Apparently I am not the only person who appreciated the restorative value of your videos, not only to the pieces of furniture but also to our souls! Many thanks for sharing with us.
I have watched many of your videos, and am amazed at how similar my approaches to issues are to yours. I have restored a number of pieces over the past 55 years. In the early days of our marriage, it was economically necessary to furnish our home, and I learned by doing. We even use the same tools; identical putty knife, palette knife, pocket knife, scraper.........and Old Brown Glue! We are even fanatical about sharp chisels! I maintain and repair the furnishings in a 1804 historic home. Today I will be doing the stringing and fan inlays on a 18th century cellarette I am building. Thanks
Thanks Carey! I like that - it's interesting to think we are working along the same lines. I always feel a bond to the original makers of the pieces I'm working on, and the same feeling when I hear about people such as yourself taking the same approaches. Did you ever work as an engineer? My brief experience working for engineering companies greatly influenced how I work on furniture
@@johnsonrestoration My only engineering experience was as an Army engineer officer, which is not to say I am an engineer; my education was chemistry and business. I worked in technical management until retiring at 70; started my own consulting business the next day. Still working some at 78. I noticed that we remove nails in exactly the same manner; protect the wood with the putty knife and use the wire cutter; although I sometimes use a Vise Grip, the one with the rounded nose. Today, a neighbor asked me to make some small spindles for a chair arm. They disassembled the chair and lost the spindles. He brought a cell phone photo of another chair and some measurements. He said it was red oak - it was actually mahogany. I don't do much with the lathe, but in an hour we had 8 spindles. He went home very happy - dodged the bullet for losing the spindles! I've been asked to repair a split rear leg on a 1790 Queen Anne highboy in the historic site. I can do it, but the question is should I? The piece was appraised at $87,000, and is owned by the state. Naaaah, not gonna touch it!
Apart from the superb craftsmanship, can I just say how much I appreciate the absence of ads and promotional messages in your videos. Such a brilliant channel!
@@johnsonrestoration In Australia I have always had ads popping up from time to time, mostly with a "Skip Ad" option. Not too bad - and I assumed from You Tube.
@@robynwilliams8110 Try Slimjet for browser settings. I don't see ads when others are bemoaning them. I only really use it for YT, it also allows downloading a lot of them, which guarantees uninterrupted viewing and even more handy, gives an Mp3 when you only want the sound or a tune.
The first thing I do when I look at the notifications: is there one from The Master? Yes! And almost an hour! 2021 could not start better. Problem solving and sympathetic masterful restoration. Nobody repairs veneer like you. The best. Take care!
The craftsmanship is outstanding and the video production is also in a class by itself. Thank you Tom for the closeups and all the angles you provide. You tell a unique story with your words and your images.
Outstanding craftsmanship. I must also applaud the great camera positioning and editing for our enjoyment. I have been following your content for years, thank you. it has been “pretty good”.
Thanks for another brilliant video. I was amazed when you said that you had not worked as a carpenter. You certainly are a carpenter with great skills.......................Berni
Ahhhhhh, a beautiful new video!! I think your videos should be required viewing over the next few weeks, just the medicine we all need for what ails us!!
Mr. Johnson, I love the way you restore without overdoing it. Don't know if I've said it before but you are a great teacher. It shows that you have a great passion for what you do. Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
Thanks! Yes, that's true. But isn't true of all jobs? Most people don't distinguish between carpentry, cabinet making, furniture making, and finishing, but they are all distinctly different trades
Tom drops a year's worth of mad skills on January 2021. There's more than just the vast acquired knowledge, modeled diligence and creative modesty on offer here. The core gift of following his work is always hope. There must have been more than a few tears at client reveals over the years.
I wonder how many tears of joy are shed when a customer receives their item back from Mr Johnson. Thank you again for showing us a true craftsman at work, my best wishes to you and your family for 2021.
Wow, one of your most complicated restorations. Beautifully done. And I so need the relaxation of watching you work after the trauma of the last few days. Thank you!
Masterful work as always. The repair on the bottom panel requires so much skill to stabilize when it would have been much easier to replace that piece. I still don’t know where you get all that patience and I’m not unconvinced you don’t listen to death metal/participate in a fight club to get all the frustration out.
Tom Johnson is the best. These videos started my interest in old furniture restauration and I'm still desperately looking forward to each new video. Best greetings from germany.
Your short videos are good when I haven’t got a lot of time on my hands but I do like these longer videos to see how you progress step by step through a complete project until it’s all “pretty good.” Thanks
I wonder would it be possible to remove the veneer from the underlying wood and use a hot table to steam it flat? And then re-adhere the flat veneer to more dimensionally stable old wood? I think you did a great job with this repair, but that buckling veneer would worry me going forward. I feel like the underlying wood is just going to continue to distort.
Removing the veneer and addressing the underlying problem is usually the way to go - I don't know why he didn't at least acknowledge or discuss this. The issue is that the timber under the veneer is plain sawn and will always move around as moisture changes. What he has done here is a temporary job, much like the last two people who had a go.
@@johnsonrestoration well obviously not anything that requires extensive hand craft skills! I design furniture pieces that could be made by machine works mostly! However, there is an exception: a line of products that we use hand woven wool rugs as upholstery and structure and weave it to Baltic birch plywood frames! I will send you the link to your email if you are interested
How good it is to see your art, little by little, I already know the cats, your friend, the dog, and part of your family, this shows, how good you are, you know, for me, friend, family is learning about love in the most beautiful way possible: the one that is given freely and spontaneously without asking for anything in return
It looks like it was the two glued pieces behind the boards that caused the distortion to exaggerate. I think putting a flat square of plywood, as you suggested, would be a better approach.
It sure "looks pretty good" to me. Superb results! I really appreciate watching your gentle approach to your furniture restoration. The other day, I watched a UA-cam Channel where the restorer claimed to do restorations. The 'restorer' used a very violent approach to his restoration. I cringed and felt sympathy for the hutch he was hacking away at. Your channel is a peaceful, serene joy to watch! THANK YOU!
@@johnsonrestoration weren’t the saw kerfs on the underside an earlier attempt to repair that base? It must have been severely flooded at some point in its life repaired and then subjected to another round of excessive moisture to cause that cupping again, perhaps even assisted by the kerfs this time? I understand better now why you didn’t try to flatten out entirely the base. Did you talk all these options over with your customer or did they just turn it over to you for your judgement? There’s nothing worse than pouring your best knowledge and hard work into making repairs only to have a disappointed customer. Thanks for your excellent videos and your sharing of your education with all of us. I was a Piano Technician for over 30 years. Making finish repairs was really a separate Tradecraft but I was required often to make such repairs. I can only remember one occasion where my customer did not want a period repair; they always seemed to think I could make a repair that would make the entire instrument appear as new. When that was the case I would direct them to someone in your line of work with me doing the disassembly and reassembly and moving if necessary.
@@johnsonrestoration Yep, we can easily rebuild the Parthenon to better than new condition -- but it wouldn't be the Parthenon anymore. That said, and as much as I don't mind honest wear, that bowing and those prominent cracks in an otherwise gorgeous piece of wood seem very distracting and out of place. At the risk of telling Michelangelo how to paint ceilings, would it have been possible to lift the veneer, straighten out the underlying panel, and then re-glue it back down without too much violence to the honesty of the piece? Not an armchair expert here and would genuinely like to know.
This clock case was made to live in a poorly heated house and likely did quite well for its first hundred years. Then as we got soft and wanted improved heating in our homes the poor clock case responded to the climatic change and we saw the problems. Great job in stabilizing the damage and improving the appearance. Patience and skill shown in abundance, thanks for sharing with us.
You're welcome! I believe that's true. They're shipped across the sea, where they pick up even more humidity, and then are delivered to a heated home and we see what happens
Just had my weekly zen dose of watching your restoration work. I held my breath on the inlay as I always do ☺ Such a lovely job on this grand clock case. Perfectly lovely. 🥰
Thanks! Actually, orthopedic surgery! When I broke my ankle, and they put a metal brace across the break, I could see that it was EXACTLY the same techniques. Except they always use epoxy
@@johnsonrestoration I believe it is Orthopedics at its basis, with a mixture of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery thrown in once you have diagnosed and treated the cutaneous issues as well. Craftsmanship, wisdom, patience and tenacity at it's best.
Hi Tom this a fine example of as they say, getting the patient stable. You have done just the right amount of restoration to allow the peace to go on giving pleasure for many years to come. I hope you leave a label somewhere for future craftsman to find and admire your skill and passion for your trade. With great respect. Mike
I have watched your videos for several years now. They are very instructive and entertaining and I have watched them all more than once. Keep them coming.
Very enjoyable to watch. The video quality is wonderful. I am sure it takes a lot of time setting up camera angles along with the editing. I hope you don't tire of posting them. Thanks
I wonder if the owners of the clock know how unbelievably lucky they moved to your area of this country and had you do the repairs. This excellent video was a master class in antique restoration, veneer work and finishing. Your clamping skills alone would have made a great video. Thank you.
I have watched every video Tom has put out and enjoyed every one. I have worked as a Carpenter for 44 years and learnt cabinet making from my father. I am thinking of volunteering at my local Antique furniture restoration shop here in the uk to further the knowledge especially the finishing technique staining and toning etc. That's how much Tom has inspired me, thank you Tom for great video's appreciate them.
@@johnsonrestoration I am giving it some serious consideration Tom. If the guy asks me what should we do with this, I will tell him rub it with 4 wrot steel wool and polish it lol.
Here it is, the first week and half of 2021 and boy do I need to work through some heavy stuff. Watching and listening to the thoughtful and methodical process laid out in the restoration process helps me in my own thought process. Thanks.
Hello The respect and care you show when restoring these beautiful pieces of furniture is wonderful to watch. Not to mention the precision and minutiae involved. I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos dear Sir. Thank you
All credit to you Thomas. This has to be the most difficult / complicated repair I have seen you do. And picked up a few tips. Using the tape to hold the washers 😎
Preserving and stabilising its history whilst giving the piece a future. [Early 19 Century? My God!] And working inside that lower case?..you don't need carpentry skills, you need the skill of a gynecologist... Because a gynecologist can decorate your hallway, through the letterbox! Incredible work Tom, absolutely incredible.
Great video showing the patient deductive reasoning process that a restorer must use to successfully solve the effects of time and wear. As always a masterful job. I have been looking forward to making the time to watch the video since it was posted knowing it would be a great use of my time.
I kept checking all week for one of your video's, and was going to bed (after midnight!) and upon checking found this one ! so guess who stayed up even later to watch it all the way through!. Yep! and always enjoyed every minute as usual. I applaud your refrain on "playing" with some of the "solid raised veneer". you're right you would have made more problems than what was needed "leave well enough alone. as Mark Twain said "If it ain't broke! don't fix it!" I learned that lesson the hard way long time ago as did you I can tell!. Thanks again Tom for another superb lesson, and above all for sharing.
I finally found a quiet hour for this one and it was worth the wait. Amazing work and I learned a lot ...again. Thanks so much for sharing your methods. It dawned on me that I never fast forward your vids because they are so fascinating.
You're welcome! That's good! I haven't thought about that before - I too will fast forward just to get past the BS and to the part of the video I want to see. I always try to minimize the talking, and we keep the action moving so I think that's the difference. I appreciate you watching and commenting!
I am in awe of your attention to every detail and patience to fix or repair any piece of furniture you work on! If only more craftsmen would have this level of professionalism. Wonderful video.
I have watched many of your videos, but I feel I am not knowledgeable enough to comment on them as I know very little about the technics that are involved in these restorations, but never the less I am learning from what you do. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. Martin. (Thailand)
I am completely impressed with your skills. While you may not have worked as a carpenter, you sure have skills of a fine cabinet maker. I thought it was trashed and that you'd just repair the front face and stain it to match the rest. It's absolutely beautiful. Sure there are still cracks, but what doesn't at that age and been moved to a different climate? Great job. I cannot wait to have my DH watch this. Thank you for the fun ♥♥♥
Hi Tom....once again, a very impressive set of skills in craftsmanship, patience, and perseverance. I'm really getting a better understanding of your use of clamps....more as engineering and structural apparatus than merely vise operations. All the best and a big hug for Ella Bean!
It’s too bad the wood warped like that but it is over 200 years old and still inside a home. That was a job that just kept going and going, much needed repairs, wonderful job, looks fabulous Tom. Thank you
Yet another tricky set of situations dealt with by thinking of a solution and working the problem as you go.Really enjoy how you explain your thought process as you progress.Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, its always such a pleasure yo watch you work.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Apparently I am not the only person who appreciated the restorative value of your videos, not only to the pieces of furniture but also to our souls! Many thanks for sharing with us.
I thought the same thing when I started watching! Taking care of lots of geriatrics, in one way or another, it's a good thing!
Wow, thank you! It means a lot
Thank you!
I have watched many of your videos, and am amazed at how similar my approaches to issues are to yours. I have restored a number of pieces over the past 55 years. In the early days of our marriage, it was economically necessary to furnish our home, and I learned by doing. We even use the same tools; identical putty knife, palette knife, pocket knife, scraper.........and Old Brown Glue! We are even fanatical about sharp chisels! I maintain and repair the furnishings in a 1804 historic home. Today I will be doing the stringing and fan inlays on a 18th century cellarette I am building. Thanks
Thanks Carey! I like that - it's interesting to think we are working along the same lines. I always feel a bond to the original makers of the pieces I'm working on, and the same feeling when I hear about people such as yourself taking the same approaches. Did you ever work as an engineer? My brief experience working for engineering companies greatly influenced how I work on furniture
@@johnsonrestoration My only engineering experience was as an Army engineer officer, which is not to say I am an engineer; my education was chemistry and business. I worked in technical management until retiring at 70; started my own consulting business the next day. Still working some at 78.
I noticed that we remove nails in exactly the same manner; protect the wood with the putty knife and use the wire cutter; although I sometimes use a Vise Grip, the one with the rounded nose.
Today, a neighbor asked me to make some small spindles for a chair arm. They disassembled the chair and lost the spindles. He brought a cell phone photo of another chair and some measurements. He said it was red oak - it was actually mahogany. I don't do much with the lathe, but in an hour we had 8 spindles. He went home very happy - dodged the bullet for losing the spindles!
I've been asked to repair a split rear leg on a 1790 Queen Anne highboy in the historic site. I can do it, but the question is should I? The piece was appraised at $87,000, and is owned by the state. Naaaah, not gonna touch it!
Stopped everything to sit and watch and bask in something peaceful. Wonderful job. Thank you for the video.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
I do the same thing. Tom's videos are my zen moments!
Apart from the superb craftsmanship, can I just say how much I appreciate the absence of ads and promotional messages in your videos. Such a brilliant channel!
Thanks! Well, the ads are coming! UA-cam's been pretty aggressive about it, we have no control over the ads.
@@johnsonrestoration In Australia I have always had ads popping up from time to time, mostly with a "Skip Ad" option. Not too bad - and I assumed from You Tube.
I don't know why but other youtube channels have so many ads that i just quit watching them.
@@robynwilliams8110 Try Slimjet for browser settings. I don't see ads when others are bemoaning them. I only really use it for YT, it also allows downloading a lot of them, which guarantees uninterrupted viewing and even more handy, gives an Mp3 when you only want the sound or a tune.
Great work. Thank you so much.
“I’m just gonna leave it alone. I’m not looking for trouble.” Wise words.
Cardinal rule too with car repairs that don't need repairing.
It is Tom's repertoire of experience setting off alarm bells in his mind.
Thanks! It takes a while to really learn that!
Yes! Thanks!
I like that! Thanks!
“I think it looks pretty good.” UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR. 😉
Thank you!
The first thing I do when I look at the notifications: is there one from The Master? Yes! And almost an hour! 2021 could not start better. Problem solving and sympathetic masterful restoration. Nobody repairs veneer like you. The best. Take care!
Thank you! I appreciate your comments!
Just come across this video and craftsman. It is so nice to see properly sharpened chisels with shiny backs!
Thanks! Yes, nothing like it!
Thank you, Thomas. I think we all need this right now. Cheers...
You're very welcome!
The craftsmanship is outstanding and the video production is also in a class by itself. Thank you Tom for the closeups and all the angles you provide. You tell a unique story with your words and your images.
Many thanks! And I like it when someone mentions the camera work. I enjoy doing it
Just wondering why is it that I watch this video with a huge smile on my face?
This man is a wizard and a wonderful person.
Thank you! that made me smile!
"See if I can fixit".... oh please Thom we KNOW you can fix it. You are the wizard of woodworking...had zero doubts about your ability to fix anything
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Outstanding craftsmanship. I must also applaud the great camera positioning and editing for our enjoyment. I have been following your content for years, thank you. it has been “pretty good”.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for another brilliant video. I was amazed when you said that you had not worked as a carpenter. You certainly are a carpenter with great skills.......................Berni
Thanks! 👍 Except I am totally useless with a hammer!
Ahhhhhh, a beautiful new video!! I think your videos should be required viewing over the next few weeks, just the medicine we all need for what ails us!!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Thanks! For me too, as I can't listen to the news while making videos!
Mr. Johnson, I love the way you restore without overdoing it. Don't know if I've said it before but you are a great teacher. It shows that you have a great passion for what you do.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Happy New Year!
@@johnsonrestoration 👌
You say youre not a carpenter (I think you are) but you're most definitely a creative problem solver. I love that about your videos.
Thanks! Yes, that's true. But isn't true of all jobs? Most people don't distinguish between carpentry, cabinet making, furniture making, and finishing, but they are all distinctly different trades
Tom drops a year's worth of mad skills on January 2021. There's more than just the vast acquired knowledge, modeled diligence and creative modesty on offer here. The core gift of following his work is always hope. There must have been more than a few tears at client reveals over the years.
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate it
With all the craziness in our country, your upload couldn’t be more appreciated than right now!!
Thank you! that makes me feel good
Ingenuity, patience, skill: the craftsman's most useful tools.
Thank you! That's nice
I was worried nothing good would happen this week, then Thomas Johnson uploaded a video. There is hope America.
Thank you! That's nice
I wonder how many tears of joy are shed when a customer receives their item back from Mr Johnson. Thank you again for showing us a true craftsman at work, my best wishes to you and your family for 2021.
Thank you! I haven't seen tears, but I've seen speechlessness
Wow, one of your most complicated restorations. Beautifully done. And I so need the relaxation of watching you work after the trauma of the last few days. Thank you!
You're welcome! me too!
Knowing when to say enough is enough is the sign of a true craftsman!!! Such a beautiful clock, and a wonderful repair. Thank you for sharing!
Well said! Thanks!
Masterful work as always. The repair on the bottom panel requires so much skill to stabilize when it would have been much easier to replace that piece. I still don’t know where you get all that patience and I’m not unconvinced you don’t listen to death metal/participate in a fight club to get all the frustration out.
Thanks! good question! What happens to all the frustration? Typically I'll take the dog for a long walk in the woods - that always does the trick!
Young Thomas once again plying his exceptional trade. I needed this after the past few days... weeks... months... whatever.
Thank you.
"Plying" his trade. funny
You're very welcome!
Thanks! Well, I guess that's what I'm doing!
This is what I used to do for a living. Now that I’m retired, I really miss it.
Thanks! Yes, I'm supposed to be retired, but can't stop. Of course, the pressure's off, so it does seem like retirement
@@johnsonrestoration Do you have someone ‘waiting in the wings’ to take over?
Tom Johnson is the best. These videos started my interest in old furniture restauration and I'm still desperately looking forward to each new video. Best greetings from germany.
Glad you like them! And thanks for watching!
Yay and new and very long video!
Just what I was thinking! Watching Mr Johnson calmly put things right is exactly the balm we need after this crazy start to 2021!
@@patrickcollins5378 true, true!!!!!
@@patrickcollins5378 Calm and considered. Skills and knowledge. Civilization and in a workshop.
Thank you! First comment!
Thanks!
Your client picked the right man for that project. Well done; a tutorial on patience, planning and execution! Best wishes.
Thank you very much!
TJ: "Not bad." Everybody else: "GOT IT! PERFECT!!"
Thanks! Well, you know how it goes......
Your short videos are good when I haven’t got a lot of time on my hands but I do like these longer videos to see how you progress step by step through a complete project until it’s all “pretty good.” Thanks
You're welcome! Glad you like them!
I wonder would it be possible to remove the veneer from the underlying wood and use a hot table to steam it flat? And then re-adhere the flat veneer to more dimensionally stable old wood? I think you did a great job with this repair, but that buckling veneer would worry me going forward. I feel like the underlying wood is just going to continue to distort.
Thank you for acknowledging this.
Removing the veneer and addressing the underlying problem is usually the way to go - I don't know why he didn't at least acknowledge or discuss this. The issue is that the timber under the veneer is plain sawn and will always move around as moisture changes. What he has done here is a temporary job, much like the last two people who had a go.
Thanks! I considered that a lot, but decided the cure was worse than the disease!
Thanks! I thought about it
Thanks for watching!
Tom so goood to see you! I missed you and your voice so badly! Your videos are shuffling in a playlist at my furniture store!
That is so cool! I appreciate that! What kind of furniture store?
@@johnsonrestoration well obviously not anything that requires extensive hand craft skills! I design furniture pieces that could be made by machine works mostly! However, there is an exception: a line of products that we use hand woven wool rugs as upholstery and structure and weave it to Baltic birch plywood frames! I will send you the link to your email if you are interested
Could people send about 100 projects to Tom so we can get more videos? I love to watch him work.
I dont own anything worthy of him, lol
Thanks! I'm making as many as I can! I have about 200 videos published!
Thanks! I work on anything really, always have
@@johnsonrestoration wish i could send you my 19th c. piano from Europe...
@@fjklfdasdf What is it, a Broadwood, a Beckstein, Grotrian or something else?
After a crazy week normal service is resumed. Brilliant.
Thanks!
"ive never worked as a carpenter" -a woodworking master
Lol, yeah, that was funny.
Yes, I noticed that oxymoron too, but it was a credit to Thomas' humility, which I find endearing about his craftsmanship.
Carpentry, cabinetmaking and joinery are distinct skills.
@@alangknowles
That's exactly the point!
Thanks! Well, I haven't. Lots of different jobs, but never a carpenter
How good it is to see your art, little by little, I already know the cats, your friend, the dog, and part of your family, this shows, how good you are, you know, for me, friend, family is learning about love in the most beautiful way possible: the one that is given freely and spontaneously without asking for anything in return
Thank you so much 😀 That is really nice
It looks like it was the two glued pieces behind the boards that caused the distortion to exaggerate. I think putting a flat square of plywood, as you suggested, would be a better approach.
Thanks! It's hard to say if that structure did anything or not. Time will tell on my repairs
@@johnsonrestoration I expect it didn't do much.
It sure "looks pretty good" to me. Superb results! I really appreciate watching your gentle approach to your furniture restoration. The other day, I watched a UA-cam Channel where the restorer claimed to do restorations. The 'restorer' used a very violent approach to his restoration. I cringed and felt sympathy for the hutch he was hacking away at. Your channel is a peaceful, serene joy to watch! THANK YOU!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
That was a tough one. I would have such a hard time not trying to "fix" the warping and bowing.
Yup. I was thinking “plywood and a new veneer panel”. That case was about whipped - must have seen a lot of moisture somewhere- rusty screws.
Thanks! I thought about it a lot
Thanks! But the problem is that then it's not an antique clock anymore. The cure was worse than the disease
@@johnsonrestoration weren’t the saw kerfs on the underside an earlier attempt to repair that base? It must have been severely flooded at some point in its life repaired and then subjected to another round of excessive moisture to cause that cupping again, perhaps even assisted by the kerfs this time?
I understand better now why you didn’t try to flatten out entirely the base. Did you talk all these options over with your customer or did they just turn it over to you for your judgement? There’s nothing worse than pouring your best knowledge and hard work into making repairs only to have a disappointed customer.
Thanks for your excellent videos and your sharing of your education with all of us. I was a Piano Technician for over 30 years. Making finish repairs was really a separate Tradecraft but I was required often to make such repairs. I can only remember one occasion where my customer did not want a period repair; they always seemed to think I could make a repair that would make the entire instrument appear as new. When that was the case I would direct them to someone in your line of work with me doing the disassembly and reassembly and moving if necessary.
@@johnsonrestoration Yep, we can easily rebuild the Parthenon to better than new condition -- but it wouldn't be the Parthenon anymore. That said, and as much as I don't mind honest wear, that bowing and those prominent cracks in an otherwise gorgeous piece of wood seem very distracting and out of place. At the risk of telling Michelangelo how to paint ceilings, would it have been possible to lift the veneer, straighten out the underlying panel, and then re-glue it back down without too much violence to the honesty of the piece? Not an armchair expert here and would genuinely like to know.
I'm afraid I have neither the steady hand nor the patience to do what you do. I can admire and enjoy what you do. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Did you guys ever try to "unwarp" very old wood with steam?
You can't do that with veneered wood
Thanks! I have never had any luck getting a warp out of anything! Stanislav G. is correct
Correct! Unless you wanted to strip the veneer off! Thanks!
Thanks! I've watched that! That would work, but only on flat panels, and they would have to be separate from the piece of furniture
Yes!!!! So excited for another Tom woodworking video.
Thank you!
Thomas says, "I think it looks pretty good". I say, "me too!"
Thanks!
This clock case was made to live in a poorly heated house and likely did quite well for its first hundred years. Then as we got soft and wanted improved heating in our homes the poor clock case responded to the climatic change and we saw the problems. Great job in stabilizing the damage and improving the appearance. Patience and skill shown in abundance, thanks for sharing with us.
You're welcome! I believe that's true. They're shipped across the sea, where they pick up even more humidity, and then are delivered to a heated home and we see what happens
Ironic to see a socket wrench being used in the delicate restoration of a 200 year old tall clock. Well done.
Thanks Tom Johnson! Yes, I hadn't thought about it until I saw the video - it was good
I would love to spend a few days with this man and learn from him. Such talent in restoring all kinds of furniture. Amazing.
Thank you! But you do have the videos!
To reiterate another comment he says "I've never worked as a carpenter" is so funny but it sure looks like you've worked as an engineer
Thanks! Yes, I have an engineering background
Just had my weekly zen dose of watching your restoration work. I held my breath on the inlay as I always do ☺ Such a lovely job on this grand clock case. Perfectly lovely. 🥰
Thank you!
It’s like watching open heart surgery, only on wood.
Thanks! Actually, orthopedic surgery! When I broke my ankle, and they put a metal brace across the break, I could see that it was EXACTLY the same techniques. Except they always use epoxy
@@johnsonrestoration I believe it is Orthopedics at its basis, with a mixture of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery thrown in once you have diagnosed and treated the cutaneous issues as well. Craftsmanship, wisdom, patience and tenacity at it's best.
Your patience and repair skills never cease to amaze me. You made the tired old lady beautiful again and ready for the next hundred years.
Thank you very much!
Standing ovation for The Master Repairer of Inlay and Veneer. Bravo, bravo. 🅰️➕
Thank you!
absolutely mesmerising to watch, more please!!
Thank you! Working on 'em!
Hi Tom this a fine example of as they say, getting the patient stable. You have done just the right amount of restoration to allow the peace to go on giving pleasure for many years to come. I hope you leave a label somewhere for future craftsman to find and admire your skill and passion for your trade. With great respect. Mike
Thanks! I like the idea of a label!
Magical work, it looks way more than ''pretty good'', Mr Johnson. I am amazed by your level of skill. Well done you.
Thank you very much!
I have watched your videos for several years now. They are very instructive and entertaining and I have watched them all more than once. Keep them coming.
Wow, thank you!
Very enjoyable to watch. The video quality is wonderful. I am sure it takes a lot of time setting up camera angles along with the editing. I hope you don't tire of posting them. Thanks
You're welcome! I enjoy doing it
If clients really knew how much time this all takes they would be amazed!!!
Always fun watching you work.
Thanks! True! I'm trying to remember to state that at the end of each video
It’s a pleasure to watch a master craftsman at work!👍
Thank you!
I have gotten so hooked on your channel! I have always loved woodworking and I like that you are old school
Awesome! Thank you!
I wonder if the owners of the clock know how unbelievably lucky they moved to your area of this country and had you do the repairs.
This excellent video was a master class in antique restoration, veneer work and finishing.
Your clamping skills alone would have made a great video.
Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate your kind words
Each of your videos is better than any block buster at TV. Thank you for let us take part in your rich experience and knowledge.
Joerg
Berlin, Germany
Wow, thanks! I appreciate it!
Who would ever put a "dislike" to such videos? amazing job, as always. I learn so much with every video you make. thank you.
jealousy? maybe
You're welcome! It's my understanding that a lot of that is from bots
hard to say. I've been told it's bots, who have to dislike some videos to maintain credibility
I have watched every video Tom has put out and enjoyed every one. I have worked as a Carpenter for 44 years and learnt cabinet making from my father. I am thinking of volunteering at my local Antique furniture restoration shop here in the uk to further the knowledge especially the finishing technique staining and toning etc. That's how much Tom has inspired me, thank you Tom for great video's appreciate them.
Wow, thanks! I appreciate your kind words. And yes! you should volunteer
@@johnsonrestoration I am giving it some serious consideration Tom. If the guy asks me what should we do with this, I will tell him rub it with 4 wrot steel wool and polish it lol.
A beautifully crafted case deserves an equally well crafted and caring restoration. Nicely done.
Thanks! That's nice
Clamping up and setting that wacky wood was an absolutely masterful feat of engineering.
Thanks! That's the fun part!
Very challenging job, this is where years of experience comes into play. Excellent conservation. And as usual very enjoyable to watch.
Thank you very much!
Remarkable! Unbelievable patience and attention to detail.
Thank you!
Here it is, the first week and half of 2021 and boy do I need to work through some heavy stuff. Watching and listening to the thoughtful and methodical process laid out in the restoration process helps me in my own thought process. Thanks.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
In the throw away times we live in these days it is really refreshing to see patient, skilled repairs that preserve a treasured piece of history.
Thank you! I might use that! I appreciate it
I learn ALWAYS something. Thank you so much for your free teaching.
You're welcome! me too!
Hello
The respect and care you show when restoring these beautiful pieces of furniture is wonderful to watch. Not to mention the precision and minutiae involved. I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos dear Sir. Thank you
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
All credit to you Thomas. This has to be the most difficult / complicated repair I have seen you do. And picked up a few tips. Using the tape to hold the washers 😎
Thanks! Yes, it was still a pain though
Your skills makes it look easy... I’m looking enchanted at an authentic masterpiece
!
Thank you!
It does indeed look pretty good! You did it again Tom! 😊
Thank you! You're really watching all the videos!
Well done Tom, your patience with repairing veneers is commendable…👍
Thank you!
Lovely sympathetic restoration. As always.... immaculate attention to detail. Beautiful to watch.
Thank you very much!
Preserving and stabilising its history whilst giving the piece a future. [Early 19 Century? My God!]
And working inside that lower case?..you don't need carpentry skills, you need the skill of a gynecologist...
Because a gynecologist can decorate your hallway, through the letterbox! Incredible work Tom, absolutely incredible.
Thanks! That is a really good and original analogy! I will use that!
Great video showing the patient deductive reasoning process that a restorer must use to successfully solve the effects of time and wear. As always a masterful job. I have been looking forward to making the time to watch the video since it was posted knowing it would be a great use of my time.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
I kept checking all week for one of your video's, and was going to bed (after midnight!) and upon checking found this one ! so guess who stayed up even later to watch it all the way through!. Yep! and always enjoyed every minute as usual. I applaud your refrain on "playing" with some of the "solid raised veneer". you're right you would have made more problems than what was needed "leave well enough alone. as Mark Twain said "If it ain't broke! don't fix it!" I learned that lesson the hard way long time ago as did you I can tell!. Thanks again Tom for another superb lesson, and above all for sharing.
Thanks! It's amazing how long it has taken to learn that lesson
Master of Antique furniture restoration !!!
Thank you!
You were a whirlwind of competent craftsmanship on this mega-job! Lovely result.
Thank you very much! I like that!
I finally found a quiet hour for this one and it was worth the wait. Amazing work and I learned a lot ...again. Thanks so much for sharing your methods. It dawned on me that I never fast forward your vids because they are so fascinating.
You're welcome! That's good! I haven't thought about that before - I too will fast forward just to get past the BS and to the part of the video I want to see. I always try to minimize the talking, and we keep the action moving so I think that's the difference. I appreciate you watching and commenting!
I am in awe of your attention to every detail and patience to fix or repair any piece of furniture you work on! If only more craftsmen would have this level of professionalism. Wonderful video.
Thank you!
What a way to spend a Saturday morning. watching the Master at work. The nice part of Tom's videos is that I learn something from every video.
Thanks! And I learn something every time I make a video!
Such incredible work. I love the way you take suggestions and give credit when due. That was a quick 50 minutes for sure. Too quick!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I have watched many of your videos, but I feel I am not knowledgeable enough to comment on them as I know very little about the technics that are involved in these restorations, but never the less I am learning from what you do. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. Martin. (Thailand)
You're welcome! Yes, I'm trying to pull back the curtain
I am completely impressed with your skills. While you may not have worked as a carpenter, you sure have skills of a fine cabinet maker. I thought it was trashed and that you'd just repair the front face and stain it to match the rest. It's absolutely beautiful. Sure there are still cracks, but what doesn't at that age and been moved to a different climate? Great job. I cannot wait to have my DH watch this. Thank you for the fun ♥♥♥
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Another beautiful rescue. The melting wax gave me some great ideas. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Amazing even after I have watched this 50 times.
Thank you! That's high praise!
Oh, the suspense! I couldn’t imagine how you would fix such a damaged piece, but patience and skill triumphed. I so enjoy your videos!
Thank you so much!
Wonderful. I grew up in Devon, about an hour and half a drive from where this wonderful clock was made!
That's amazing! Small world! Thanks!
Now that was a heck of a repair. Well done, Sir!
Yes it was! Thanks!
Hi Tom....once again, a very impressive set of skills in craftsmanship, patience, and perseverance. I'm really getting a better understanding of your use of clamps....more as engineering and structural apparatus than merely vise operations. All the best and a big hug for Ella Bean!
Thanks! Hug delivered!
It’s too bad the wood warped like that but it is over 200 years old and still inside a home. That was a job that just kept going and going, much needed repairs, wonderful job, looks fabulous Tom. Thank you
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
A master work. Thank you Thomas for this video.
Very welcome!
Yet another tricky set of situations dealt with by thinking of a solution and working the problem as you go.Really enjoy how you explain your thought process as you progress.Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, its always such a pleasure yo watch you work.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Great work again, especially I’m not looking for any trouble...... learned a lot as usual! Thank you!
You're welcome!
My favourite episode to date, and I've watched them all many times . Thank you for this peace in such troubled times Thomas. 🧡
You're welcome!