Basement Rescue - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 12. 03. 2020
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine brings up from the basement this oak roll top desk that had suffered water damage during storage. 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
Why does this gentleman not have over a million subscribers? His craftsmanship is unmatched.
Thank you! Good question! maybe someday
Spread the word.
That certainly turned out well. It's amazing how a piece that looks ready for scrap can come back to life at the hands of a true professional. The owners will appreciate that desk for years and probably generations to come. Thank you for allowing us to come along on the ride.
You're welcome! And thanks for watching!
I inherited a standard sized rolltop desk from my mother. I was very surprised to see such a small desk. I didn't know such a thing exists. You did a great job, giving it new life.
Thanks! Yes, I had never seen one like this either
When I was quite young we had a family friend who had a large roll top desk. It was beautiful.
In my nearly sixty years I have seen and coveted hundreds and hundreds of beautiful pieces of furniture. I have found another. I adore this one, haven't seen any like it and actually think it should be in the Vanderbilt House or better, MINE! Love it. Love the resto and adore your knowledge. The wildlife that surrounds you seems so calm and strangely enough, so am I when I watch your videos. Nothing could be better than a job well, and perfectly, done. Thank you again. Your video helped me get through waiting for my pain medication to kick in, yet again. Blessings.
Thanks! That's great, waiting for the meds to kick in! Glad to help!
I get so excited for these "rescue" projects. I love watching you work out the best way to go about the repairs, how to get things apart and seeing all the skills that come with your extensive experience. Thanks for sharing
Another great job. Thanks.
You're welcome!
You're welcome!
@@charlesross9260 o!vi(77777))*())o.o stove 00p000000)000pp))and 00
The big lesson is take your time, be patient.
That pull-out tray with the two side pull-out panels looks like a typewriter desk to me! Wouldn't matter if you were right or left-handed - you could lay your copy on either side while you typed away! An old-fashioned Underwood or similar typewriter would look great on it!! Nice job, as always!!
Thanks! It would be cool to put an old Underwood in there
When he first showed it, that's what I thought.
Yes, I had thought the same thing. That it might be a typing stand but wasn't sure if the pull out shelf was strong enough to support the weight. I have an old 1930s Underwood that weighs a ton.
Given the tambor top, a typewriter would certainly be under wood.
@@johnsrabe Nice pun
Cannot understand how there can be any dislikes...Your vids are gems to those who aspire to learn the craft....great work as always
Thank you very much!
The amount of supplies, tools, work space, etc., not to speak of the years of experience/knowledge/ability needed to to restore various antiques is amazing! Best wishes.
Thank you!
I really like seeing Mr. Johnson restore so many pieces, I am learning a lot just watching. The desk is a beauty.
Thanks!
He is just full of amazing skills!👍
People: gets excited for new trailer.
Me: gets excited at the extent of the damage that will need to be repaired.
XthegreatwhyX That’s exactly my thought as well!!
Thanks!
Thank you!
... same here ...
Always appreciate the pets and wildlife at beginning and ending Tom.
Thanks! me too!
What a lovely office accessory which you have brought back to full use, Tom. I'm sure the owner has good memories of her Dad. Congratulations.
Many thanks!
There's something wonderful about desks like this. I have a secretarial of my grandmas and I've always been captivated by its mechanics, hidden secrets and multiple uses.
Thanks! Yes, so true
yes I'm the same with pianos!
I agree that it’s so interesting to see how everything works “behind the curtains” of such a beautiful and unusual piece!
Hello Tom,
Who knew you are also a locksmith? Are there any other hidden talents you possess that you're not sharing with us? Will you ever consider making a video of some of your personal treasures you have restored for your own home? Keep up the good AAA+++ work! ❤
Thanks! All these things pop up from time to time. Sometimes these are personal pieces. This one:czcams.com/video/hfUU-VHv3II/video.html
This man is a true artist! I just want to go sit in his workshop and watch him restore all the lovely things.
Thanks! Well, watching the videos is the next best thing!
Me too, it should be a wonderful experience
My deepest admiration again Thomas
Every time i'm bored I find another one of your pleasurable shows. You should be on the BBC!
Thanks! But you can stream youtube on your TV!
I let out a dreamy sigh watching this video. The piece is not to my taste but I understand the sentimental value something has, and watching you pour over the piece, your attention to detail and getting every little tweak just right, it's so wonderful and satisfying to watch. A master of your craft, bravissimo!
Thank you!
This is just what I needed during this Corona mess we got. Stay safe Tom! Greetings from Europe / Sweden.
And Tom, a great restoration as always!
Acke I wish you well from Alabama, USA.
We will all get through this friend. Blessings to you and yours from Iowa, USA.
Me too. Stay safe everyone. We'll get over it together.
Thanks! There is no one out today! It's so quiet
Thank you! And you too!
Everything wonderful theses people have said about your craft is true. I just thought to add the camera work close up shots are all very first rate. Well done from Australia! I love your work.
Thank you! Hello Australia!
Your craftsmanship and the care you take with your projects is impressive.
Thank you!
Fair play to ye Thomas Johnson , it's a lovely medative experience to drink a nice glass of wine and watch you work
Thank you!
You have such talent, what a beautiful piece of work!! Most people would just throw this away, what you do is miraculous. Great video.
Thank you!
The result on this was so nice. I bet the owner was really pleased to see that cover roll down again.
Yes she was! Thanks!
That cabinet you have filled with bits and pieces of old hardware is irreplaceable! Probably the most valuable resource in your entire shop! I doubt that anyone would be able to replace those same iems in their lifetime if they tried.
Thanks! It's true - I try to take care of it! Very valuable - not in the monetary sense, but just to have the things you need
Watch all Thomas' videos, he has an instinct of just how far to go in a restoration. Excellent.
Thanks!
That was a wonderful restoration, complete tear down and repair. Since I have been watching your channel I have been doing many long overdue projects around the house using your methods and tips. Thanks for sharing
You're welcome!
There are not too many people capable of making such a beautiful result from what seemed like (to me) an impossible task to restore. Fantastic job Tom.
Thanks!
I'm impressed! You have basically built this cabinet from scratch with all the re-building you've had to do. I love your show, I'm very much into Victorian furniture and learn so much from you.
Thanks!
Thank you Tom for another outstanding lesson, they are always well shot and always interesting.
You're welcome!
As always Tom another grand video your the best in my book thanks for taking time and producing such an awesome educational video I presume the key worked after you got it the lock out and the spring reset
Thanks! No, I will suggest we leave the lock out
Vos vidéos sont des écoles, un immense merci !
Vous êtes les bienvenus!
Another great project. It's nice to see that people value things owned by a family member. You have a great eye for improving the condition of a piece while preserving as much of its originality as possible. We were on a leaf-peeper tour last Oct and drove right through Gorham, but alas I couldn't talk the tour guide into stopping by your shop.
Thanks! You're going to have to have a word with that guide! Next time, stop by!
When I see a long video on other channels: meh
When I see a long video on this channel: HOORAY!
That's great! Thank you!
Never been so happy about CZcams notification. Perfect start to weekend. Awesome job as always. Thanks for uploading...
You're welcome!
As a previous fan commented, I am convinced the piece was purposed to be used as a typewriter stand. Locking it up overnight prevented theft and additional features offered storage for papers and files, etc. Wouldn’t be surprised if casters were once part of the construction. Once thought of as a mundane office accessory, today it offers a look into how furniture factories adapted to modern technologies and created a functional answer to a need. Tom did a great job bringing it back to life !
Thanks Dean, I always appreciate your comments and yeah, I think you're right about the locking. Even in the 70's people were stealing IBM Selectrix, I'm sure that was a concern back then too.
Still do not understand the 5 people that gave a "thumbs down" for such a fantastic demonstration of craftmanship. Thanks for making my weekend. Rgds from Germany.
Thanks! A lot of times the thumbs down are bots
I'll be quite honest....
I got REALLY hungry when I saw those SPAM tins. 🤤
Excellent video, by the way. Every time I watch one I want to go find old furniture and fix it up. Dream piece: barrister book cases for my personal library.
Thanks! I'm always hungry for Spam! there's something about those Barrister Bookcases
I can just imagine the owner looking down from heaven saying, "Oh my stars Tom thank you!"
Thanks! Or he might be saying "why didn't you refinish it?"
Not just the owner looking down, but the craftsman who built it saying, thanks for restoring this back to it's beauty.
The true quality of this particular restoration lies in the skills that went into taking it completely apart, attending to needed repairs, as well as bringing it back to its original self...nice lesson Tom! Best wishes, stay healthy, and hugs for the black Lab.
Thanks! Will do!
Brilliant. Should be on Netflix.
Sounds good to me.
Wouldn't that be something! Thanks!
Thanks!
WOW! What an interesting piece of office furniture! Superb restoration, Mr J! I’ll be adding this one to my TJ playlist for falling a-slumber.
Thanks! sleep well!
What a cute little desk and a lovely careful restoration, as always. I enjoyed it and I think it looks pretty good too!
😁🇳🇱
Thanks!
Wow. This was a major job!
Yes! Thanks!
I've repaired a lot of antique furniture and I work on vintage and antique guitars, but, I love watching a true master at work. I've learned a lot from these videos, but, they also give me a sense of wellbeing, with the knowledge that all manner of things can be repaired and given a new life. I've always felt that it was better for people and the planet to repair old furniture, or old anything. There are fewer things in the landfill, and the restorer learns or sharpens his/her skills while engaging with a piece of history.
I'm working on a few old things now, so I often ask myself, "How would Thomas Johnson repair this?"
Thank you! Well said!
Funny enough I restored one very similar to this with a tambor front here in England. I had all the same problems as Tom. Absolute nightmare.
Thanks! It's such an American piece, I'm surprised you have them in England
@@johnsonrestoration We have roll-top desks which use tambours in the same way. My wife and I both love them and hope to own one someday.
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration Hi there was a office furniture manufacturer in early 20th century by the name of Vickers Armstrongs making very similar to the one you have nicely restored.
I wonder if those missing blocks had wheels extending to make up the distance to the ground?
I didn't notice the little wheels in the front until you mentioned this, but there might have been the same in the back.
I thought that at first, but from what I could see, they seemed like they were too short
watching ur video is pure pleasure.
Thank you!
What I love is the furniture still has its charm & character. To me that's part of buying an antique. If I wanted something that looked brand new, I'd buy a brand new piece.
Thanks! Yes, that's why it's always a tough balancing act between making necessary repairs and keeping that character
Typewriter stand I think. ( That was an early mechanical word processor, kids : > ) )
Thanks!
Kids, a word processor was something that did only the Word part of Office 365. It looked like a TV when we had cathode ray monitors which were the size of Space invader machines. Kids Space invader machines were when you needed a dedicated machine that could only run one game. It's how we wasted our youth in the early 80s.
That was a very complicated restore. Amazing you got it all done by yourself. How long did it take you? You didn't mention that but I would guess quite a while.
Also, did you end up getting the key to work in the lock? You didn't mention that.
Thanks! About 14 hours. I will recommend that we leave the lock off
@@johnsonrestoration I gather that was over a span of days.
True distraction from life in 2020! Thanks a bunch Thomas Johnson 😘
You're welcome!
That was a pleasant half hour of watching Tom's gentle patience repairing and restoring that rather tired old piece of office furniture which has important sentimental value to the owner. The final finishing with the beeswax and orange oil polish really brought it to life again. Thank you, Tom.
You're welcome Phil! Gotta love the Howard's Feed N Wax!
Love watching you Tom, so relaxing. My father was a wood worker, so I feel really close to him, when I see one of your old tools I recognize " oh ya, I remember that" Thanks for bringing back the old methods that you use today, Patricia
Wow, thank you! I often am thinking of my Dad also
I was just thinking today that your wood artwork could be compared to quilting with your multiple woods, glues and stains and many different shapes and tools. And lo and behold! You took out a piece of fabric and started cutting! I relax watching your teaching and artistry. Thank you for sharing on CZcams.
You're welcome! Yes, especially marquetry work would be so similar to quilting! I hadn't thought of that before
a roll top desk is hard to repair, but you made that look brand new. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
What craftsmanship, knowledge and above all patience! I am fascinated by everything I see in the videos. It is also so good to see real furniture, that lasts genearations and that can be repaired thanks to people like you, rather than the flimsy stuff sold nowadays which quickly goes out of fashion. I love the intro and end with the wildlife you see around you. Thank you for such pleasure!
You're welcome!
I see I am not the only one, burning the midnight oil, (actually it's 1;40 am) I was on my way to bed, but found this and could not pass it up and wait till morning. so once again enjoyed watching the patience of Jobe, at work again another great job Tom Thank you for being here, and doing what you do to give so many of us pleasure, and education. and thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
Its hard to believe it was in someones basement.What a treasure.
Thanks! There's a lot of stuff in people's basements!
Conserving history one piece of furniture at a time, great work.
Yes! Thank you!
I've watched this a couple times and I still really enjoy this quirky little piece with all its challenges. So satisfying to see it come together and function so smoothly. Thanks for bringing us along.
You're welcome!
I watch these videos on weekend mornings with coffee.
Thanks! That's great
I'm eight minutes in and thinking of how distressed the owner would be walking in on it at this point. The beauty of your videos, and of the craft, is the coming together at the end, the time when you say, either to yourself or aloud, this looks good. Thank you for posting these videos.
You're welcome!
so glad you saved the original finish. at the trolley museum we save as much as the original finish as we can. another curatorial standard I follow. love your work.
Thanks! Yes, I always figure why not try to save it? usually it works out well. I'll have to get down to the Trolley Museum this year, I was always curious about it
what a pleasure to watch a nice old furniture being restored to its former glory! thanks very much!
You're welcome!
An object lesson in how to restore the general appearance of a much-loved piece of furniture, without removing, or detracting from, the honourable battle scars it's received during it's life. I was impressed, (as always), with the technical aspects of the work, but this time, rather more struck by how you instinctively knew just how little you needed to do to that final exterior finish. I'll bet the owner loves it. Thanks for sharing this.
Dave
You're welcome! can't wait for her to see it!
One of my favorites. Amazing how perfectly it finished up.
Thank you!
Just found my first restoration piece. A small oak vanity without its mirror with lovely curved front legs. This video was very helpful with my approach to every step in assessment, repairs, and finishing. Thanks so much, Tom.
You're welcome! That makes me happy!
Not only are you a craftsmen extraordinaire Tom, you are also blessed with having the patience of a saint. I think i'd end up getting frustrated when things do not come apart due to nails and such like, but nothing flusters you.
Thanks!
I enjoyed watching this very much. Thanks, Tom.
You're welcome!
Great job preserving the original character and finish. The client's gonna be happy.
Thanks! I hope so!
In every video you do a very good work and its so lovely to look at. Hugs from Gothenbrg in Sweden.
Thank you very much! And Hello to Gothenburg!
The owner must be so happy to have their father’s desk back to the way they remember it when their father was using it! That is PRICELESS!
Yes! Thank you
Thomas it was such a joy to watch you carefully deconstruct this sweet little desk, and repair it and put it back together! Your work is so methodical, respectful and careful, and its such a pleasure to see once precious/precious pieces given new life with the love of your craftsmanship. I found it fascinating to see the inner workings, because as a child over 70 years ago, my dear Dad had a large Roll Top Desk in his home office. It had so many sweet little pigeon holes and compartments etc, drawers and even a secret wee hidy hole to keep a few things ie papers etc private and out of sight of prying eyes. It was so large and imposing yet comforting in a way, as Dad worked away on his accountancy papers etc. This video brought back memories of times past for me, albeit the large size of Dads desk. Thank you so much Thomas for sharing your professionalism with us. Esther from Australia.
You're welcome Esther! Those pigeon holes and secret places are so attractive to a kid! Those are the best memories
Spot on Thomas! 🙂 Take care.
Mr. Johnson, it is always refreshing and enjoyable to watch an artisan at work. It looks easy, what you did to that little desk, but you put your many years of experience on display in your vids. I am astonished by your artistry. Thank you, from an old Norwegian musician.
You're welcome!
I FIND YOUR ARTISTRY ZENFULLY RELAXING. With the meticulous care you take with your restorations, I doubt you're charging enough for you labor. I'm really glad I found your channel. I, personally, do not have your patience. You are amazing to watch.
Thank you!
Really like the QUIET wildlife moment, presented at the beginning!
Thanks!
I’d love it if you got some of your customers to agree to a short clip of their reactions for your commissioned repairs … THAT would really be cool to see. Awesome work,Tom…
Thanks! We have often talked about that but it would be difficult to do
Almost every morning I like to watch something on CZcams that has to do with woodworking with my breakfast and I enjoy watching one of your videos just about every day I am not a Furniture restorer but I find it so interesting thank you for sharing your knowledge
You're welcome!
In my opinion Thomas, one of your best videos yet. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
What a difficult project, but as usual you made it look great. Sometime try waxing the tambour and drawer guides by heating them up with a heat gun and feeding a tapered candle into them when hot, you would be amazed. Only problem with your videos, I can't get enough of them, they are done so well. You are a good craftsman and presenter. Thank you
You're welcome! Good tip! You might see that in a video
Really good work Tom. A manufactured piece of office furniture brought back to life. This furniture that is beginning to be treasured now was considered as trash by Wallace Nutting (Furniture Treasury). I'm glad the owner decided not to remove the original finish, after all her father touched those same surfaces. :)
Thanks! exactly! Some people are very snobby when it comes to old furniture
I'm so glad I discovered this man...Wondrous!
Thanks!
I'm a newbie to your channel and for lack of a better word - WOW. Your calm, methodical process and obvious knowledge for restoration are 2nd to none - thanks so much for sharing with us Tom - I cant wait to slowly make my way through your list of other uploads.
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
Wow! What a great craftsman/artist. Many thanks for sharing you skills and videos.
You're welcome!
Another awesome job by the antique furniture physician!! Your the best Tom.
Wow, thanks!
What a funny little piece of furniture! My jaw dropped at your knowledge of locks. Silly me: you are so talented and bright.
Thanks! You're watching a lot of my videos! I appreciate it
It's so refreshing to see restored rather than all the distruction going on . Thank you for your videos. I subscribed ☺️
You're welcome! Thanks for subbing!
That design is perfect for modern living. It would fit a laptop and has a mouse tray built in. Excellent design
Totally! Thanks!
The flathead screwdriver you were using seems to be the exact kind that mymechanics restored a while ago. Also, very beautiful work!
Thanks! Those screwdrivers originally were part of tool kits made for tanks in WWI. (I wonder if that’s true?)
Loved this one Tom! Saving a precious desk for a son who treasured it is so heartwarming! What an amazing and tender job you did. Yes I needed to watch you today! Working on projects here with empty streets in WA state on a little island. Everything I fix is a blessing as time well spent. Sewed up a slip cover for a very unique chair for a client, making a new table cloth for fun for me with fabric from a friend unexpectedly dropped at my door, and doing laundry.....Staying home!!!
Thanks! You have to be pretty safe on an island! It's a time to get caught up
@@johnsonrestoration This week has brought a more meaningful venture...I have cut out 300 mask kits to sew for healthcare workers...Hope to get them all sewn up next week. Boy cutting 1100 pieces of fabric with scissors...guess I overdid it and messed up my right tendon...had to take 2 days off...will hit it hard sewing as easy on my hands even with a brace on. Forging ahead to help others be safe in the healthcare industry. WE are a brigade of seamstresses in a group...taking requests from hospitals and others...
This is my favourite of you restorations sir, though it’s always a pleasure learning and being entertained by you.
Thank you!
That's a wonderful piece you brought back to life. Now all it needs is a shiny Underwood Model 6 typewriter sitting on it.
That would be perfect! Thanks!
Enjoyed seeing how you replaced the fabric on the roll top.
Your methodical approach is very satisfying to watch.
Great job!
Thanks!
I was so happy to see a new video, it looks better than pretty good!
Thanks!
Always a pleasure to see you Tom.
Greetings from Paris - France
Thanks! And Greetings to France too!
Another fine job as usual. I'm sure the family was very happy when they seen the desk finished.
Thanks! They were!
What an unusual desk. At first look, it seemed to be one side of a traditional roll top desk. Amazed at how you repaired the tambour door. What a jigsaw puzzle THAT was.
Pats and kisses to Ella!
Thanks! I will!
I was going to say that I found the roll top desk especially interesting. My grandfather, a dentist, had a big roll top desk in his surgery in Grenfell, Australia. The movement of the roll top used to fascinate me as a child - it's movement seemed like magic. It was therefore wonderful to see you take this one apart and to see how it all hung on to the fabric insert. These days, I think the desk is in the Grenfell Museum - along with the rest of his 1913 surgery ...
Thanks! That's great to think of his desk and tools are in a museum!
Mr. Johnson is a con
summate artiste: he is knowledgeable about his subject, he exhibits excellent control not only with his tools, by also, when he decides that further restorations are contraindicated, for whatever reason, When he errs. He stands and states it and then he fixes it
Last , and first , he loves his work. From the most difficult to the easiest to most difficulty, Mr. Thomas uses his special gift on an equal manner.
Thank you, Mr. Martin for your dedication expertise and mostly, for sharing with all of us, out here.
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. When I started making videos we would edit out the mistakes. But eventually we decided to show everything, the good , the bad and the ugly!
Another outstanding job Tom. I liked how you pointed out to save chips and put them back. Something I hadn’t thought of before. That was darn near a full parade rest restore. I always look forward to your videos. I learn from every one.
Thanks for watching!