Watching you clean out the cracks in the facing borders of the desk, brought back a vivid memory of cleaning the cracks in our table when I was about 10 years old. Mom asked me what I was doing. When I told and showed her she just good and let me finish. Never saw so much gunk in a small line. I kept all my tables clean including the cracks from then on.
Thank you for your excellent advice on so many aspects of furniture restoration. At 87 I have just retired from a busy career in industry and am now repairing, restoring antique furniture that I have collected over the years'. In about 1960 I bulit mahoganny coffe tble and covered the top a with decorated marketry veneer chess board. The simplest adhesive to use was an impact adhesive. Sad to say almost everyone of the 200 or so oieces of veneer has lifted. The carcase made with hot hide glue is as good as new. Wish I had seen your videos then. Briton Walker UK
Hi Tom I'm from the UK you remind me of my uncle he was a master cabinet maker he used only hand tools he would have loved the electric tools you have keep making the great videos I love watching them.
I see you make extensive use of the old Barlow pocket knife. I love it. Out of all the equipment you have in your shop it's nice to see how much you rely on that little thing. This is why I've been carrying a pocket knife of some kind everyday for the past 43 years.
I'm 58 and learned from my grandfather about carrying a pocket knife. He always had one and I carried on the tradition. Pocket knife, lucky rabbits foot etc.. Sadly, I could not continue this age old tradition this with my son (now 20) while he was growing up. It has become a crime for a young boy to have a pocket knife while in school or anywhere else. Heaven's forbid, anyone saw him with a rabbit's foot. He'd probably have made the local news, with protesters swarming my property.
I suspect that your daughter does your video set up and camera work and some editing as well. Your camera person has a wonderful eye for light and perspective and must be a wonderful artist like yourself.
I’m really curious what that large wooden item is in the center of the room. Its legs are about 5 feet tall and the top is like a wooden birdcage. Thanks for making these videos. I’m not a woodworker but always learn a lot and appreciate your high standards.
Thanks! That's a table being repaired. It's on a bench, and the top is removed. It had the "cage" around the shelf, going up to the top. Open in the front
I really enjoy watching you work. Even if I had all the tools you do, I still wouldn.t have a clue, and of course would end up with far fewer fingers then I started out with. You also take it nice and slow ,,,which is relaxing for someone wound a little too tight like myself. Really enjoy your videos....wish I was your apprentice, so I could soak up some of your calm.
Fabulous work; went to Dumfries House recently, saw armchairs, dining chairs, sofas and 4 poster beds ALL Genuine Chippendale! Also what are you doing with the Harp? They are SO complicated inside, more like a swaiss watch than a musical instrument!
I don't know if you can remember specifically with a job from so long ago, but maybe you can answer in general terms. Would the hardware for the writing surface likely be original? What I'm actually curious about are the wood screws, which, if original and factory-made, would have been kind of newfangled at the time. They might have had to be imported from England if they weren't somehow hand-cut locally. (Which might also constrain the date. English imports might have been hard to come by between 1775 and 1783.) If the screws aren't original, how would the hinges have been attached originally?
Hi Chris, thanks! The screws must be original. In my experience it has been rare to come across screws that you can tell were hand made. But I really know nothing about the history of screws and their use. I need to look that up!
Does applying the bees wax polish with steel wool end up looking different than applying the wax with a cloth? You apply the wax both ways and I'm trying to figure out when you use each method. Thanks.
You're welcome! I use the steel wool as a very light abrasive to help clean the surface on old pieces of furniture. But say on a newly finished piece for instance I would just use a rag
I was going to ask if any museum has ever sent you any pieces to work on. I don't know if this Chippendale is from a museum, but it certainly looks museum quality.
Wow, that’s a perfect color match between the new wood and the old wood. Tom, do you ever use a syringe to inject glue into a joint, like that joint between the foot and bottom frame on thos desk?
I have a similar desk I am working on, the fold down desk top has a broken side where the main piece is capped and there is a rabbit that connects the two. would you recommend cutting that off and remaking the piece?
Hi Cody, I'm so sorry I missed this comment so long ago! You've probably finished this project. If not, email a photo: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
Interesting as always. I can't help but wonder; are you doing all the video editing yourself? It must require some planning to ensure you get all the right shots making it possible to shows us all this detailed work in such a short time.
Hi, thanks for the comments. I do most of the photography, but I rely on my part time worker Nick Barker to do the editing. Without him this could not happen. Tom
Your alpacas were shaved I see. Who uses the wool? 😂. That desk is one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. Whomever owns it is very, very lucky.
Hi Tom. Great repairs and remake of the leg bracket.. That sure was a nice piece you worked on. You look busy in the shop. Thats good. I'm to pretty busy Just finished up a Kitchen cabinet & drawer refinish job. Total 50 pieces. That was a job to do ! . I got some new videos uploaded. If you got a second check them out. What brand hide glue do you use ? Thanks for sharing. Keep the vidz coming. Cheers, Michael Frey FREY WOODWORKING INC.
Hi Mike, that is a big job! I'm using J E Moser's, maybe from Woodworker's Supply. I'll check out your vids, I'm still not receiving notification of them. Tom
Yes, really nice piece. Prices have come down drastically in recent years, I'm glad I'm not involved in that part of the business. I like to think of them all as priceless!
I just simply don’t understand the use of shellac. I thought it was for keeping bleed through from occurring but I see it used before AND after staining and touching up stains and then as a sealer sometimes.
Beautiful piece!
Thank you!
Watching you clean out the cracks in the facing borders of the desk, brought back a vivid memory of cleaning the cracks in our table when I was about 10 years old. Mom asked me what I was doing. When I told and showed her she just good and let me finish. Never saw so much gunk in a small line. I kept all my tables clean including the cracks from then on.
Thanks! That's great! Yes, I don't like designs that have openings in tops. They just fill up!
Hi Tom, here it's another perfect job of yours. I enjoy watching your performances, and keep learning as well. Thanks a lot. Turgut Küney
You're welcome! I appreciate you watching
I've power watched so many of Tom's videos and love how the dog thinks Tom is talking to him!
wait - I was talking to her!
Thank you for your excellent advice on so many aspects of furniture restoration. At 87 I have just retired from a busy career in industry and am now repairing, restoring antique furniture that I have collected over the years'. In about 1960 I bulit mahoganny coffe tble and covered the top a with decorated marketry veneer chess board. The simplest adhesive to use was an impact adhesive. Sad to say almost everyone of the 200 or so oieces of veneer has lifted. The carcase made with hot hide glue is as good as new.
Wish I had seen your videos then.
Briton Walker UK
Thanks! Yes, that's too bad about the top. You could try working a little hide glue under it and clamping it down - you've got nothing to lose!
The original craftsmen would be proud to know that someone equally skilled has brought their work back to life.
Thank you! I appreciate it
Exactly what I was going to say, lucky owner too.
This is amazing! I so love your work, Tom! You are a master at your craft. Lin
Thank you so much! 😀
Great job as usual. Thanks.
You're welcome!
Another amazing video, these videos are very addictive to say the least. Great job!
Glad you like them! Thanks!
I love that the auto-captions say "Applause" when cars pass by, and "Music" when the saw is running or scraping is going on. :D
Oh, that's cool! I didn't know that. Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to make your videos. I really enjoy watching and learning about your work. Looks pretty good.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Another fabulous job.
Thanks!
Your videos make me feel relax, when I am depressed. I love all your phenaminan work.. Your fan from Saudi Arabia
Thank you! I'm glad I can help! Wow! all the way from Saudi Arabia - I never cease to be amazed!
Hi Tom I'm from the UK you remind me of my uncle he was a master cabinet maker he used only hand tools he would have loved the electric tools you have keep making the great videos I love watching them.
Thank you! I will!
Ooooh. I love this desk
Me too. There's something about them!
@@johnsonrestoration elegance!
Besides the excellent informative nature of the restoration, the upclose animal introduction is calming.
Thanks! Yay for the animals!
I see you make extensive use of the old Barlow pocket knife. I love it. Out of all the equipment you have in your shop it's nice to see how much you rely on that little thing. This is why I've been carrying a pocket knife of some kind everyday for the past 43 years.
Oh man, don't get me started on knives! My wife makes fun of me for carrying a knife (or 2) but is constantly asking to borrow it!
I'm 58 and learned from my grandfather about carrying a pocket knife. He always had one and I carried on the tradition. Pocket knife, lucky rabbits foot etc.. Sadly, I could not continue this age old tradition this with my son (now 20) while he was growing up. It has become a crime for a young boy to have a pocket knife while in school or anywhere else. Heaven's forbid, anyone saw him with a rabbit's foot. He'd probably have made the local news, with protesters swarming my property.
Amazing job! Mr. Thomas,congratulations!
Thank you very much!
Well done. I learn a lot watching these
Bill Elliott Thanks
A very interesting video Thomas, you did a very nice job, thanks for posting.
you're welcome!
Hi Tom. I am a huge fan of your work. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward for the next one!. Cheers, Jorge from Mexico.
Thanks Jorge!
That was really beautiful work. Thanks for posting it.
+samurai1833 You're welcome!
Looks pretty Good
samurai1833 n
toujours impeccable !
Je vous remercie!
Awesome!
Thank you! Cheers!
I suspect that your daughter does your video set up and camera work and some editing as well. Your camera person has a wonderful eye for light and perspective and must be a wonderful artist like yourself.
Thanks! No, she's on the west coast. I do all the photography and Nick Barker does the editing. I'm really into it!
Short and sweet.
Just the way we like it! Thanks
I’m really curious what that large wooden item is in the center of the room. Its legs are about 5 feet tall and the top is like a wooden birdcage. Thanks for making these videos. I’m not a woodworker but always learn a lot and appreciate your high standards.
Thanks! That's a table being repaired. It's on a bench, and the top is removed. It had the "cage" around the shelf, going up to the top. Open in the front
Great video, thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I really enjoy watching you work. Even if I had all the tools you do, I still wouldn.t have a clue, and of course would end up with far fewer fingers then I started out with. You also take it nice and slow ,,,which is relaxing for someone wound a little too tight like myself. Really enjoy your videos....wish I was your apprentice, so I could soak up some of your calm.
superb workand skill!
Thank you!
Pretty,pretty,good!!!!!
Thanks!
Fabulous work; went to Dumfries House recently, saw armchairs, dining chairs, sofas and 4 poster beds ALL Genuine Chippendale! Also what are you doing with the Harp? They are SO complicated inside, more like a swaiss watch than a musical instrument!
Thanks! The harp was in for some damage when it fell, I only work on the wood components
wow. it's how's it's done. THANKS.
You're welcome!
I don't know if you can remember specifically with a job from so long ago, but maybe you can answer in general terms. Would the hardware for the writing surface likely be original? What I'm actually curious about are the wood screws, which, if original and factory-made, would have been kind of newfangled at the time. They might have had to be imported from England if they weren't somehow hand-cut locally. (Which might also constrain the date. English imports might have been hard to come by between 1775 and 1783.)
If the screws aren't original, how would the hinges have been attached originally?
Hi Chris, thanks! The screws must be original. In my experience it has been rare to come across screws that you can tell were hand made. But I really know nothing about the history of screws and their use. I need to look that up!
Damn youtube feed.....time to check your channel. On the plus side, more vids to watch 😃
Have you ever considered a contest about how many clamps you have there?
My guess 100+.
I have thought of that! We've been talking about it for awhile. Maybe...
@@johnsonrestoration I cannot think of a prize though.
Does applying the bees wax polish with steel wool end up looking different than applying the wax with a cloth? You apply the wax both ways and I'm trying to figure out when you use each method. Thanks.
You're welcome! I use the steel wool as a very light abrasive to help clean the surface on old pieces of furniture. But say on a newly finished piece for instance I would just use a rag
I was going to ask if any museum has ever sent you any pieces to work on. I don't know if this Chippendale is from a museum, but it certainly looks museum quality.
Thanks! No, I don't have the credentials
Is there a video of you working on that harp?
Thanks! I don't know if it's this harp: ua-cam.com/video/LMHlZ4xejrw/v-deo.html
Wow, that’s a perfect color match between the new wood and the old wood.
Tom, do you ever use a syringe to inject glue into a joint, like that joint between the foot and bottom frame on thos desk?
Thanks! I do, but not that often, although lately I find the syringe works great with hide glue(not as thick as yellow glue)
good job!
Thanks!
I have a similar desk I am working on, the fold down desk top has a broken side where the main piece is capped and there is a rabbit that connects the two. would you recommend cutting that off and remaking the piece?
Hi Cody, I'm so sorry I missed this comment so long ago! You've probably finished this project. If not, email a photo: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
Interesting as always. I can't help but wonder; are you doing all the video editing yourself?
It must require some planning to ensure you get all the right shots making it possible to shows us all this detailed work in such a short time.
Hi, thanks for the comments. I do most of the photography, but I rely on my part time worker Nick Barker to do the editing. Without him this could not happen.
Tom
New camera? Great as always 😉
Hi! Thanks for watching, and this is a new camera, but this is maybe the 5th or 6th video with it
Tom
Your alpacas were shaved I see. Who uses the wool? 😂. That desk is one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. Whomever owns it is very, very lucky.
Thanks! Yes they are lucky! I used to have someone who took the fibre, now I'm sitting on a bunch of it
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I spin alpaca hair into balls then use it for weaving.
Hi Tom. Great repairs and remake of the leg bracket.. That sure was a nice piece you worked
on. You look busy in the shop. Thats good. I'm to pretty busy Just finished up a Kitchen
cabinet & drawer refinish job. Total 50 pieces. That was a job to do ! . I got some new videos uploaded.
If you got a second check them out. What brand hide glue do you use ? Thanks for sharing.
Keep the vidz coming.
Cheers, Michael Frey
FREY WOODWORKING INC.
Hi Mike, that is a big job! I'm using J E Moser's, maybe from Woodworker's Supply. I'll check out your vids, I'm still not receiving notification of them.
Tom
Chippendale, $100,000 or more - approaching priceless.
Yes, really nice piece. Prices have come down drastically in recent years, I'm glad I'm not involved in that part of the business. I like to think of them all as priceless!
Tom,
I got to know how big is your current shop? And how big is your spray booth? Also love those Swanson harps.
Hi Freddy, my shop is just 850 sq ft., but I have a lot of storage upstairs and in the barn
Tom
9:48 it’s times like this when I tell my dog, “this is how dogs get their noses planed off”, and she says, “ I guess you have a point there”
Thanks! When you're addicted to hide glue bad things can happen!
Is it normal to use a pine glue block when the rest of the bureau is made from mahogany? Nice job man 👍👍👍
Thanks! Yes, all the original glue blocks were pine, that's why. I try to do everything the same as the original
I need help with one of these but its way worse 😕 then this ....wish you could help ...
Thanks for watching! You can email me questions and photos, maybe I can guide you a bit. thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
I just simply don’t understand the use of shellac. I thought it was for keeping bleed through from occurring but I see it used before AND after staining and touching up stains and then as a sealer sometimes.
Yes, it's very versatile. Great for sealing anything, but certainly can be used for the entire finish. Good stuff
Why don't you use hearing protection when working with all those tools?
I usually do, but not so much when I'm shooting a video. But yes, I need to
Putting Pine on a Chippendale, surely does that not devalue the piece?
Thanks for watching, I used pine for the glue blocks because the other original glue blocks are made of pine
By the look of those animals, I recommend that you stick with restoration! 😂
That's mean! Thanks for watching! I better go brush the alpacas
@@johnsonrestoration No offence intended! Keep up the fine work!
The difference between "making" a new leg and "reproducing" a new leg... about $1500
Thanks! I never thought of it quite that way but yes!