The Rare Shaker Tilting Chair! - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 10. 02. 2022
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine has a rare opportunity to work on this unusual, slightly canted Shaker Ladderback Chair with ball-and socket joints at the base of its back legs. 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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Hi Tom!
I can't express to you how much joy and a sense of calm I get from watching you do your magic (hard work and years of experience) on these gorgeous pieces of furniture! It takes me back to when my dad and I used to restore older pieces for our own families.... Daddy was a building contractor, but after he retired, he enjoyed the restoration process!!
I am in the process of rewatching all of your videos......there seem to be some I missed, so those are brand new to me!!
I hope you and yours are well and I'll see you in your videos!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!!
You're welcome and thank you! It makes me happy when my videos can bring back memories of your Dad
Love your videos Thomas. I am a 72 year old woodworker and today is my birthday, so watching this was a great birthday present!
Happy birthday, and many returns! (My turn tomorrow)
Thanks! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you, Tom!
Well Tom, that was BRILLIANT. What an unusual chair - never heard of such a thing, but a very clever idea ! Obviously you did a superb job and made it so fascinating to watch your skills in play. Thanks for making such interesting videos Tom. Take care :-)
Thanks! I had not heard of them either!
My grandfather was a carpenter and furniture maker. When you break out your chisels, it reminds me of watching him in his workshop. Lovely job on a unique piece!
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I think of my father often
Tom, I studied Shaker furniture back at college in the 80s, even built some of the chairs and other furniture from their book of plans, but neither saw a real 'tilter' or was entirely convinced they'd work. So it made me very happy to see this chair, and your work in bringing it back.
Clever folk those Shakers, except the vow of chastity, which more or less doomed them from the outset? Except of course if you feel the end of the world is coming then there is no real need to plan for generations ahead… But, "Shakerism has a message for this present age - a message as valid today as when it was first expressed. It teaches above all else that God is Love and that our most solemn duty is to show forth that God who is love in the World." Which is hard to disagree with.
In repairing this chair it is pleasant to think you are completing, or perhaps adding to, the process that was the original "act of prayer" made in its creation? Either way, I'm thinking "It looks pretty good."
I hadn't clocked quite how integral Gorham, Maine was to the Shaker story. Gosh Tom, you really are in the heartland there - it's surprising you haven't shown us more Shaker pieces, but I guess they were pretty well built on the whole.
Very good comment!
It reminds me of a joke about "The world according to 4 philosophers"
Moses said: "The Law is everything."
Jesus said: "Love is everything."
Spinoza said: "God is everything."
Einstein said: "Everything is relative."
(Note for literally-oriented pedants - I know Einstein and the others didn't say exactly that; it's a _joke,_ OK? 😁)
Thank you! I definitely feel a connection to the craftsman that have come before me when I'm working on a piece, although I'm not attuned to the Spiritual part, I feel it. Maybe "God" and "love" are the same thing
I have never had many Shaker pieces in for repair - mostly rockers in need of new rockers! I have templates for most of them now
I like that!
Timeless master class video with many tricks taught to us with this one. Not sure which is more impressive, the original creative design or the creative and skilled repair a century later. Impressive. Thanks, Tom!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
From someone who's done a decent amount of fishing wires:
* For getting the wire through that corner, run a loop of into the channel on the side, then push a short L in through the top. Catch the L with the loop and pull the loop back through.
* When pulling the leather through, bend the end of the wire back on itself, then run the leather through that loop/bend and bend it back on itself, so that the wire is grabbing the leather, and the leather is grabbing the wire. Then tape the joint so they don't slip loose. You don't even have to tape the joint itself. Holding the loops closed should be enough. If the leather is too thick for two layers to go through, cut it down for the doubled-up part.
Very good! I can tell you've had a lot of experience! Great tips
This video clearly demonstrates the difference between 'repair' and 'restoration'.
I was also impressed with the drill press and the lathe. Old, but effective, machines, very well maintained. A good tool, shown respect and care, will last for generations. Kudos!
Exactly!!
Thanks! I agree!
Thanks!
Grandpa always tilted his chair back, he would have really enjoyed a chair like this. I never knew such a thing existed. Thanks for the history lesson. Great job.
Thanks! I didn't know about them either!
A new video genuinely makes my day. Coffee grabbed, comfy chair, time to relax. Keep up the good work Tom.
Thank you! First comment!
It's always a good day when I can relax with a masterclass from Thomas Johnson. Long may you continue, Tom.
Thank you! I hope so!
My ok
Amazing how they worked that socket ball and secured it with leather. Great job replicating the design and repairing it. Beautiful. 👍👍
Thank you!
This one was even more interesting than usual. Always a real pleasure watching you work Tom.
Thank you!
I dont think i will ever get tired of watching your amazing wood working skills, the precision of cutting out the tiny bit in the bottom of the chair leg with such a huge saw is fascinating to see.
That makes me smile! Thanks
Looking forward to this one! And for once, the sun is shining on a British Friday.
Great! The sun is everything! If the sun is shining it's a great day
Wow, we’re in sync…. my video for tomorrow morning is called Woodturning for Furniture Restoration. I enjoyed watching how you worked through the challenge of turning the ball. Well done! Scott
Thanks Scott! I'll check yours out. Did you get a lathe? last time you sent out the turning
Once again you introduce me to a type of furniture I had never heard of. Expertly done, Tom. Thanks.
You're welcome!
That was an unusual repair! Ingenious way they used to attach the ball. I didn't see that coming. Well done again Tom.
Yes, thanks!
I have been watching you for years. Am amazed at the work you do. I have learned so much and I am grateful. Thank you Tom
You're welcome! And I appreciate you watching all this time
Tom …..you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and solutions!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
What an unusual chair. The way that pivoting ball foot secures to the back leg is pretty ingenious. Great job on the repair.
Thanks!
I really like how you have all the tools (and expertise) to do any repair. It is ok to be a rank amateur and save furniture from a landfill using what you have on hand but it great to see what is possible from a true professional. That is something not easily seen by the average person. Edited: that cardinal in rain!!
Thanks! usually I don't need many tools, but the power tools I used for this one!
That ball-foot assembly was just amazingly executed by Tom. Pretty slick.
Thanks! I'm just glad it worked!
Beautiful work, and all through I was hoping you would demonstrate the tilting feature - well done! In school we would get in big trouble for tilting back in our chairs. Leave it to the Shakers to make a chair just for that purpose ❤
They were quite clever! Thanks!
Don’t know how I missed this one, Tom. Thoroughly enjoyed watching your innovative approach to this repair. That V-shaped tool rest for your lathe was something new to me. Nothing like having the right tools for the job.
Thanks 👍 I really like this video too! It was fun to do
Thank you for teaching me to appreciate the lovely craftsman, who has done a wonderful job refinishing a few family pieces for me. I never understood how much hard work and talent is involved in restoring old furniture pieces.
You're welcome! Yes, that's one of the things I like about the videos too
I think this is one of my favourites from all your videos. Ball and socket joint from wood. Masterful. Thank you!
You're welcome! Yes, this was the first time I'd seen one of these chairs. The Shakers are amazing.
I think it looks fantastic! Never seen one like it. And never seen anyone create a ball of wood! You’re a great teacher! Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thanks for being my lunch companion! Quite the skill-challenging job. Extremely well-done!
You're welcome! Lunch is my favorite time of the day!
This "tiny" project demonstrates your pursuit of perfection as much as any of your monumental projects, Tom. Can you imagine worshipping a god who lovingly allows you to go so far out on the limb of carnality that you are able to achieve comfort through leaning back a wee bit softer than 90 degrees? UNBELIEVABLE!!! The "shaking" was from fear of leaning too far back! Good to see sweet Ella, and your birds must have been created by a different god... they aren't all black! ...Barry
Thanks Barry! The Shakers are indeed interesting!
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you Tom!
Mr. Johnson, you have the patience of Job and the artistry of Michelangelo. What a stupendous piece of work.
Thanks Jesse! That's nice
I have never heard of a chair like that before, very interesting. when you repaired the leg where the ball was going I was wondering how the ball would fit, but as always you showed why we watch your channel in the first place. Your knowledge and skill never ceases to amaze. thank you so much for sharing.
You're welcome! Very nice
What a fascinating chair design. I have never seen a tilting chair and wonder who came up with such an ingenious design. I honestly did not think you would be able to repair that delicate piece of socket. Kudos!
Thanks! I had my doubts too!
I can feel the chair feeling the love you were putting into it through your work. Excellent video. Loved it.
Yes! Thank you!
Outstanding as always Tom, and a little insight on how to sharpen curved tools. Thank you so much . First time I have ever seen a restoration on a ball and socket chair let alone a tilted one.
You're welcome! me too, I had not seen one before
It was fantastic to learn about chair construction on this one! I appreciate hearing your time and tools at the end.
Thanks!
2/13/22; you took 6 hours to do a fantastic job! Making a wooden ball & socket for a busted rear leg on an old Shaker 'leaning' ladder back, cane seat chair...! Fantastic craftsmanship Tom! ..oh yes, the camera work: super close-ups of 'ball making', chisel trimming socket internals for best fit (super sharp blade), then leather strap & wedge installation of 'ball' into socket, audio, real-time commentary while cutting/shaping, fitting etc. Thomas, this is great 'antique detail-fix' woodworking! Gotta be one of your best videos of difficult projects. Carry on Sir!👍👍👍👍🧑🔧🍷🍷
Thank you! So kind! Yes, this is a favorite
I enjoy watching your videos more than I enjoy almost anything else on television! I’ve learned so from watching you and primarily about patience and more patience I am impressed with the excellent care you extend to all the amazing tools you use. You must sharpen those chisels on a regular basis…! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. May you continue to do this for many more years.
Thank you! That is very nice, I appreciate it
I appreciate that you include books and resources as tools at the end there because most of what you do wouldn't be possible without the knowledge passed down through them
Thanks! I like showing the tools also. The books really come in handy also!
I learn something every time I watch you. You have no idea how you've inspired me and I'm sure, others.
Thank you! That's nice
Part of my family were Quakers here in England, I remember a cottage with homemade ironing boards fitted into wooden panelling in the kitchen and homemade folding tables. I still have some very old shaker box’s, loved this video Thomas xxxx
Thanks! Yes, that sounds like a similar mentality
Another superb job. Years of knowledge, patience and sharp tools. When it comes to antique furniture restoration, Thomas is 'The Guvnor', as we'd say in England.
Thank you! I like that!
That was a very ingenious way of attaching that ball in its socket. There is a lot to be said about the old ways of building furniture.
Another great repair well done.
Thanks! It was interesting!
After studying chair design for 7 years, this concept is new to me. Interesting.
Thanks! I think this was a failed design ultimately
This is the best show about restoration that is available anywhere. Mr. Tom is a true craftsman, and his work shows the respect he has for the pieces he works with, their history, and even their imperfections. And yes, it is lovely to see all the animals outside, as well as the black dog, the loyal "helper."
Thanks!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
I'm sure I will never do anything like this restoration, but it was a joy watching you do it. Still am in awe of your skills and the way you figure out how to "fix" the problem at hand.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Such a fine job. Nice to see a final quality assurance test under the watchful eye of the managing director. Thank you.
You're welcome! She's got to approve!
The closeups of the chisel work were great. Lovely repair.
Thanks!
Brilliant video! Never have heard of or seen such a chair. I learned a lot. Greetings from Germany
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
And just when we though we have seen every thing you present to us with another master piece. What a pleasure.
Thank you!
Enjoyed the video Tom. Very nice repair duplicating the foot. What an ingenious way to connect a homemade swivel foot too. Thanks for the video and y'all take care and God bless.
You're welcome Ron!
I can’t count the number of times have I heard “Don’t tilt back on that chair. It’ll ruin it.” Someone faced the difficult task of designing a mechanism that allows a person do that. Brilliant. And a fantastic job repairing it! Thanks for the new insight.
You're welcome! Yes, we can all relate!
The repair does look good. Very unusual chair. I was intrigued by the way in which the ball was held into the socket. Shaker ingenuity never ceases to impress me.
Me too! It was great working on it
Great video, Thomas! I hadn't seen one of the the Shaker tilting chairs before this video. Shaker chairs, sure, but not the tilting chairs with the ball and socket in the feet. That's really interesting. I can see why they aren't ideal though. That's an awful lot of weight stress being distributed around those thinly walled socket joints. It's a very clever idea though, and with reinforcement or thicker legs, it might have been a bit more durable.
Your fix was on the money as always. No surprise there! Your videos are an absolute joy, and something that I always relish. Can't wait for the next furniture fix adventure to be posted!
Very interesting chair. But I can't imagine why they made balls in the feet.
They do nothing that just rounding over the ends of the back legs, In the tilt direction, would not have done.
I can not see that they would ever have rotated in their sockets under load. Nor is there any evidence that they were greased.
However the shakers were always great inventors.
Thanks! Yes, ultimately not a great design, but very interesting!
In the book he says the purpose was to protect the floors. Then it makes sense
@@johnsonrestoration yes. Indeed. But I doubt it worked with a heavy weight on it.tallow migh have helped.
Master Craftsman! I always enjoy your videos!! Now that I think of it, I’ve been watching your videos for about seven years now! ☺️
Wow, thanks! And let me say I appreciate that and your comments and support over the years
Great job Tom! I liked seeing how you sharpened your gouges.
Thanks! 👍
Thank you! I had only read about these "leaners", and I had never seen one "up close", or the mechanics of the working parts. Very interesting. As interesting is your ability to conquer such a daunting repair! One you accomplished with your usual artistry and craftsmanship.
Thank you! That's nice
Love the ingenious way they held the ball in there. Never knew such a chair existed
Me neither! Thanks!
I knew nothing about these chairs. This was both interesting and educative in many ways. Thanks Tom.
You're welcome! I hadn't seen them either. The Shakers are very interesting!
I was hoping during the whole video that you re gonna give us a show of how it works after you complete the rescue and you did it ! Thanks a lot ! You are the best craftman in furniture restoration !
Thank you! That's very nice
This channel is like watching a magic trick....you think you understand how it is done....but then that is an illusion and you sit and wonder at the results. His skill set is perfection. Tom you are so meticulous it is delightfully painful. Please don't change anything, you are the Master at the pinnacle of his craft.
Thanks! So kind! "delightfully painful"!
This was the first time I have ever seen a chair made to rock back on. Great video, I wish I had a 10th of your skill. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Once again you've managed to educate and entertain us. Thank you for that.
You're welcome!
Another genius restoration. I love it that 'not bad' isn't good enough for you.
Thanks!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Mr. Johnson has taught me enough about finishing and color matching to give me some confidence to tackle similar projects. I have watched nearly every video.
Thank you! It just takes experience! Good luck!
That was impressive! You did a wonderful job restoring that. I’ve always wondered how the back feet worked and this was very informative. Thank you for sharing !
You're welcome!
Hey Tom, Amazing, in my 45 years of restoration I've never seen or even heard of one of these type of chairs, unique to the USA maybe? Top work as always, thanks for posting, all the best from the Uk, stay safe and well
Thanks! definitely US, Shakers. I had not seen one either!
Truly an education here. First I’ve ever heard of a tipping chair and the method was revelational. Thanks for sharing
You're welcome!
Tom, you are truly a genius! Your skill and workmanship are a pleasure to watch. Kisses to Ella.
Thank you! kisses delivered!
I find the Shakers’ innovation and craftsmanship fascinating. They were creating a new way of living (communally, with no marriage, etc.), so they weren’t bound by conventional methods but were free to innovate in everything they did. Their products (such as this chair) were meant to be simple and practical, and were made to the best of their ability as a way to honor God. Beauty was not their goal, but it was an amazing byproduct. Thanks, Tom for showing us such an interesting piece.
You're welcome! I agree, they are fascinating. We have a Shaker place here in Maine - I need to check it out. I think there are 4 remaining Shakers there www.maineshakers.com/
Congratulations for the video. Another excellent restoration of something I've never seen here in Portugal. I look forward to new videos that are always a pleasure to see
Thank you!
Thanks , to the increasing editing of his videos, he has been gaining in detail and allows us to appreciate in detail the great quality of his work.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
A fascinating view into an unusual piece of furniture from such a functional and generally austere group. The extreme close-up camera shots were really useful to see how your pull-saw and chisel work create such an accurate and precise match. Thank you for taking so much time and effort to share your work as absolute masterclasses.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Hey thanks for the history lesson of that chair, I had no idea they existed, and it's fascinating. You really brightened the whole thing up in such a short time, it was quite sad and drab looking at the beginning. Amazing job on a rare gem
You're welcome!
Thomas: I had seen pictures of a tilt Shaker chair, but never had seen one this close. Most interesting. I was fascinated by the way you had to handle the restoration. I had no idea how you were going to do it, but knew you would. Great lesson! Carol from California
Thanks Carol! I never thought it would actually work!
Thomas: it did work and it was genius! Carol from California
True old-world craftsmanship. You never cease to amaze with your skilled repairs. Thanks for the vids. I'm very happy that I caught a recommendation to your channel. It's become my favorite. I wish I would have found it much sooner.
Thank you very much! Better late than never! Welcome to the channel
Tom-That's a very unique chair. It's hard to believe that it was sturdy enough to lean back in the fashion you demonstrate. I don't think I'd have the courage/knowledge to try to repair the ball/socket portion of the chair. Good job as usual.
Thanks! I'm not sure it was a successful design!
Interesting project to work on. Authentic Shaker furniture is worth all your precision in restoration. Always amazed at your talents accumulated over time in a great life in beautiful Maine.👋🏼👋🏼
Thank you very much!
first of all , you Sir are a Master of your craft!! secondly , what a lovely and simple chair.
Thank you very much! It is!
If I had teachers like you in high school I might not have slept through it. Always interesting, always informative, always art! Thank you sir.
You're welcome! When volunteering at my daughter's high school I thought how much I'd like to teach that age group
Very cool technology in that chair. Thanks Tom.
You're welcome!
I once had a Belgian boss who insisted that his wife not be spoiled with excessive compliments. If she slaved all day on a perfect meal his greatest compliment was "Pas mal." Hearing you comment that your repair was "Not bad" brought back memories. Thanks for that and another great repair video.
Thanks! poor wife!
Ella Bean seems impressed. Great job Tom!
Thanks! She's like "meh"
Again the camera work is so good on all those close ups of stuff. I just love your show!
Thanks! (again) I appreciate it!
I've always wondered how Shaker builders got the ball to stay in the socket in those chair legs. That's pretty cool.👍👍
Thanks for the tool list at the end of the video too.
You're welcome!
Great job and thank you for peeks at Ella, the bluebird, and the lovely cardinal!
You're welcome!
What a great idea to promote family members swinging on chairs!! Another late night but worth every second. 😎 Looks fantastic. Amazing job.
Thanks so much! 😊
A history lesson along with a furniture repair lesson. Love it! Well done.
Thank you!
Pretty good, indeed John! Love how your videos begin and end with nature in Maine- seems like a nice place to live.
Thanks! It is!
I salute your skill at colour blending with your projects, it is wonderful to watch.
Thanks!
Great Video Tom, I live in Hancock MA. and we have Hancock Shaker Village here. one Unique thing there is a Round Barn for milking feeding cows etc. abut they also have a wood milling building with water driven saws. drills lathes etc. and of course plenty of Shaker items. My Uncle worked there in the late 40's and early 50's just before the shakers faded out. thanks for a great close up of that ball while working on it great camera work as always. and thanks for Sharing. ECF
Wow! Thanks! I've been there! Love that barn. It's amazing your uncle worked there
I remember four of those chairs and a matching table in my grandmother’s kitchen some 50 years ago. We moved many times and she would get rid of everything else but those chairs and that table went with us across the country!
Wow! That's great! Where are they now?
The surgeon at work, marvellous.
Thank you!
I love your work, Tom! Thanks for the history of the chair and it looks pretty good! Sleepless in Texas.. I am going to bed now....goodnight!!!
Yes! Get some sleep! Thanks!
Wonderful video as always Tom, very educational and informative, I have never seen a chair like that before, keep up the good work!
Thanks!
What an interesting chair design, I didn’t know those existed until I saw this video, thank you Tom!
Thanks! Yes, they are rare! I hadn't seem one either
You are such a wealth of knowledge. Pleasure watching you.
Thank you!
It looks Great Tom, unless you knew where to look you wouldn't see that repair at all. A really unique style and design for the laid back lifestyle, I love it!
Thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration Always a pleasure!
Excellent and informative episode as usual - thanks! BTW, as an alternative to threading the leather using malleable wire, an old lamp makers trick is dropping a length of ball bath chain down either hole - it's flexible and will follow any contour or bend.
Thank you! That is a good idea!
Every time my girl asks me how she's looking on her clothes I say "I think it looks pretty good."
She always smiles back.
Thanks, Thomas.
I think that is a smart move! Especially if she asks "Does this make me look fat?"