Will This Antique Lady Ever Stand Up Again? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this lovely antique desk. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., 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).
in the UK we call we call people like Tom a national treasure he would be elevated to a lord or knighthood at the very least
I like that! Thanks!
I always get a kick out of -- "I think it looks pretty good." No, Tom, it looks amazing! Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
M
Here in Australia we would say " It's absolutely bloody marvelous ". Thanks Thomas for the lesson on how to do things properly .
The hallmark of a true craftsman.... "i will remove the other legs and think about how to repair the first one" Never rushing in head first to repair it. Constantly evaluating the restoration. All restorations differ. Terrific restoration Tom.
Thank you! Well said!
Biggest surprise of the episode, “I can’t clamp this one”. I was expecting a custom articulated desk paneling clamp set from 1888 to be behind a secret wall.
"Q" (the gadget guy from the Bond, James Bond movies) is behind the scenes with a one-of-a-kind, Her Majesty the Queen's own collection of clamps, only to be used by her favorite restoration professional...Tom, Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration, Gorham, Maine.
I love this guy, he is magical and I love your comment!
...or a piece of tape.
Thanks! I would love that
Thank you! That's nice
Always there's tape!
You know, Tom, I'm kinda seeing you as the Bob Ross of furniture restoration. Take it as a compliment, your videos are all tranquil examples of mastery.
lol Ross was no master.
@@zaedlo well that's a loaded term in the art world. Personally i would be inclined to agree, however I find a similarity in their peaceful nature.
Thank you! He was great!
Thanks! I think he was. All depends on where you're coming from!
I loved seeing this well-loved desk upright and working :)
Ur not saying the truth
Thanks!
?
I am absolutely mesmerized by every transformation, being glued to the screen like those legs to the writing desk. It is not just restoration but in some cases it is resurrection. Love every moment of it. Thank you Thomas for sharing.
Sow's ear back to a silk purse.
Thank you!
Always! Thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration Thankyou Tom. I have been watching your videos for a few years now. You have inspired me to fix up some ricketty items of my own. At times you amaze with the transformations of these lovely old pieces of brownware that many people would write off as wrecks.
Brilliant job Tom, I bet you are good with jigsaw puzzles !!! Didn't think we would ever hear the phrase I can't clamp this one. Take care.
Thanks! Oddly enough, I have no patience for jigsaw puzzles!
Whether this desk was ever going to stand again was never really doubtful.
Thanks! One way or another!
Jumbo Shrimp and a Thomas Johnson video made it a very nice evening! Thank you!
That sounds good!
You almost got me with that thumb nail! The day that a piece gets the best of Thomas Johnson.... is the day that Hell freezes over!! Lol This desk turned out gorgeous! As usual, you never disappoint! I thoroughly enjoy the longer videos, I'm sure I've mentioned this before. Keep up the great work sir! Much love, take care!
Thanks! The best to you too!
you just know he is no doubting Thomas
Thomas Johnson is the epitome of furniture repair and refinishing.
Wow! Thank you!
@@johnsonrestoration It is with pleasure we all watch your vids and I believe that is because your demeanor, sincerity and knowledge bolstered by the obvious work ethic you possess is encouraging to all.
I think this is an old one
On a second thought the other one got only half way, so this one must be the complete restoration video. Thanks Thomas great job
The end of the other one said to watch out for part 2
I agree, I saw this one already, this is definitely an old one. Must be more details in this version.
Yes, this looks to be a re-upload of part 1 and part 2 combined. Oh well, I'll still watch it for my Friday TJ fix.
Thanks! It was a 2 part, now 1
Yes, and the part 2 never did as well
Thank you for the full upload Tom!
You're welcome!
As always, your video snippets form an amazing resource of “how it’s done”, with no excess wordiness. An instructional video packed with hints and clever solutions.
Wow, thank you! Nice coming from a teacher!
Nice to see a final inspection from the managing director.
Of course! Thanks!
On holiday in Italy I visit old castles. Thanks to Thomas I think with every piece of antique furniture I see: ‘hmmm... that could use some bees wax polish!’
This past week I have been cleaning my wood furniture and using the orange beeswax on them per Tom's instructions. I have been shocked with the wonderful results! I even bough t some touch up markers and used them.
@@sammyjo8109 that’s the spirit 👌🏻
Thanks! But I want to go to Italy with you! we love Italy
That's great!
Tom Johnson, the "Bob Ross" of furniture. Love to all.
Thank you!
I think it looks amazing! I am enjoying my morning coffee and watching the practiced hand bringing back the lost elegance and everyday function to the antique secretary.
Beautiful job! Thanks!
You're welcome!
I watch another guy, Rat Rod Bob, who builds cars from old parts. It is fascinating. He was wondering about paint compatibility so I made a bunch of different samples for him and sent the results in the dorm of comments. It was lots of fun and I learned a thing or two. The idea is to make the finish appear old and weatherbeaten. So what did he use as the final coat on the car? Boiled linseed oil! Wipe it on, rub it in, wipe it off to the desired sheen. He claims that after six months or so you “wip’er down again.” Sure made the colors pop.
Larry in Arizona
Only problem with linseed oil (boiled or raw) is that it keeps polymerising over time and it turns first yellow then brown.
@@dlevi67 that probably makes it better in his eyes. 🤣🤣👍
@@larrysorenson4789 Very possibly. Although after a while the 'popping' colours tend to become rather muddy!
@@dlevi67 for sure. But the smell of the oil is so fantastic that it may be worth the risk. In Copenhagen in the spring everyone refreshes their boats for summer. The smell of the new wood being cut and shaped permeates the air around the boat yards. Then the oils and varnishes come out. To me it’s one of the sweetest smells in the world right after the pine forest near a lake on an autumn day.
@@larrysorenson4789 I'll take two of those (springs in Copenhagen, just as described by you)! Have a great weekend!
What can I say that I haven't said already a hundred times. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these video's, it exemplifies your woodworking skills, and I bet a lot of people miss your camera and editing skills. they are exempliary also. Thanks for sharing Tom. ECF
Thanks! That's so nice!
That looks exactly like my grandmother's. Actually, it's mine now 🤠
That's great! Thanks!
Getting a thumbs up in early. I know the restoration will be exemplary and I’ll watch it at my leisure. 😁🇦🇺👍🏻
Thank you!
Well done, such a lovely old piece
Thank you!
I'm going to like this now (after five minutes) and watch the rest later when I have time uninterrupted but as always sharing on facebook. Just for people who haven't watched all of Tom's videos: there are no duds. They're all good and full of useful information.
Thank you Jay!
I have a small lady's writing desk in oak (ca. 1890) that I purchased back in the late 60s. It had been abused, but a restorer, much like you, brought it back to life. It is one of my only antiques. I always worry about the delicate legs because the top is quite heavy, but they continue to hold. It was enjoyable to watch you restore that lovely desk.
Thank you! Yes, I don't think I would ever design a desk like that! But they are beautiful
Wow !!!
Once again you have earned my respects with this restoration of a lady’s writing desk.
Thank you!
So elegant but strong. Beautifully resurrected. Thank you
You are so welcome!
Thomas shows us once again what it takes to restore such a beautiful work of furniture design and craftsmanship, dedication, knowledge and patience, not to mention skill.
Wow, thank you!
@@johnsonrestoration Love the channel Tom, Thank you
Another magic act, really enjoy your work!
Thank you!
I always think, well that piece doesn't need much help. And then I see what you have to do and how transformed it is at the end. I love it!
Thanks!
I am amazed at how well you understand all those different pieces of furniture, at how you cracked this weird dowel arrangement. It looks like you have the ability to connect with the original craftsmen. You are a true master.
Thank you! That's nice
WOW Thomas. What a mess. I had something like that leg once. They'd use dowels and nails and someone thought fence staples and black roof mastic would work as well. Thanks for a great vid
You're welcome! I've seen that too!
Thank you for saving this beautiful lady.
You're welcome!
I like the editing of this version. I did watch this over 2 sittings--dinner break--and still found it informative and enjoyable. I'm always amazed that you (and Trena from "John's Furniture") have no qualms about diagonal drilling through furniture legs (and always with great results--what a skill).
Thanks! Well, I would never do that, but here the diagonal dowels were already there. Generally speaking it's not a good idea
@@johnsonrestoration I agree, not my first choice in repairing something that is properly made in the first place. unfortunately the table I had to do it on was built poorly and needed the support. Too bad this lovely cabinet saw the same fate. but you always make it look so lovely despite what its gone through. love all you do and I hope you can do it for many more years. cheers!
Yet another wonderful video. Thank you for this, sir.
Very welcome!
Man, those leg dowels seemed a pain to get out, but they seemed to be a necessary evil to add stability to the legs. I'm glad the slides keep be cleaned-out. What a pain that would have been to disassemble them, and then have to put them back. You saved yourself some major headache there! The color match of the staining seems terrific also! Great work on making the finish look nice while maintaining the desired antique look that this vintage furniture calls for! Tom, you always make things look so easy, but I know all to well how taxing this kind of job can be. I'm certain that the client was happy with these results.
Thanks! They are happy! I was glad I didn't try to get those supports out!
His woodworking talent is superb!
@@neemtreebark He's one of the most skilled that I've ever seen!
A restoration of a restoration. Your abilities are boundless!
Thank you!
Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed this. And can I just mention for the umpteenth time how perfect your editing is?
Wow, thank you! I have a great editor!
Whenever life gets a bit too hectic...watch one if Thomas's videos and chill 😎
That's nice! Thanks
Great to watch a true artisan at his craft, thanks Tom. I notice that, for the most part, you apply polish/wax with fine wire wool, is this more beneficial than, say, a soft cloth.
Once again, thanks for a wonderful vlog
John, England
It cleans and smooths the surface, and it helps the wax get into the grain. You need to be a bit careful that you don't strip away too much patina when using steel wool.
@@dlevi67 thanks for that info, I’ll be careful when using that method 👍
Thanks! dlevi67 is exactly right. But a cloth can work just fine too
Yes, thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration thanks Tom, thoroughly enjoy your vlogs 👌
Lets bump up the volume of comments and thumbs up for this guy, he deserves it!
I think this is the third time I watched this one. I know he likes to read all the comments but lets give his watchers thumbs up too.
I agree! Without my viewers I've got nothing! Thanks to everyone!
Is this video a repeat? It seems so familiar.
Ya this is a re-upload
No, Restoring an antique lady's writing desk is part one 4 months ago
@@DaleDix There were two parts. Seems they were both combined into this one.
Yes! I remember asking Tom that I was hoping he will see if the little pieces of paper he found in the desk was part of a love letter....😅😆🤣🥰....but it's fine..I don't mind watching this amazing video, again.
Yes an oldie. The original was two parts. Still a brilliant rerun though.
You have the patience of a saint. Beautiful work as always.
Thank you!
but this is and old video???
Yes I think so. I believe I’ve seen this before.
@@JamesHepp My thoughts exactly.
Yes - from back in April/May. A few more details/different points of the restoration.
Yes! A 2 parter combined into 1. Thanks!
Yes you have, as a 2 part
Looks darker , but brand new , good job !
Thanks! Maybe it was the lighting?
Watching you separate that first leg gave me a question. Is there a point where it is better to cut through the angled dowels and drill them out?
Thanks! Yes, but here I didn't want to lose the angle
@@johnsonrestoration- just for my learning, why would you want to maintain the angle? It seems to me that leaving the dowels in and then adding straight dowels would anchor the leg better?
Although old, it’s still a wonderful video Sir. You did an excellent job as always
Thank you!
@@johnsonrestoration you’re welcome Sir
An object lesson in patient problem-solving, though one suspects more colorful language than ever used in the video may have been used on occasion.
Thanks! Good guess!
Just came back from the workshop, made a cup of coffee and watched this one... now I'm relaxed and everything looks pretty good... Thanx Master Tom.
You're welcome! Sounds great!
You definitely brought the writing desk back to life. I truly love the legs design. I noticed you didn't put nails back in place. Did you consider using screws where nails once were?
Thanks! I did put most of the nails back, maybe didn't show it. But yes, I have replaced nails with screws
Mr. Johnson, If ever there was a man given a true God given talent, it has to be you. I’ve watched many of your videos, I’m still amazed…….❤
Wow, thank you!
enjoying a hot cup of coffee and watching your videos! awesome as usual, of course! I love the cat clips-- does your kitty have a name?
Thanks! yes, that's Orion, a feral cat - now 1 of our 2 barn cats
Always a pleasure to watch you work.
Thank you!
Whoever was the maker of that desk really gave up a lot of strength in the leg by not having the traditional one piece design extending above the knee blocks. This is why an 18th century piece might survive whereas the inexpensively made 19th copy will not.
Thanks! Yes, I don't know what they were thinking
Thank you for showing me how I can restore my antique furniture without stripping the finish. Superb.
You're welcome Cathy! Good luck!
Attention to detail and wonderful work, as always!👍👏
Thank you!
Beautiful!!! You are Amazing! I’m learning so much from you!! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Now I know exactly what you are.
A make-up artist for furnature. That's what you are.
You make it look wonderful again, Tom! :)
Thank you so much! 😀 I like that!
Such a lovely way to wake up. Discover a Tom Johnson video... which, by the way, didn't show up in notifications as it should... settle back, two cups of tea, two more if I'm lucky and have someone fetch them whilst enjoying the magic. I think that's pretty good. 😊
Another beautiful production, thank you. 👏
Wow! Sounds so nice! Thanks!
You're really good at what you're doing
Thank you!
You are a brave man, Tom, taking all that apart.
Thanks! Brave or stupid? A fine line...
Your thought process can be applied to everything we do in life. Living with antiques is a joy you understand. Especially appreciated is your infrequent use of tools plugged into the wall. You repair/restore the way they were made. Good lesson!
Thank you! I like that!
Another masterful restoration Mr. Johnson. Well done.
Thank you!
Removing those reminded me of my Dentist. Thanks for another great episode. Always stunning to watch
Thanks! Yes, this work is just like Dentistry and Orthopedic surgery!
Your attention to detail is superior. I truly enjoy watching and learning your techniques.
Thank you!
so enjoyable to watch you make old things grand again!!
Thank you!
Another beautiful restoration.
Thank you!
Lovely work and a great piece that you have done more than justice! Have a great weekend!
Thanks! You too! I'm spending quite a bit of mine answering comments! But I like it
Beautiful work, as always
Thank you!
I love this channel. I fall asleep every night to your voice and the sound of woodworking
Thanks! That's great - a lot of people have said that
Your respect of the original and how it was made is to be commended, sir.
Thank you! I try!
Never disappointed, always learning something new.
Me too! Thanks
I watched this already. It was in two videos. It was a very enjoyable two videos. I have noticed recently you have relabeled and resurrected some fine videos from former times.
Thanks! Yes, correct. They get a lot more views the 2nd time around! new content coming
Wow, it's really coming back to life. Those acanthus leaves really pop. Very pretty! 🇺🇲
Thanks!
Tom once again a wonderful restoration
Thanks!
What a beautiful writing desk. I know you can fix it if anyone can it is you. Thank you for sharing with us.
You are so welcome!
Beautiful work done on this desk! Just live to watch you work. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
Another fascinating hour in your workshop. Thank you!
You're welcome!
The delicacy of the legs is luscious, as is the front applique. I am a huge fan of beautiful woods and of these English desks. You've done your good deed for the day in restoring the secretoire. 👍
Thank you very much!
“I think it looks pretty good “. It never gets old! Thank you for sharing, Tom.
You're welcome!
What a lovely piece. No mean feat repairing it. I wonder how the bits of paper end up in the hinges. I don't think it's the first time I've seen you remove them from a desk. I just love how you teach at the same time .
Same thought crossed my mind. I think I would have done that
Thank you! I never need to buy paper clips!
Thanks! Yes
Pride in workmanship, so rare these days,,, ,enjoyment & learning from example Thank you for the your SHARED time
You're welcome!
I sent my family for a shopping eve. Time to watch another of your super relaxing and teaching video. Thank you 😉
You're welcome! Good idea!
Thomas: a super restoration job. I was glued ( no pun intended) to the video every minute.
Just beautiful. Carol from California
Thanks for sticking with it!
Yay a new video and a long one. Im addicted. Love the respect and care your mastery is evident.
Thank you!
Excellent timing for my bedtime relaxation watching. Thx!
You're welcome! sweet dreams!
I am going to be having an auction some time soon. My mothers things. She had an antique store way back when so I haven't got the legs to do the work but I can grab a youngster and get him to watch Tom so he will feel more confident in my instructions on how to glue and clamp the right way! Tom took me to the bank with those well honed skills.
That's nice! I love the idea that some young person might learn from these. Good luck!
@@johnsonrestoration If I ever go to Maine, I want to bring you a cup of coffee and sit to watch you repair something for me. My father made a wooden bowl in Boy Scouts. The glue gave out a long time ago and it sits in my glass hutch waiting to be repaired. I haven't done it myself and I don't know why but since I never knew the man who was my father, he died when I was 13 months old, I guess I have some reason. Anyway, I would trust you with one of the five items I have that he owned. I would! Coffee for a glue up if I ever make it out of the house for a trip again? LOL...
Just found your website over 40 years of professional experience! Thats amazing! Congrats and well respected!
Thank you!
Another fascinating project
Thank you!
Again, I am just awed by your (or 'the', not sure if you have a camera person) video work. Composition and story telling in the video portion are superb. Lots of editing, I'm sure, but pretty seamless results.
And I sense, when I see you come in the next day with your coffee, you are genuinely excited, even eager to get back to it. Never do I feel it is drudgery for you.
Fun to watch, thanks.
You're welcome! I do all the camera, and I have an editor. I appreciate your comments!
Once again, a gem of restoration Thomas. I so admire your patience with this beautiful furniture.
Thank you!
beautiful job Tom !
Thanks!
I figured it out this is a continuation of the original video, but this looks like the complete video with ending. We know Thomas's videos by heart...
Thanks! Yes, a 2 part, now 1
Amazing once again, Mr.Johnson!
Thank you!
Tom, beautiful restoration & repair of that Ladies Writing Desk with carved leaf network on frond drop lid. Excellent repair on those Cabriolet legs to main trunk/storage...angled dowel removal & replacement...wow, great craftsmanship! Another great job!👍👍👍🍷
Thank you!
I really like the close ups of the dye stain application to show the affect of multiple layers of shade darkening. Great job as usual Tom.
Thank you so much!
Tom Johnson was voted the sexiest man in antique furniture restoration 12 years in a row.
I wish! Or to put it another way - that doesn't say much for the other restorers! Thanks!
Beautiful !
Thank you!
Ich bin immer wieder Begeistert wenn ich sehe wie der Mensch die Möbel repariert und instandsetzt.vor allen Dingen mit was für einer Genauigkeit klasse weiter so .
Danke dir!