Full of SURPRISES! - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

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  • Опубліковано 2 бер 2023
  • Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores a handsome pair of iconic vintage teak Danish Modern Finn Juhl chairs. 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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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @margaretbarclay-laughton2086
    @margaretbarclay-laughton2086 Рік тому +142

    I love watching your videos, no nonsense, no loud music, no harshness, just a craftsman sharing his love of wood.

    • @danlopez1668
      @danlopez1668 Рік тому +9

      You are so true others out there could learn a great deal from Tom. The part I hate the most are the ones who feel they need to be cute, loud,funny or so many other things. When I believe what most of want is to just see a great craftsman at work.

    • @corvus1238
      @corvus1238 Рік тому +5

      ​@@danlopez1668 Couldn't agree more.

    • @christelmuller9198
      @christelmuller9198 Рік тому +3

      @@danlopez1668 👍👍👍👏👏👏

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +4

      Thank you!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +3

      Thanks! So nice...

  • @09gearchange
    @09gearchange Рік тому +66

    I never get tired of watching you work Tom. Your skill set is unparalleled. Thank you Tom .

  • @patriciamay638
    @patriciamay638 Рік тому +70

    Thanks. I greatly respect the way you calmly go through each problem and fix it without missing a single detail.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +3

      Thanks!

    • @viscache1
      @viscache1 Рік тому +1

      Single details turn a $1600 repair bill into an ‘on the house’ apology…or even a law suit. (Of course that would only happen with the wealthiest clients…the kind you need but hate to see them coming)

    • @patriciamay638
      @patriciamay638 Рік тому +1

      @@viscache1 yep. Thomas has the zen for it.

  • @wileycoyotesr8623
    @wileycoyotesr8623 Рік тому +3

    TJ, not many UA-camrs will caution viewers that loudness is coming. Just one more reason why you're the best. Thanks for your consideration.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      You're welcome! Yes, not usually a problem, but if you're wearing headphones...

  • @Wintersnow147
    @Wintersnow147 Рік тому +38

    Your craftsmanship is unmatched. The chairs are beautiful.

  • @1959Berre
    @1959Berre Рік тому +45

    This was far from an easy job. You make it look so simple. Great restoration, as always.

  • @kenc2257
    @kenc2257 Рік тому +2

    The chairs came out beautifully. That Watco Danish Oil finish is a perfect choice.

  • @lauralake7430
    @lauralake7430 Рік тому +2

    My Brother and I recently divided up my mom's Danish furniture. We've both gotten really good at regluing,( properly) and gentle refinishing teak. Both of us can make a hidden shelf bracket out of heavy guage wire without thinking about it. We've developed a theory about why this very pretty and nicely designed furniture has not held up as well as it should.
    Two words: latchkey children. Right at the peak of Danish Modern teak, children all across America were running wild after school, listening to records on the hi fi, putting our soda pops on the tile top parson tables, and generally using the living rooms like we owned it. Never before has fine furniture been put under this kind of stress. At 5:45 PM, we whisked all evidence of our use of the living room away, opened our school books on the kitchen table, plastered looks of innocence on our faces and prayed we put our mom's record back on the turn table and took Pink Floyd off. That and the delicate lines and sometimes extreme angles of the chairs....
    By the 1980s there was no more living room furniture. Parents had given up. It was all great rooms, family rooms, etc.
    Now I'm in my late 50's, appreciating the Danish teak, and as I work on it finding a bunch of sneaky Elmer's glue repairs dating back to my brother's and my time running wild in the Living room!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Thanks! You are so right! These chairs lived in a house with 10 children, and being military moved all over the world. So actually these chairs stood up really well! I love your description of those afternoons!

  • @timtaylor8406
    @timtaylor8406 Рік тому +4

    I love your deadpan way of saying "I've just got to do this 27 more times..."

  • @cmmc3400
    @cmmc3400 Рік тому +7

    I got lucky recently when I went to a dollar store and found wood markers for a buck twenty five! With my current projects they are perfect. I have used these for years and want to tell about removing the wrong color or lightening the marker once it is on the wood.
    For me, an artist, lighting is everything. Before starting (this is for those who are new to staining and/or markers), I make sure I have full spectrum lighting. I am amazed at how often I have had to explain light to people but am glad to do so. With the most current common lights, LED, both "white" and "yellow" bulbs are needed. In fluorescent lighting, "Daylight" and "Cool White" together provide full spectrum lighting. You can also use a plant light bulb. If you are preparing a piece for a certain room and are very particular about color, do test swatches and take them to the room to see there what the light does to them. This is all important because you can fall out of love with a piece if it isn't just right.
    Why is lighting so important? When working to find just the right color for something, let's say wall paint, you are looking at it under Daylight bulbs in the ceiling of a big box store most likely. The swatches help you when you take them home but if you are checking them at night, with the curtains closed, or in a space where the other side of the spectrum "cool white", which is the most common bulb color in the home, these swatches look different under all of these different situations.
    When thinking about color, think about the use of the thing that is getting the color. We often use colors because we like them but some of us use certain colors because they create a feeling inside. Yellow invokes joy and renewal, pure white a clean feel, blue is calming. We get this from nature. Green grass reminds us of spring and renewal, deep blue is the ocean and its vastness, browns and oranges are colors of harvest and plentiful stock. These days gray being so popular make me curious, gray or grey, however you spell it, it seems sad to me.
    About four months ago and did four paintings for my mother. One for each season, in miniature, I did trees in winter and fall, and for spring I did a field of wildflowers and summer a warm beach at an ocean. My mother is well traveled so I invoked the images I invented with my childhood time with her traveling as the 'navigator'. The winter was black, white and gray with built textures for snow on dark, back lit trees. It seemed ominous so I brightened the snow with a full moon glow and it became peaceful but dead. So, with the slightest amount of blue added to the white, I gave it life. The change was as if I had lit it with two different bulbs, cool white and daylight. Each painting held the facts of light and my mother noticed. She is an artist as well.
    Now that I shared this diatribe, if you find you have used too much ink from a marker, or the color turns out to be wrong once you follow my suggestion for checking it under the right light, you can remove the marker with rubbing alcohol. Use a mini paintbrush for the edges where it overlaps the original finish if any. Put it on, wipe it off, repeat until it doesn't show stain on your cloth after wiping. It will still be there but it is the fastest way to fix this issue that I have found. I hope if you have read this far you got a few smiles and some information you might use. If not, whats wrong with you!?!? LOL I would love to hear other peoples suggestions for this common issue.

    • @InkWellideas
      @InkWellideas Рік тому +3

      had discovered the alcohol "trick", but never thought to use a brush - just the tip of a foil wrapped pad. I imagine a brush would be just the thing for tiny lines.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Wow! Thank you! This is so interesting. I hope others read this. You should be teaching!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Thanks! I have so many brushes! I love them

  • @danlopez1668
    @danlopez1668 Рік тому +10

    Tom once again another great video, your dad would be proud of you since the trade runs in the family. Quick story my dad also was good with his hands as a craftsman. I remember one time as a small boy going with my dad to my uncles house. My dad inset a china hutch into the wall. Didn’t think much about at the time. Until years later and many shop classes, that I returned. And saw my dads excellent craftsmanship. He inset this complete cabinet / hutch with the crown molding and ornate figure flush within the wall. It turned out really nice and think of this often, the things sons gained from our fathers.

    • @lauralake7430
      @lauralake7430 Рік тому +3

      It's like the old Mark Twain quote, how when he was 18 his dad was an ignoramus, but by the time he turned 21 the old man had learned an incredible amount!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Thanks! And thanks for the anecdote. I think about my Dad often

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Mark Twain - my favorite!

  • @iantyler4045
    @iantyler4045 Рік тому +4

    Watching the pieces come alive with the application of the Danish oil was so satisfying to watch. They look wonderful. 34 minutes went by in a flash.

  • @cmmc3400
    @cmmc3400 Рік тому +3

    Tom, I talk about your channel, the quality of work, the care, the knowledge, the corrections even...all the time. My husband laughs at me sometimes when I get excited over saving the 'age' of a piece. That's my favorite btw.
    Just to let you know, I have started making strides towards making furniture again...well...doll house pieces! LOL I want to share with young people the beauty of hand crafted items. In an IKEA world, they need examples of imagination and skilled hands. I can't restore furniture anymore but I can go through my books and find pieces I adore or I can go through my mothers house and find pieces to make in miniature. I just wish I was better with my hands, any suggestions for old, achy joints?
    As usual Tom, I agree...it does look good!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! A secret for arthritis - Drunken Raisins. My wife and I take them everyday. You should try - some people report amazing results: www.healthline.com/nutrition/gin-soaked-raisins-for-arthritis

  • @hanaaa6394
    @hanaaa6394 Рік тому +16

    My parents had similar chairs that folded out into small beds for the children. I love restorations like this.

  • @triplex86
    @triplex86 Рік тому +14

    Another masterclass in how to do things properly. Absolutely superb work as usual. The chairs probably look better now than when the left the factory way back in 1956. Thanks for posting.

  • @georgecunningham9175
    @georgecunningham9175 Рік тому +18

    A beautiful restoration of a beautiful example of Mid-Century design. Your approach is so professional, and the little "surprises" that crop up do not seem to ruffle you at all. I so admire your instinct and talent, not to mention your knowledge. This video was the perfect accompaniment to my morning - Thank You!

  • @donmorrison519
    @donmorrison519 Рік тому +4

    Your patience in sanding, fitting, gluing, patching.... is amazing

  • @graemetimoney7002
    @graemetimoney7002 Рік тому +8

    An absolutely amazing job, Tom. You have managed to repair all the faults and even did some invisible mending too. The chairs have a beautiful finish now and will last another 50 years easily, thanks for sharing.

  • @janvafa9959
    @janvafa9959 10 місяців тому +1

    I really appreciate that you show and explain any ‘oopsies’ this helps us beginners understand that stuff happens - even to professionals - and that life does indeed go on.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  10 місяців тому +1

      Yes! Everybody makes mistakes - it's how you handle them

  • @celticknotbrain
    @celticknotbrain 10 місяців тому +1

    I have been repairing furniture for about 6 months now and your channel is a treasure trove of information. Thank you for everything you do.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  9 місяців тому

      You're welcome! I hope you can build a successful business!

  • @queenbee3647
    @queenbee3647 Рік тому +5

    Very classy! And the chairs weren't bad either! Good job as always. 🐝😁👍

  • @29lookingood
    @29lookingood Рік тому +4

    Not only are they beautiful chairs, but you still amaze me with how you work your magic. 👍🏾🇬🇧💙

  • @arlenelamont5610
    @arlenelamont5610 Рік тому +1

    Those chairs just kept revealing their surprises. And you just kept taking care of what needed repairing. 20 hours??? My patience would not have lasted that long. Glad yours did. Beautiful work, Tom.

  • @mrstandfast2212
    @mrstandfast2212 Рік тому +8

    WOT! No clamps?
    Another wonderful sympathetic restoration that was a pleasure to watch. Long may you continue in your work, and thank you for sharing it it.

  • @phooesnax
    @phooesnax Рік тому +4

    Love the cross dowel for strength. Common in player piano pneumatics. Really works.
    Just gave that tip to a fellow restoring a 37 Buick.
    Great work Sir.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! Yes, I believe they do work! (I'd like to see that Buick!)

    • @phooesnax
      @phooesnax Рік тому

      @@johnsonrestoration 78 Chuck is channel. No space in Channel name.

  • @robertlong9029
    @robertlong9029 Рік тому +6

    You are a great craftsman.
    Have you ever built furniture? And if so, could you show us some of the work you have done?

    • @ralph0149
      @ralph0149 Рік тому +1

      No doubt he has. I would like to see him do a reproduction of french provincial or some other traditional style.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Thanks! I have! I plan on making a video of building a table

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I'm planning on doing that

  • @chandarussell
    @chandarussell Рік тому +1

    These are exactly like my Mum and Dads are chairs right down to the cushion straps. I didn’t even remember them until you unboxed them. It was a nice surprise and brought back a flood of memories. Who would have guessed they’d be such collectibles 60 years later.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! Yes, don't you wish you still had them? They're beautiful

  • @TomasRosberg
    @TomasRosberg Рік тому +14

    Beautiful chairs and great restoration... Thank you for sharing Tom!

  • @stephantrommsdorf5176
    @stephantrommsdorf5176 Рік тому +6

    Great job, Tom! Happy to see your art being practised on Mid Century furniture 😀

  • @bobbysmith6967
    @bobbysmith6967 Рік тому +11

    Beautiful work as always. A pleasure to watch you make old things new again.

  • @auntielaura5
    @auntielaura5 Рік тому +1

    I am always impressed with your patience and attention to detail, particularly when it comes to finishing a piece. All the different treatments - oxalic acid, oil, dye stain, wax, and whatever else it takes for you to be happy with the result. I would never hesitate to place a dearly-loved, irreplaceable family heirloom into your hands.

  • @jdcochran1984
    @jdcochran1984 Рік тому +1

    You sir are a master craftsman who takes pride in his work. Because of watching your videos I'm restoring a Victorian era vanity desk with large mirror that someone had painted and used a lot of nails to keep it together. So far I've been able to match the finish color using toner and fix damage using epoxy putty. You've definitely helped me in this restoration and in other woodworking projects. Thank you!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      You're welcome! That's great! It sounds like you're doing a good job

  • @michaeltreadwell777
    @michaeltreadwell777 Рік тому +20

    As always Tom, a fantastic restoration. The chairs look fabulous again, like we knew they would after going through your hands. Thank you for sharing your skills with us - there is always something new to learn from you. Take care 🙂

  • @kingco774
    @kingco774 Рік тому +14

    I always love to watch your videos Thomas. I like the furniture you show, and how you show your skills restoring them. 🙂

  • @judithburke1539
    @judithburke1539 Рік тому +1

    I'm glad that you didn't forget, "I think that looks pretty good".

  • @sylviekoenig9960
    @sylviekoenig9960 Рік тому +2

    Right from the start, when you were unboxing them it was obvious these chairs were absolutely gorgeous. A delightful, very elegant design.
    It is interesting to see the technical solutions that went into the design to keep these pure and seemingly simple lines. It was also very interesting to discover at what cost it all comes up and I hope that the chairs will be treated with a lot of gentleness to avoid new cracks to form.
    Tom, have you ever used floss to force glue into narrow cracks? What do you think of this technique?
    As you went on with the repair, I could spot a lot of hacks you use and I am in awe at how bright you are.
    I have started using some of your techniques at home on lesser furniture and I am so happy it went so well. Thank you ever so much, my friend!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Sylvie! I'm curious about the floss - I might try it!

  • @susannejuelwinther3271
    @susannejuelwinther3271 Рік тому +5

    Wow!! These chairs is worth a lot of money, they are very, very rare to see, even in Denmark where I live.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +2

      Thanks! Yes, I saw on-line that they were valuable. I didn't realize they were rare!

  • @colleenmccarthy-evans3149
    @colleenmccarthy-evans3149 Рік тому +6

    Stunning transformation, and as always, so much great teaching along the way.

  • @echeechoby8255
    @echeechoby8255 Рік тому +1

    I find it very relaxing and soothing to my nerves watching your adept ability in techniques and methodology in repairing and revitalizing the pieces you accept in the projects you collect. Please continue often.

  • @seaknightvirchow8131
    @seaknightvirchow8131 Рік тому +1

    It is so soothing to watch your restorations because of your calm demeanor, competence, and superb results.

  • @reginapopihn9853
    @reginapopihn9853 Рік тому +7

    Really beautifully restored chairs.

  • @gasgiant7122
    @gasgiant7122 Рік тому +3

    It's such a pleasure watching you work so meticulously. I can tell by the change of clothing this job took quite a few days 👍👍👍

  • @Beegee1952
    @Beegee1952 Рік тому +1

    I inherited a Danish Modern living room set that I loved and have now passed on to a daughter. Timeless and comfortable.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      That's great! That's one style that parents can pass on to their kids. They sure don't want our clunky mahogany stuff!

  • @markmurphy3578
    @markmurphy3578 Рік тому +1

    These modern danish pieces of furniture are so stylish.
    And once they have been refreshed they are very usable too!

  • @gc4824
    @gc4824 Рік тому +5

    Another wonderful restoration. I loved the attention to detail, and I loved that Danish oil finish.

  • @549RR
    @549RR Рік тому +4

    The fact that you had to unbox some Finn Juhl chairs as if they were IKEA flatpack really made me laugh ;)

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Of course, there's nothing new under the sun! Even in the 19th century, companies like Thonet were flat packing their chairs for shipping. Easily assembled with screws at the final destination

  • @lb003g0676
    @lb003g0676 Рік тому

    Tom restoring and Danish Modern Design... When the two things intersect, the videos are my absolute favourite.

  • @guyhiebert
    @guyhiebert Рік тому +1

    I enjoy your videos because you show most of the error that could go awry and you show most of them and some escape but you do recover. Thank You for you're time

  • @richardmetz2061
    @richardmetz2061 Рік тому +3

    I am always amazed by your attention to detail. Well done young man . Keep the videos coming.

  • @michaelwelsh798
    @michaelwelsh798 Рік тому +3

    I saw you gluing up a long crack in an arm at about 3 minutes in. Have you ever used the vacuum cleaner trick? You spread an excessive amount of glue on the top and suck it into the crack by placing the vacuum suction nozzle on the bottom. It works great, and it gets the glue into all of those fibrous nooks and crannies if you work it in from the top with your finger.
    That might be why my shop vacuum seems to groan when it turn it off, but I'm not sure.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I need to try that. Mine groans too! I thought it was just me

  • @Surmulerum
    @Surmulerum Рік тому +1

    I especially loved watching this one. I am danish and my dad was a furniture maker and worked for France and son in Hillerød, Denmark in the late 50s early 60s. We had two of those chairs at home. Both with wool covered box cushions with an edge bead. One was light curry yellow and the other duck egg blue. We also had lost of leftover teak bits to use for various things … I built doll house furniture out of some and my dad had a bucket full of those bullet bits and used them as garden tool handles and other repair stuff around the house. Thank you for all your wonderful videos. You do some beautiful work.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Wow! Thank you! That is amazing. I'm so glad you have so many memories of that time. I've been wondering how it came to be that the Danes were using teak - there must be some connection

    • @Surmulerum
      @Surmulerum Рік тому

      @@johnsonrestoration Ohhhh, there comes more memories! My uncle worked for ØK (The East Asia Company) and he travelled in East Asia (and other parts of the World … I think also South America at some point) with the one purpose of buying special wood home for the Danish furniture businesses. It was all hardwood which was not available in Scandinavia. It was then transported to Denmark with Mearsk Shipping (another Danish Company). And by the way, the finish you did on those chairs were spot on - exactly as I remember them 👍

  • @illustratedjournal
    @illustratedjournal Рік тому +1

    I love your channel. Excellent balance between showing and explaining techniques without spending a long time on unnecessary footage, such as sanding. The putty and marker trick I'll use on a 50s red oak desk I'm currently refinishing. Thanks again for sharing your excellent craftsmanship.

  • @Floris_VI
    @Floris_VI Рік тому +3

    Amazing work, would you consider making a community post with a picture of the chairs with the cushions?

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! Good idea! There are plenty of photos on line of these chairs with their upholstery

  • @mrknittle532
    @mrknittle532 Рік тому +9

    That project was full of surprises! Great job, Tom! Were those chairs not made to stand the test of time, as it seems there were a lot of weak points that failed?

    • @549RR
      @549RR Рік тому +6

      No, these are generally considered to be well engineered, very high quality pieces - as Tom points out with the cross dowelling. They just seem to have had a particularly rambunctious life.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! They are strong - but have their limits! 549RR is correct - these chairs were abused

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! You are exactly right!

  • @viscache1
    @viscache1 Рік тому +1

    The best ‘unboxing’ video this year on You Tube! Lovely chairs! I absolutely love your router ‘trick’ it’s an elegant solution to an old problem. You’ve improved my skills! Projects like that are why we added the machine shop and the vacuum lab to our array of simple tools. The old ways are the best but a little ‘modern’ (100 year old) technology is helpful! And as always, God Bless Mohawk!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks so much! Do you have a shop/studio? Are you a professional? Please email me: Thomas Johnson restoration@gmail.com

  • @kittonsmitton
    @kittonsmitton Рік тому +1

    Tom they look fantastic it takes an artist to restore works of art such as these.

  • @thomashiggins4923
    @thomashiggins4923 Рік тому +2

    As beautiful a job as always Tom. I love the light in your workshop and the way it falls on the refinished pieces of furniture. There's something very timeless about the effect. Or maybe a suspension of time, punctuated by different mugs and jerseys... Many thanks. Tom (from France, and an amateur furniture restorer).

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      You're welcome! Yes, especially in the winter the light can be awesome!

  • @judebrown4103
    @judebrown4103 Рік тому +1

    Mid-century chairs made a nice change, definitely different construction designs used.
    As ever I loved seeing you fill and colour, as you said it's amazing how little of the filler remained from what looked like a big chunk of chewed out wood.
    Extraordinary that the spring loops were still available and I was very impressed with your makeshift stretcher!
    Much relieved to see you come back to confirm that they do indeed look pretty good, life would not have been the same had you not. 😅
    More birds I don't recognise too, though I do so enjoy your wildlife shots before and after. Thank you 👍👏

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      You're welcome! I was amazed I could find those spring straps too!

  • @Jordy120
    @Jordy120 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for making my insomnia a little more bearable. Cheers.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому +1

      You’re welcome! I’m glad I can help! So many people have said the same

  • @ftfdec
    @ftfdec 10 місяців тому +1

    Tom, you are such a pleasure to watch at work. I always try and estimate the hours you put into each job before you tell us and I am always a factor of at least four or five out! I thought that job would be at least 80 to 100 hours. The effort with which you achieve your near-perfect results is incredible.

  • @justanonymous5681
    @justanonymous5681 Рік тому

    Tom, with your master craftsmanship the chairs have been returned to their original glory!! Thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge with us!! You are very much appreciated!! 👏🏻😊

  • @earlyjp
    @earlyjp Рік тому +1

    I want to echo the many compliments written here, not just for this video, but for your overall approach to creating informative videos for your channel. However, I would like to offer particular praise for your color matching skills -- just astounding.

  • @mariepla1370
    @mariepla1370 Рік тому

    You are amazing. We've been watching your channel for months and learned many ways to fix our own old furniture. Saved lots of money by fixing our 80 year old dinning table. The table was given to us by his mom. We also fixed our 20 year old chairs. We are from Massachusetts, but we Love Maine ❤️. Every year, we spend the summer there. Our dream is to retire in Maine. We have about 6 years to go. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us 😊

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! Yes, we lived in Massachusetts for 30 years and made the move to Maine and have never looked back

  • @allanrichards3752
    @allanrichards3752 Рік тому +1

    They look great now and its good to bring them back. This Scandinavian furniture is getting very popular here in the UK and I think those chairs are pretty valuable.

  • @ginalou5774
    @ginalou5774 Рік тому

    The choice of Danish oil on the Danish chairs made me smile

  • @marywiklander-williams6493
    @marywiklander-williams6493 Рік тому +2

    The Danish oil gives such a lovely finish. Beautiful job. Much appreciate the tip about using the stain markers.

  • @dawnchattin5935
    @dawnchattin5935 Рік тому +1

    Indeed, they do look pretty good. An exceptional restoration respecting the integrity of the original design, which is greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing.

  • @kristian5515
    @kristian5515 Рік тому

    Beautiful chairs from Finn Juul - maybe the greatest of all the cool mid century Danish designers. Only guys with your skills should repair them. Thanks for keeping them alive so beautifully!

  • @georgesweap7
    @georgesweap7 Рік тому +1

    I do love a good Tom Johnson Film, always quality, easy to follow, always great content, great instruction tips, and sharing tricks of his trade! I do think a good puppy needs to be introduced and trained as the shop companion to fill in for the loss of Bella.

  • @Daniel_cheems
    @Daniel_cheems Рік тому

    Tom, the real zen master of proper furniture restoration!

  • @roberthammett6795
    @roberthammett6795 Рік тому +1

    The color matching always amazes me as I struggle with that process. Great work as always!

  • @billk8780
    @billk8780 Рік тому

    Thanks once again Tom. Never tire of watching your expert hands do their magic.
    All the best to you and your family!

  • @paulc38125
    @paulc38125 Рік тому +2

    Getting pva glue through cracks in wood is difficult, I use a shop vac with a cloth held over the end of the hose to pull the glue through. You can vary how much suction and the rag catches any glue to keep it out of the vac. Great job as always! Enjoy the content.

    • @idontthinkso666
      @idontthinkso666 Рік тому

      The rag over the hose is a good tip. I use my shop vac too (Bosch) and I can dial the suction up or down, which helps to control the way the glue is moved around.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! I'm going to have to break down and try that sometime!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Variable suction! I've got to look into that. It sounds like it would give you control

  • @donaldwalker3738
    @donaldwalker3738 Рік тому +1

    Never get enough of you inovative solutions in restoration Kudos

  • @billmcrae1424
    @billmcrae1424 Рік тому

    Yes...one more thing. Always a delight to watch you at work.

  • @melodysimonson1510
    @melodysimonson1510 Рік тому

    When I moved into my first apartment, next door, there was a Danish American couch and chair on the porch. So I talked to the man who owned the house and he gave them to me for free. My dad and I sanded them down, but they were missing several of the springs, similar to what your chairs had. I kick myself for giving them away and wish I had kept them. Of course, that was 45 years ago, and I didn't have internet to help me find those things or to tell me how to finish them. I loved them so much. If I could have done what you did for the finish, they would have been just as beautiful.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! All the "could haves" and "would haves" we have in our memories!

  • @normagrimstad8869
    @normagrimstad8869 2 місяці тому

    Wow. Beautiful chairs made at the height of the era of Scandinavian design!

  • @jeantesc812
    @jeantesc812 Рік тому

    Love watching you work your magic peoples heirloom furniture, and I love seeing your birds and wildlife visitors too.

  • @paulrosa6173
    @paulrosa6173 9 місяців тому

    I love watching your methodical way of dealing with complex problems.
    AS elegant as the chairs are they may have been too light and delicate for their own survival? It was amazing watching you keep them alive.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  9 місяців тому

      Thanks! The construction, though light weight, it would have been fine if they were never used when they were loose, in need of regluing

  • @davidedwards7398
    @davidedwards7398 Рік тому +1

    I so appreciate your adding comments and instructions as you work. Far more helpful than silent videos , where the viewer is expected to understand what is planned and learn techniques solo.
    I typically pass on that format. They should follow your excellent teaching style!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thank you! I like the silent ones! I hate it when I see myself talking too much

  • @GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge
    @GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge Рік тому +2

    Tom, I had an Uncle whom you reminded me of today. Seeing you working around the shop with your "radiophones" on your head looked exactly like him. I tried for years to let me fix him up an ipod, or later his cell phone with his music or his baseball games. He wasn't interested. He loved his headphones and was never interested in anything else. Just another piece of history that will not return. Thanks for your videos. A great way to spend an unexpected day off with the rain beating down on the tin roof over my garage!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! That's great! I understand - I like listening to the radio. Just tradition? In the house we do Pandora

  • @josephwebber7932
    @josephwebber7932 11 місяців тому

    The shot of you sanding in the direct sunlight was a great shot.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  11 місяців тому

      Thanks! I saw that happening and had to try and get it on camera

  • @rosandy123
    @rosandy123 Рік тому

    Always a joy watching a craftsman at work. great job.

  • @jodiemcclary4457
    @jodiemcclary4457 Рік тому +2

    I think the chairs look great! Not only do I learn but you inspire me to try to work on furniture.

  • @kennethleslie9414
    @kennethleslie9414 Рік тому +2

    Another great job Tom, the steadiness of your hands is amazing, the chairs are of a great design, looking forward to the next one.

  • @olivernash2240
    @olivernash2240 Рік тому

    You are the “chair man” of the board!👍👏

  • @keithcrockatt3858
    @keithcrockatt3858 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for epoxy putty application pointers... I learn something from every video !

  • @sheilacasper2030
    @sheilacasper2030 Рік тому

    You have infinite patience. It is very stress-relieving to watch your videos.

  • @1Fmarcel
    @1Fmarcel Рік тому +1

    Hey there.
    France & Son were some of the best furniture factories in the Danish Furniture Architects Heyday and Finn Juhl is certainly among the most sought after and still is. And not cheap.
    Allways a pleasure to see craftsmanship in action.
    Back in the day they almost allways used hot boneglue, which ain't that strong and Laquer for the last finish. We hardly use Laquer anymore, but mostly linseed oil with beewax in some mix or another. No question: Teak definitely deserves oil 🙂
    Greetings from a danish cabinetmaker.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thank you! That’s very good information. I feel like the hide glue is very strong, based on our informal shop tests. I’m happy that a Danish furniture maker approves of the work!

  • @MystiqueULH
    @MystiqueULH Рік тому

    I am not crazy about this style of chair but I am absolutely crazy about the work you have done on them. Fantastic.

  • @desertmulehunter
    @desertmulehunter Рік тому +1

    I like the robins in the tree. We have some down here in Arizona that I haven't seen for 25 years. Very nice work on the chairs too!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thanks! That's interesting! Robins are year round now in Maine

  • @JulianFoley
    @JulianFoley Рік тому

    Beautiful chair, beautiful work. Finn Juhl would be pleased with the way you respect their fine creation.

  • @melissagagnon1213
    @melissagagnon1213 Рік тому +1

    I'm always excited to see a new video come up. I love learning all the tips and tricks of a master craftsman. I've even gotten to use a couple tricks in my own crafts and repairs around the house. Thanks you so much for posting these wonderful videos : 3

  • @Salsahaj
    @Salsahaj Рік тому

    You really are an outstanding craftsman, Tom! Always a joy to watch you in action. I truly enjoy it 😊

  • @elizamccarthy9876
    @elizamccarthy9876 Рік тому

    Beautiful chairs and they are now beautifully restored. Thanks for saving them. 😊

  • @alicekenny4166
    @alicekenny4166 9 місяців тому

    Tom, thank you for your channel. I have my parents' bedroom set that they bought when they married n 1937. One of my cats did some damage to the veneer.of one of the bureaus. I was going to fix it with the auto epoxy and chalk paint. But then I found your channel. My mom took such care of these pieces and your work made me value the history of the pieces. I have decided to get the repairs done properly.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  9 місяців тому

      That is awesome! If you need any help, feel free to email with photos: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com

  • @ronmack1767
    @ronmack1767 Рік тому +1

    Enjoyed the video Tom. That looks like a very delicate chair. More for looks than for sitting. Lol. Neat way you got the seat supports in using your gouge. You did as usual a great job. They look really good. Thanks for taking the time to produce the videos. You all take care and God bless.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Рік тому

      Thank you Ron! I think they'll hold up fine if they are not abused!

  • @patientorlando1306
    @patientorlando1306 Рік тому +1

    I was so interested to see how these would come out, and indeed - they do look pretty good!
    I like how your videos always show us something new Tom, and what to look out for with a similar repair....so many cracks and splits oh my!!!
    These have had the breath of life breathed back into them - the family is going to be stoked!♥

  • @Lela-plants
    @Lela-plants Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing this! These are stunning and the new owners are so lucky to get them!
    My family were dirt farmers so I wasn’t fortunate to inherit Danish furniture. I do have a 3 shelf bookshelf/knick knack thing that used to have 6 shelves until my grandfather cut it in half so it would fit the house better.
    My great grandfather made it for my grandmother when she got married. It looks like scrap wood of undetermined origin and has some sort of old reddish brown finish on it. It is sort of homely but the sentimental value makes it priceless. She passed at age 80 in 1994. I keep meaning to restain it but I can’t bring myself to do it. Lol.
    Anyway, I really enjoyed this today. Thank you again for letting us see the process.

  • @paulgriffiths5999
    @paulgriffiths5999 Рік тому

    Captivating, as always. The perfect antidote to the ubiquitous frenzy of other 'entertainment' outlets