanks! That's good! I'm going to use that. We'll have to come up with the proper acronym. The first 3 letters are perfect.

  • @victoriamilonas1942
    @victoriamilonas1942 Před 4 lety

    The songbirds attracted to your feeders, the llamas and chickens, the dear old dog and I think I saw a cat - all mean we've had a show within the restoration show. What a treat!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 4 lety

      Thanks! We've got to have animals in our lives - keeps us grounded!

  • @ronbarrie7057
    @ronbarrie7057 Před 5 lety +84

    I always hit “like” before I even watch your videos Because I have never seen you make a bad video. 👍😁

  • @gregmarston9782
    @gregmarston9782 Před 4 měsíci

    I am not even half way through the video and I am singing praises too your work!! !

  • @susanvasquez3625
    @susanvasquez3625 Před 5 lety +41

    I love the longer, more complete format... showing all the repairs and refinishing, instead of just concentrating on the feet, or some other individual aspect. Great job, as always... you do such beautiful work!

  • @Goku_Just_Sayin
    @Goku_Just_Sayin Před 5 lety

    The Llama running after the Runner at the end is the cherry on top 🏃🏼🦙😅

  • @maggiesue4825
    @maggiesue4825 Před 5 lety +1

    You know, I have an inkling that if I were to bring you my 1950s-era pine child's rocking chair with a broken rocker, you would treat it exactly as you do all those fine pieces of furniture you restore on your videos. The care and attention you give to EVERY piece is so impressive and beautiful to watch. I'm so glad you share your videos. I swear, if I lived closer to Maine, I'd haul my old upright piano in (and maybe my child's rocker, too!) for some TLC!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 5 lety

      You are exactly right! I don't judge a piece of furniture, maybe it's only value is sentimental, but it's more important to the owner than an expensive antique.

  • @juliachennault7344
    @juliachennault7344 Před 5 lety +1

    I've seen so many people ask you if you would ever consider opening a school. This IS your school! I learn so much from your artistry! I squeal with joy when a new video is posted and savor it like a delicious meal 😊 it was lovely seeing your daughter! Hugs and many thanks! 😊 -Julia

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 5 lety +1

      Thank you! And yes, I think this is a better way to learn. That's my part time worker. My daughter's on her own, but not antique restoration. She's a good woodworker, but has to do her own thing!

  • @jaycorwin1625
    @jaycorwin1625 Před 4 lety +26

    This was really interesting, esepcially seeiing that you did research for period handles. Really nice work.

  • @carriebtc
    @carriebtc Před 10 měsíci +1

    Excellent job. The replacement knobs look more appropriate for the original style. Good choice. Thanks for sharing your craft Thom. Cheers

  • @gregmarston9782
    @gregmarston9782 Před 4 měsíci

    Simply, a superb job Tom and thank you for sharing this job with all your fans!

  • @geirrosset
    @geirrosset Před 4 lety +1

    Great job. Love seeing these old items brought back to life!

  • @saraha.9149
    @saraha.9149 Před 5 lety

    Gorgeous piece and a gorgeous restoration! Love your work!

  • @orangeorchid9067
    @orangeorchid9067 Před 5 lety +1

    I love to hear your thought process when you work. Awesome as always, keep up the good work.

  • @davidkelsey2864
    @davidkelsey2864 Před 5 lety +2

    Another great job by the master. So good to see another of your videos of your work,

  • @Dan-jq8se
    @Dan-jq8se Před 5 lety +16

    Tom, great repair project...thank you for your tutorial on clamping and patience.

  • @lethal0r
    @lethal0r Před 4 lety

    Those handles at the end were absolute perfection

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 lety

      Thanks! They did work out really well. I was surprised at what a difference they made

  • @ferraridinoman
    @ferraridinoman Před 5 lety +5

    Phew! A lot of work! Great work all the same Young Thomas!

  • @TheThundercool
    @TheThundercool Před 5 lety +4

    That first clamping on the broken leg was a piece of art in itself, kind of amazing how many you fit in there

  • @darinpreston2928
    @darinpreston2928 Před 5 lety

    Love your work. I learn something from every single video. Thanks for doing it

  • @cogidubnus1953
    @cogidubnus1953 Před 5 lety +24

    Thought for a while there that you were going to be responsible for a worldwide clamp shortage...there's surely times your ingenuity knows no bounds!
    I always look forward to your postings and have never been disappointed...
    Glad to see the return of the funny looking goats :-) :-) :-)
    Cheers
    Dave

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 5 lety +4

      Thanks! And those are alpacas!

    • @cogidubnus1953
      @cogidubnus1953 Před 5 lety +4

      @@johnsonrestoration Well give them back to Al then!
      :-)

    • @adhc8560
      @adhc8560 Před 5 lety +1

      As Norm Abrams on "This Old House" says, "You can never have too many clamps."

  • @kittonsmitton
    @kittonsmitton Před 5 lety

    Fantastic work dare I say as usual, such a gifted professional thank you Tom for sharing your tips and tricks of the trade.

  • @JM-tt4hp
    @JM-tt4hp Před 5 lety

    Amazing work. Aside from the learning experience, I find it oddly relaxing to watch you work on furniture. Thank you for sharing.

  • @cjames282
    @cjames282 Před 5 lety

    I love watching the perfection you perform in your work.

  • @shellyweb
    @shellyweb Před 5 lety +7

    Missed you Tom! Amazing work as usual, what a beauty this piece!Cheers from Singapore

  • @bxmachine
    @bxmachine Před 5 lety

    Lovely work Sir, a pleasure to watch you at your craft.

  • @rcdogmanduh4440
    @rcdogmanduh4440 Před 5 lety

    As always a joy to watch!

  • @robertcaron623
    @robertcaron623 Před 5 lety

    Tom- Thanks for the video work and sharing. Most instructive. Rob

  • @scrapperdscrapperj3948
    @scrapperdscrapperj3948 Před 5 lety +5

    Beautiful well done job 👍👍. I think it looks mighty fine 👍

  • @k.cashman427
    @k.cashman427 Před 5 lety +1

    Great job and great tips as always. Thank you!

  • @robertlassiter5808
    @robertlassiter5808 Před 5 lety

    I think it looks pretty good as well, Tom. A pleasure to watch. Thank you.

  • @georgekeenan3531
    @georgekeenan3531 Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much for all your time great tips and always a great job

  • @alisonhill2210
    @alisonhill2210 Před 5 lety +6

    Great job and very well-edited video. Thanks

  • @mateuszwojtas87
    @mateuszwojtas87 Před 5 lety +35

    I love watching your videos, your vast knowledge and level of skill is amazing to watch. You're an amazing professional, wish you best!!

  • @kaycox5555
    @kaycox5555 Před 5 lety

    Your patience and detail is astounding. Well done, again!

  • @RichAdamsFineArt
    @RichAdamsFineArt Před 5 lety +8

    Great work, as always, Tom! Wonderful choice with the new knobs, they completely change the aesthetic of the piece and make it look much more refined.

  • @johnchung6900
    @johnchung6900 Před 5 lety

    @Thomas You are an inspiration for me to undertake this task. Keep it coming!

  • @lynvoyager5976
    @lynvoyager5976 Před 5 lety

    What an amazing lady brought back to her full beauty. Thanks for another riveting video Tom.

  • @Cradley684
    @Cradley684 Před 5 lety

    Excellent job Thomas, have a nice day !!!

  • @marthalucas7298
    @marthalucas7298 Před 5 lety

    THANKS. A CALM AND ENJOYABLE TWENTY BEING WITH YOU IN YOUR SHOP..
    HAVE A GREAT DAY.

  • @flyingeaglewoman8682
    @flyingeaglewoman8682 Před 4 lety

    Once again- beautiful!

  • @lostonwallace1396
    @lostonwallace1396 Před 5 lety

    Great video, Thomas! I really liked the new knobs on the drawers. It really helped it look period again.

  • @hansslob6749
    @hansslob6749 Před 4 lety +1

    “I think it looks pretty good” ? It looks amazing! Fantastic job.

  • @carolsmith9478
    @carolsmith9478 Před 5 lety

    Very glad you are back!!!!

  • @aixpert291
    @aixpert291 Před 4 lety

    Your work is truly amazing. You make it seem so simple and obvious what to do. What a pleasure to watch and learn! Thank you for doing this.

  • @shariarnold9649
    @shariarnold9649 Před 5 lety +1

    Beautifully restored! I am sure your client will be pleased. The new knobs were perfect too. You are quite the craftsman.

  • @tomdale1313
    @tomdale1313 Před 5 lety

    a wonderful repair/restore project that utilizes your expertise...good stuff

  • @Jerryfmccarthy
    @Jerryfmccarthy Před 5 lety

    It is indeed a pleasure to watch your videos. Very impressive, keep up the good work !

  • @barbaracatalano6299
    @barbaracatalano6299 Před 5 lety

    Looks fantastic!!!

  • @fiwoodart
    @fiwoodart Před 5 lety +5

    I am a big fan of your work. Never missed a single video of yours. Your meticulous explanations of each step of the process of restoration is really outstanding. Please keep the videos coming Tom. All the best.

  • @sugarjohnson7402
    @sugarjohnson7402 Před 5 lety

    You make it look easy. Love your vids! So informative!

  • @MrDaddo123
    @MrDaddo123 Před 5 lety

    I think it looks pretty great,Tom! Loving your vlogs.

  • @donaldswink6259
    @donaldswink6259 Před 5 lety

    Beautiful restoration job.

  • @167curly
    @167curly Před 3 lety

    You did a great job of fixing that desk, not only from abuse, but also formerly botched repairs with strange adhesives. Love your clever clamp work to fix the legs too.

  • @gayle525
    @gayle525 Před 4 lety

    Excellent repair. You made it look beautiful.

  • @LyndsayGibson
    @LyndsayGibson Před 5 lety +1

    Delighted to have your CZcams channel back!

  • @thegamerlmao364
    @thegamerlmao364 Před 4 lety

    I just discovered your site and love it. I like to find old pieces that most people would just trash and give them new life. Your videos are a great inspiration. Thank you.

  • @joycecarter4597
    @joycecarter4597 Před 5 lety +2

    This was a great video. I love the repair work you did, and even the work that was done before and you redid because it wasn't aligned well! I always say it, and will continue to say it. ..I love watching your videos. I think you're the best at what you do! Keep these videos coming! Great job Tom!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 5 lety

      Thank you! I really appreciate you being such a good fan!

    • @joycecarter4597
      @joycecarter4597 Před 5 lety

      @@johnsonrestoration You make it very easy sir! You are amazing!

  • @coppersundae
    @coppersundae Před 3 lety

    Absolutely love how the animals always factor into the video. Thank you for sharing your masterful skills. I'm addicted.

  • @MoggiesTen
    @MoggiesTen Před 2 lety

    It looks beautiful with the new knobs! Good job!

  • @howardschaefer1445
    @howardschaefer1445 Před 5 lety +2

    I've learned so much from you that I no longer fear having someone ask me to repair something. Thank you

  • @robertbamford8266
    @robertbamford8266 Před 5 lety +1

    Good for another 200 years. I appreciate the “almost forgot”s!

  • @n.rlanos1093
    @n.rlanos1093 Před 3 lety

    Watching your videos is like a meditation on craftsmanship and patience. Thank you!

  • @wandaarganbright4056
    @wandaarganbright4056 Před 5 lety

    I inherited many pieces from grandparents. I bless the day I found your channel! I'm working on a pedestal table and a dresser at the moment. I get such great information, techniques and tips from you.

  • @imxploring
    @imxploring Před 4 lety +1

    Looks BEYOND good Tom! Fantastic job restoring and repairing a beautiful piece that's now ready for another 200 years of service!

  • @jazziered142
    @jazziered142 Před 5 lety

    You should have at least a million subscribers. One subscriber for every clamp you have! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.

  • @jwilhite68
    @jwilhite68 Před 2 lety

    I love the work you do. You don't too much but just enough. The end result is excellent!! no harm done.

  • @rgr3427
    @rgr3427 Před 5 lety +7

    I think you used more clamps on that one leg than I have in my shop :) A great video with amazing craftsmanship, as always. Thank you sir.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 5 lety +2

      You're welcome! I wanted to use more but I couldn't fit them on !

  • @Joe1935429
    @Joe1935429 Před 3 lety

    I love these kinds of projects you do, lots of repairs and do-overs. I love to see those things that have been battered and/or neglected, brought back to life and purpose, with visible scars (life's mile markers). No one does it better, Tom. Hear! Hear!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 lety

      Thank you very much! I like the phrase "life's mile markers" I'm going to use that!

  • @francoisfouche2568
    @francoisfouche2568 Před 5 lety +7

    Pretty good you say, for being just about 200 years old, I'd say it looks fantastic !!
    Your patience is commendable ! Very neat little blocks with the notches cut out to fit around the outside of the legs during glue up, I'll definitely remember that one.
    Thanks for the video T!

  • @reiteralbert3118
    @reiteralbert3118 Před 4 lety

    Amazing work!

  • @andreawalker2535
    @andreawalker2535 Před 4 lety

    Very handsome desk. A shape I really like. As usual, beautiful job.

  • @olgapaulus7299
    @olgapaulus7299 Před 4 lety

    This is one of my many favorites. I get a little sad when the end of the restoration is complete because your videos are so interesting to watch and learn. Thank you Mr. Johnson.

  • @JamesPollMaine59
    @JamesPollMaine59 Před 4 lety

    The new knobs make all the difference. Great work as always.

  • @paulstanding7267
    @paulstanding7267 Před 5 lety

    Hello I’m from the uk 🇬🇧 first time I have watched your video what fantastic knowledge you have a pleasure watching your skills and learning from you keep videos coming 👍😀😀😀

  • @paulmaryon9088
    @paulmaryon9088 Před 5 lety

    Well sometimes you just don't have enough clamps!! great work much loved over here in England

  • @michelleerickson9908
    @michelleerickson9908 Před 3 lety

    Looks amazing! Changing out the knobs made a huge difference.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks! It was amazing what a difference those knobs made. I wasn't expecting that!

  • @johnmcglynn4102
    @johnmcglynn4102 Před 4 lety

    Beautiful work. Thank you.

  • @ellisc.foleyjr9778
    @ellisc.foleyjr9778 Před 3 lety

    Wow! Can't believe its been a year since the last time I viewed this, but as always I come away learning something new each time the more I look the more I learn, but most of all the more I enjoy myself. Thanks again Tom for all that you do. it is appreciated. Regards Ellis

  • @GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge

    Tom, you did it again...another success story!

  • @elizabethbrower640
    @elizabethbrower640 Před 3 lety

    That’s a nice desk. I love the dovetailing on the top and what a difference with the brass knobs!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 lety

      Thanks! It's amazing what the new knobs did! I wasn't expecting that

  • @VintageTexas59
    @VintageTexas59 Před 5 lety

    Excellent work as usual !

  • @robertcepelak7687
    @robertcepelak7687 Před 3 lety

    Enjoyed watching you solve problems and deal with the issues in this project.

  • @msolbakken
    @msolbakken Před 4 lety

    a lot of knowledge, workmanship and attention to detail

  • @pkutschman
    @pkutschman Před 5 lety

    Again, just amazing!

  • @AniaN8286
    @AniaN8286 Před 4 lety

    I like your video very much.
    Intro always beautiful screen with wild animals.
    Inside very calm and thorough and factual explanation.
    At the end again beautiful view for restored furniture.
    Thank you

  • @cindystecker2698
    @cindystecker2698 Před 7 měsíci

    It looks incredibly sturdy now......and I love the use of CLAMPS!!!

  • @AnthonyMonaghan
    @AnthonyMonaghan Před 4 lety

    My absolute favourite chanell on CZcams. I find your working methods fascinating and very relaxing. I would love to do this kind of work. Good luck sir.

  • @carolmccorry3053
    @carolmccorry3053 Před 5 lety

    Lovely work Tom, it proves you don't need to be heavy handed. It turned out excellent.

  • @LadyGecko
    @LadyGecko Před 5 lety

    It does look pretty good. Quality work as usual.

  • @jerryking7502
    @jerryking7502 Před 3 lety

    Man, I would have loved to see that desk with it's original dark finish....Another awesome project!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks! I would have loved to restore the color. But I have to admit - it did look good the way it is!

  • @debralpateart8862
    @debralpateart8862 Před 4 lety

    My grandfather worked in a Grand Rapids, Michigan furniture manufacturing company and purchased many "seconds" for his family home. I have inherited a few of them and use them in my home. I find it very interesting watching how you repair the old furniture, hopefully mine will be taken good care of long after I'm not around.

  • @rosecullen1010
    @rosecullen1010 Před 4 lety

    I think I’ve become addicted to you. I look at every piece of furniture differently now. Thanks.

  • @robbiterry38
    @robbiterry38 Před 3 lety

    just wanted to say, you do really good work. i have been woodworking for about 40 years, and love it. love watching your videos, have learned alot from watching. keep up the good work.

  • @mikethompson6713
    @mikethompson6713 Před 3 lety

    A year later and I’m watching again, hello Tom.

  • @131dyana
    @131dyana Před 4 lety

    I had no idea what a real restoration was like. It takes hours to do a good job. Thank you for showing this to us.