Finishing a Turn of the Century Table - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2021
- Be sure to watch Tom begin his restoration of this piece in these videos:
• Restoring a Turn of th...
• Staining a Turn of the...
Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine completes his extensive restoration of this handsome turn of the century table of quartersawn oak. 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). - Jak na to + styl
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Counterintuitively, although exposure to the media over decades has made my attention span smaller, I find these really slow detailed videos absolutely addictive.
Well said!
That's great! Thanks
When things get too grim in the real world, I reach for these slower paced, very practical videos where I get to learn craftsmanship watching Tom practice his skills.
@@ruthcarter8895
It's certainly grim out there!
Have you ever seen Baumgartener Fine Art Restoration?
@Mike Richardson BR absolutely another one of my top favs! Thank you. I have seen Julian mentioned on about 4 other non related vlogs. What a good guy! I figure he and Tom are brothers in arms!
"It looks pretty good." No, it looks OUTSTANDING! That had to be a VERY expensive job. However, from both value added and durability perspectives, the cost was worth every red cent. There's good reason to believe that 200 years from now, that table will grace somebody's home. VERY well done, indeed, Mr. Johnson.
Thanks! And I agree with you, well worth it
I agree, beautiful work. And watching the step by step procedure followed by an experienced craftsman like Thomas Johnson is very satisfying for a workshop ripper/pounder like myself. But before concurring that it was worth every red cent that the client paid I'd need to know how much that was. Just sayin'.
Thanks for posting. My grandfather salvaged and restored a couple of old white oak church organs and I always wished that I’d had the opportunity to watch him do it. You are on par with his work for sure!!!
The rest of the human race: "When I need a break from sanding... I'll sit and enjoy a cup of coffee."
Thomas Johnson: "When I need a break from sanding... I'll... do more sanding." Classic! As is the table.
In true boss fashion lol
I came here just to say the same!!
When he said that I laughed! Was going to comment but you beat me to it 😉 That needs to be on a t-shirt 😊
I once took a break from sanding.... it's now almost 10 years later.
Epic.
Mr. Johnson, the feet turned out ( no pun intended) perfectly for the piece.
The size or scale looks just right. The true art is in the finishing that you do. Folks may build a beautiful piece but the wrong finish can destroy the beauty in a heart beat. Your experience comes through in every video.
Have a great day!
Thanks! You are right - the finish is everything
Said in accepted resignation: "When I need a break from sanding, I'll do more sanding."
Lolol
Bet somebody substituted beer in there.
That's the story of my life! Thanks
Thanks!
You guessed my secret!
I'm glad I'm not alone in finding these videos ridiculously enjoyable.
Thanks! Ridiculous being the operative word!
Thank you. The videos in this series are not only a lesson in restoration. They encapsulate a way to approach life; with patience, integrity, attention and respect. Your work shows a deep love for the time we have on this earth and respect for the skills of our ancestors.
Absolutely. Another beautiful job. Thank you again.
Wow! Thank you! That is very nice
Miss Ella is looking very contented in the sunshine!
Yes she is! I had to get that shot. Thanks!
I love watching these videos. No annoying music, just Thomas, his tools & his expertise. So relaxing & beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent, knowledge & experience with us.
You are welcome! I appreciate it!
I hate the annoying musics!
I marvel at your knowledge and craftsmanship every time I watch your videos. Thank you Tom 👌
You're welcome! I appreciate that!
I've loved seeing this project developing, and seeing the completion is a genuine pleasure mixed with a small tinge of sadness at it finishing...thanks Tom!
Couldn't have put it better. Thomas Sir, I salute you. Bless you.
Thanks! That's nice! There will be a detailed video of the leg extensions
Thank you!
Tom, always a pleasure to watch the "Master". I've been woodworking for close to 50 years and always learn something from each of your videos...thanks for always sharing and explaining your techniques and tricks.
Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this project. Totally Wowed and totally addicted to your videos. Another beauty as expected. Loved seeing Ella too ❤️.She's a sweetheart
Thank you! She is!
The end of a long road. Well done.
Thanks! It was a long one!
Your workshop is my idea of heaven on earth. I am 3 years older than you and started as a rank amateur in 1971, working on pieces from yard sales and thrift stores to furnish a farmhouse built in 1900 that we bought at that time. I have done many things in my long life, but the wood working was my true joy. I loved everything about it and learned something from every piece. I think I finished about 30 pieces in my time . some of which I still live with happily. I would have loved to make it my life's work, but could only go so far without a mentor. I have only recently found your videos and they have brought back to me what truly was the best time in my life. Thank you for your generosity and patience in sharing your art with us.
You are welcome! And thanks for your kind words. It may be not so bad that you worked at it as a hobby, once you introduce customers into the mix it changes everything! Not as much fun anymore! Thanks again
That must be a special table for the owner to warrant so much care and attention. Well done again sir, bravo.
The owner's must be fabulously wealthy to afford such a grand restoration by a master.......
Thanks! It is - the family dining table, a long history
Thanks! Not so - this table means a lot to them that's all
@@johnsonrestoration That's what I thought. A family piece is priceless.
A true furniture whisperer! Table looks beautiful and the feet additions look original.
Thanks! I am proud of them!
I really look forward to seeing your latest furniture restorations. The various tools / materials you use and why, your reasoning for restoring them as you do, and your skills and patience to bring it all to a conclusion.
Thank you!
Really impressive work it’s inspiring to see what you can accomplish with just a lifetime of experience. Thank you for showing I am learning.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh my goodness I had to laugh when you said “when I need a break from sanding I do more sanding”! I agree it looks pretty good.
Thanks!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and I’m grateful guys like Tom take the time to record and document their work for the rest of us.
Thanks! And I'm grateful someone's watching!
@@johnsonrestoration These are like master classes, and we are all so lucky you have filmed them and put them online. A great resource, now and into the future. Thank you!
When I need a break from sanding. I'll do more sanding. I happily gave you thumbs up only for that phase ! And for the excellent work, of course.
Thank you!
Dear Tom, you are a national treasure. Take care, stay safe and God bless.
Thank you! That's nice
With all the stress in my life right now, this is exactly what I needed. 40 minutes to be calm, relax and just stop for a while. Thank you and your team, for saving my sanity.
* If you have a spare little corner of your shop I would quite happily come and sit and watch you work (yes even watch you sanding 😂). I'll bring my own seat and you won't have to feed or water me. I'll just sit, watch you work and be happy 🤭💙
Maybe you could do a spot of sanding?
@@dlevi67 That's the secret to happiness ;-)
Thank you! That's nice. And yes, I laughed at dlevi67's answer, because that's exactly what I was thinking.
It's like a Tom Sawyer kind of thing
Classic Thomas Johnson modesty: "I think it looks pretty good."
Hi Chris! After his classic understatement in every video I have a classic reply, "sorry Tom but you are wrong, it looks VERY good"
and then I chuckle to myself.
Thanks!
Thanks!
I think this may be the first time I have seen you strip a finish and put a whole new finish on a piece. Excellent job, would I expect anything less from a Master Craftsman? Thanks for sharing Tom!
You're welcome! It is the 1st time!
Beautiful finish well worth waiting for.
Please thank the managing director for her warm welcome.
You're welcome! Thanks to Ella delivered!
Your solution for the new height by designing new feet is correct on scale and style. Well done!
Thank you!
“The legs always darker… always” yes boss as you said, nicely done with The Godfather trilogy.
Thanks! made me smile!
The hours involved!!! It's a million dollar piece of work.
Thank you!
As an amateur furniture restorer, I have to say I learn something new from every video you do. As you might say, it's all in the details. Thank you
You're welcome!
Your videos are always a lesson in patience and craftsmanship.
Thanks!
Outstanding series, Tom. You're a true craftsman.
Thank you!
Absolutely Gorgeous!!!
Thank you!
I bet all those rags you use are X-tablecloths.
The table is exquisite! Another example of the Thomas Johnson masterworks.
Thank you!
I’m loving these longer videos. It’s a pleasure watching you work your craft.
Thank you!
You make every restoration informative and interesting! Great work.
Thank you!
Turned out beautifully. Such a lot of work but must be satisfying when it comes together so well.
It is! Thanks!
You did exactly what I had in mind for the leg extensions, and it turned out perfect. One would think it has allways been like this. Top notch!
Great minds think alike! Thanks!
"I think it looks pretty good!" ... you are very modest, it's near perfection.
I never put a hand on a tool related to woodworking and I always remain amazed after I watch these videos. Your patience and skill are near perfection.
Shout out from Romania and thanks for sharing this with us on a market flooded with cheap alternatives.
Thank you! And my greetings to Romania!
"Pretty Good", Tom you are with no doubt the master of understatement, excellent series of videos and a perfect outcome, very best wishes.
Thank you!
I swear I can smell the varnish and the timber. And then I feel like I should wear a dust mask while you’re sanding. Peering over your shoulder while you touch up with that brush pen. (I have to get me one of those) your camera work is top class and draws me into the whole process. A brilliant presentation as usual Thomas.
Thank you! That's very nice. I appreciate it
Another superbly done restoration, the bun feet worked perfectly and it looked really fantastic when finished. These long format videos are such a treat, really gives a deep insight into the thought processes and techniques.
Thank you! We were worried it'd be too much. I'm so happy with the response
It never amazes me the amount of attention to detail you put on to your repairs and finish the table legs look amazing and make the table unique 😀👍
Thanks!
Outstanding Tom: terrific craftsmanship to bring back a great piece of furniture and make it functional for many years to come. Thanks for sharing!!
You're welcome!
A wonderful restoration. The owner should be very proud.
Thanks! They do like it!
I don't typically like extended series of videos, but I watched all of these! The styling of the non-existent feet was brilliant!
Thank you!
"The legs of antique tables are always darker than the top." I never realized that! That's fascinating. It came out beautifully. It's owners were lucky to find you. Roy and I always start your videos by speculating on how many clamps will be needed for this piece. I've started calling out "More clamps!" each time you start putting them on. :-)
LOL :)
Thanks! That's nice. Remember the SNL skit: "more cowbells!"
A beautiful finish to a classic table! The table looks awesome after your hard work to restore it, and make it useful for another 100 years! The program is so educational and really shows us what goes in to restoration.
Thank you!
Great job, the leg extensions fit seamlessly!
Thanks! I am proud of them!
" When I need a break from sanding… I'll do more sanding. "
You could do an ASMR video with at least 8 hours of sanding. I would play it every night to sleep: I suffer from tinnitus since an audio agression by my students.
So lovely to see this beautiful table assembled. I really enjoyed the video on the feet alone too.
Thanks! Yes, I should have made that video. I will if the opportunity arises
All my years growing up, I would sit at the bottom of the stairs and watch my Dad make things. His wood shop was in the Basement. I love watching you do your magic on these items. I also have my Dad's work table he made and used for years. I wanted to make the legs taller so I could use it as a dining room table.
Thank you Roseanne! I love that image! It could be a Norman Rockwell painting
Tom…as usual…super job and great insights. I got some ideas in seeing how you stabilized the legs for finishing. That thick quarter sawn oak stock…where in the heck did you find that? I cannot seem to locate that anywhere. You do all of these superhuman feats and not once did you expose your cape!
Oh, maybe you didn't notice the apron. Many superheroes wear their capes that way to disguise their true identity.
Thanks! #1 rule when working on a lathe: no capes!
Thanks! I had no problem getting it at hardwood dealers
You're giving away my secrets!
The same way Thomas strokes the wood with his brush, tenderly but with determination, somewhere in a distant land a prince strokes the princess he has just rescued from a dragon.
🤣
Thanks! That is the strangest analogy yet!
You, sir, are a true master.
Thank you! That's nice
Its been great to follow this full restoration. Its the first time I've seen you go all the way back to the "naked" wood. The table looks stunning. I know sanding can be really boring and take for ever but polishing wood and seeing it build a finish is just so satisfying.
Thanks! Yes, I don't often do that. Well worth it in this case
Well hecky darn! Ain't that a beauty!
On a more mature note, your design esthetic is amazing - the proportions of the additions are spot on, capturing the spirit of the original genre. Some would be tempted to simplify and "update" the design, others to overly complicate and add too much "fussiness". You have grabbed it and personified the period. I defy anyone to do this restoration any better, just s I defy anyone to capture my attention and entertain me any better!
The "best" part is that the owner can now relive those memories of family Thanksgivings, and of doing their homework on Grandma's dining room table on sleepovers - while passing those traditions on to the next generation. Bless them for wanting it saved, and you for saving it.
You get it.
Sure one could buy a new fancy table for the cost of this restoration, but it wouldn’t have the soul.
@@danielcohn-bendit701
You say I get it. I say I was AFFLICTED with it! I am well past the 3/4 of a century mark, and aside from mattresses and the odd bookcase and sofa, I have never bought anything "new". My home is crammed with scratched mahogany, warping rosewood, dented silver, chipped china, fogged glassware, and moldering books - each and every piece speaks of a long family history and each "talks" to me, bringing the past to the present. I, unfortunately, have no one to pass these things on to, so I won't even contemplate their future, but I make danged sure I enjoy them now.
@@georgecunningham9175 And long may you keep enjoying them, in good health!
Thank you! That is so nice and you are right on regarding the family history
Thank you!
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." Keats
I like that! Thanks!
Absolutely Perfect!!!
One of the most important thing that an American family does is sit around a table and enjoy family and friends.
You should be proud of your addition to the quality of life.
Well done Sir.
Thank you! Well put, and that's exactly what this job was all about
So much patients to make an old table look new. I think the add on feet look like they have always belong to this table. I think you've done a fantastic job. No one like you Mr. Johnson, not putting anyone down that perform furniture restorations. In my opinion you are number one. Thank you for another great video. I enjoyed it tremendously. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you! That is so nice!
Excellent methodical work, way beyond “looks pretty good”. Surprised that you used Mohawk Wax Wash (a solvent blend) before the final coat of finish when denatured alcohol would have cleaned the surface of dust. Great jig to find center ‼️👍👍
Thomas said he needed to use this product because of the fish-eye effect that was showing on the surface. Thought it may have been a contaminant that needed the solvent.
@@jennybarnes4806 thanks, I get that. I was talking about surface denibbing and cleaning between finishes
Thanks! I would be afraid to use alcohol, the Mohawk Wax Wash is made for this purpose
Thanks! Correct! Trying to stay ahead of any fish-eye problems
Great job I’m just curious how many hours do you have into that project ?seems like maybe 100 or so, can’t wait to see the turning video! thank you!!
Thanks! You're right, it was about 80 hours. Turning video in 2 weeks
I realize that even if I try I don’t have the knowledge to appreciate all the work and skill and patience that goes into this project. But I try, and remain amazed. As usual. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Great job. Wonderful choice on the bun feet. Perfect match on the color. Next time, turn a cone into the bottom of your guide block for drilling the holes in the legs and it will be self centering. Drill the guide hole on the lathe.
Thanks! I'm interested - but I'm not sure what you mean. Let me think about it
"when I need a break from sanding, I do more sanding". LOL.
The story of my life! Thanks!
"I think it looks pretty good" understatemen.
Thanks!
It's beautiful... I think the owners will be so happy it will continue to be at the center of family gatherings for decades yet to come. Very well done, sir
Thank you! Very true!
the lathe work looks perfect both in style and function. Hit the like button people!
Thanks! I did an extended video of the new feet project: czcams.com/video/5g-rnLqVkJc/video.html
Excellent job, as always. The leg extensions looked like they were original. I would have liked to have seen how you leveled all 6 legs. Did you use a straight edge across them while the table was still upside down?
Thanks! I did, but that was limited. I just set it on the floor, the only legs that needed trimming were the center legs
Wonderful job Tom , l recon there’s at least another 500 year left in that table now you have worked your magic. Would you ever use french polish as an alternative finish, I no it has its limitations for being hardwearing but you can achieve a deep finish in a relatively short time frame. ?
Best wishes and kind regards as always. 😀👍👍👍
Thanks! I have never really gotten into French Polishing. It would have been way too shiny for a piece like this
@@johnsonrestoration hi sir yes I get your point , best wishes and kind regards as always 😀👍👍👍
What an incredible transformation! You did an amazing job as usual not only filming and editing but educating your followers. The finish was perfect and the feet wouldn't have matched the legs any better if the original craftsman had designed them.
Thank you! music to my ears!
@@johnsonrestoration 😻
Superb craftsmanship, great voice, excellent editing…what’s not to love?
Thanks! That's nice
I loved that comment when you need a break from sanding you will just sand👍
I know - sad isn't it? Thanks!
Ciao Thomas, come stai ? Sei il numero 1 👍👍👍 Abbraccio
Grazie! Stiamo bene! E spero lo stesso per te amico mio
You’re not an antique furniture restorer. You sir, are an artist! And a very talented, patient, one at that.
Thank you! That's nice
Understatement, "It looks pretty good" It looks brilliant Tom, Your attention to detail is amazing. Well done Tom, take care.
Thank you so much! 😀
You don't show us how it is with the extensions of the top, how big appears and generally how becames! Anyway good job!!
Thanks! Just not enough room!
Always a pleasure watching you work Tom. You've stepped up your game and added drama with the cliff-hanger episodes lol. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make these great videos ... entertaining and very educational.
Thank you!
Can't wait to see the in-depth video about the legs! Another fantastic video. Thank you for sharing! Brilliant leg drilling template.
Thanks! Coming soon!
I wish I could "Like" this series a 100 times !!
AMAZING !!
Thank you!
I love the new feet, they improve the legs so much. I don't know what kind of casters were there originally, but I'm old enough to remember tiny little brass casters on small tables which looked way too delicate for the weight they carried. The new feet balance beautifully. The whole table is a work of art. Thank you for teaching how it should be done.😊
You're welcome! Yes, exactly. The only casters that would have worked on this table would be huge industrial casters
Well done! Someone must have loved that table immensely to warrant such a level of restoration. It’s now good for another 120 years!
Thanks! It's true - the owner grew up with this table
That hammering of the feet (beautifully turned, of course) was glorious!
Thanks!
It is hard to find oak with a grain like that these days, lovely. It also is rare for you to have the chance to refinish a table like this, such a wonderful opportunity you graced with much skill.
Thank you!
Funny! When I already think it's perfect you come up with one more coat and then one more light sanding, another coat. When I think one cannot improve on this piece anymore, you find a way. Just fabulous! Thank you for pleasing our eyes in this manner!
You're welcome! That's very nice!
Oh my goodness, how I've enjoyed watching this! I wish my mum and dad were still alive to show them. They were furniture people, both their parents had a furniture shop in Sandwich, Kent, UK and my dad could turn his hand to anything. Mum would work on the upholstery with him too, the sofa and arm chairs I still have was reupholstered by them twice over the years.
Thank you, exquisite work.
You're welcome! Wow! They sound like very talented people! You must have the genes!
Your attention to detail always amazes me. The completed table looks awesome! I appreciated the "enhanced" before and after views. Thanks for sharing another great video. ATB : )
Thanks!
You Sir are a master craftsmen. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. I learn from each of your videos and use what I learn. This project turned out top notch.
Thanks!
I've learned so much from all the content on this channel! Thank you so much for your continuous teaching on such a high level and with so much love for details!
Thank you also for the glimpses of nature and pets around you! ❣️
You are welcome!
Me too. My husband brought a really old low boy chest home and while it would be easy to paint it, I’ve gotten more interested in learning how to restore these pieces.
Man Thomas; watching you go about your craft in such a gentle, considered manner is my idea of the perfect way to pass some time...
Thanks!
Absolutely fantastic. The patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the attention to detail of the Pharaohs. Thank you so much for uploading and sharing your skills and expertise.
Thanks! I like that!
I absolutely love watching all the detailed work and the final result.
Thanks! I love that people watch!
Excellent craftsmanship, well done.
Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful!!
Thank you!
I wish doctors used such care and details when they help or cure people, the world would be a lot better, Your a man of true talent, in which there are few.
Thank you!
The new feet are extraordinary. Looks pretty good
Thanks!
Tom, I’m going to call this endeavor a work of art. It is kind of strange how some of us enjoy watching talented people at work. Your explanations are clear and help to enhance the experience. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I watch Tom and although there are others no one can bring nostalgia, elegance and perfection but THE BEST IN BUSINESS Tom Johnson
Thank you!
Amazing to be rivited to the screen for 40 minutes registering as many details of your craft as I can. Encyclopedic! Thank you so much from The Netherlands.
You're welcome!
Take a bow Thomas. That was an amazing performance. 👏
Thank you!