Repairing the Leg of a Federal Side Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2020
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine revisits a prior restorer's repair to this handsome antique Federal side chair. 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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Not only do I love your restoration expertise, I have to give a nod to the camera work and the person who edits these videos. No lazy fast forwarding, no loud music, plenty of explanation from you and last but not least, great views of the process.
Cheryl Birdsong-Juneau I agree! And so grateful for no annoying ditties in these videos!
I totally agree!
@@theresanovak4199 How do people even think those make their videos better?
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it. I do all the photography, Nick Barker is the editor. We enjoy doing it
Thanks!
Once again, a remarkable blend of artistry, skill, experience, and down-home common sense.
Thank you!
Thanks to decaf!
@@johnsonrestoration A good decaf starts the day and finishes the night!☕
“You can’t put a square on it. You can’t put a level on it. All you can do is eyeball it.” I love how you feel your way through these repairs. Such expertise!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I have been doing furniture restoration for 40 yrs .Your demonstrations show me there is still lots to learn . Thank-you !
You're welcome! Always learning! I learn something every time I make a video, actually every day!
Great job as usual! Every time you get out your Japanese pull saws I can hear my step father in my head when he gave me one. He had a heavy Dutch accent... "Hoch! It cuts on the pull stroke!" Makes me smile :)
Thanks! I love that your father gave you a hand saw. That's exactly what I always am getting for my daughter - tools! She is a woodworker so I hope she likes them!
How grateful my good wife and I are for the hundreds of hours we’ve spent in this Maine workshop looking over the shoulder of this humble and highly skilled craftsman. Thank you Tom and thank you UA-cam. We also have gratitude to God for all those fine critters that live around the workshop. There is treasure everywhere we look.
Yes indeed and all those craftsman who made these wonderful things that Tom treats with such expertise and respect. XXX
Caj Sheen He has had many chances to belittle the original makers, but withholds judgement every time. Who knows what that maker had to work with.
Thank you! You put that so well. I appreciate it!
Thanks! It's true, I feel a connection with them
That is exactly right
I am new to woodworking but have loved antiques all my life. I find your work so fascinating. Especially this video. I wish I could find a shop near me in Arkansas that does this kind of work so I could go volunteer or apprentice. I inherited my grandfather's antique tools and got started by restoring them. It's amazing how much care, detail and pride these craftsmen took with their work. Thank you so very much for preserving history in this way.
Thanks! I'm jealous of your tools!
I absolutely love watching you work your a credit to your father. I’ve seen loads of your videos now and can’t stop watching them makes me want to Restore something 👍
Thank you so much! I often think of my dad. Try it!
Thank you. I'm in my 70's and it's very relaxing to watch your great work.
You're welcome! I'll be there in 6 months
Your getting better and better describing you thoughts on the repairs and thus your approach to the repair. Nice job thanks for sharing.
Thanks! 👍 I thought I was talking too much
@@johnsonrestoration You never talk too much, Tom (at least not in these videos). Descriptions are to the point, and anecdotes/stories are always relevant and interesting.
Definitely not talking too much. You are passing on a lot of wisdom you have gained over the years and I, for one, really appreciate it.
You’re*
@@johnsonrestoration Not at all, it's my first time watching one of your videos and it was really informative and entertaining! I had no real interest in this field of work but the way you talk about things and the way the video was edited kept me watching, and I'm definitely going to watch more of these!
Your little story of the man who would put the tacks in his mouth reminds me of my late, older brother who raise nine children on his furniture repair and upholstering business in a building similar to what we see in your videos. He would fill his mouth with the tacks, and using his magnetic hammer, run a seam of tacks to close a seam or fold a tuft under. He moved so smoothly as his arm went from his mouth to the item being repaired. I often wondered how he could do it without knocking a tooth loose. I was considerably younger than him and it wasn't until I was middle aged and was repairing a footstool that I noticed that the tack box said "Sterilized" on it and a light went on in my head. They probably did that for those who put the tacks in their mouth. Thanks for recalling a good memory for me.
Morris Starkey they were called
“tack spitters”
On the cheese cloth behind old wallpaper it was figured that the saliva caused rust,and rust a better bind.
(That’s What my old boss told me anyway)
After hearing about people who used to do it,I decided I wanted to try.
I had a change of heart when a point found a tooth cavity I had. 😱
I just about found religion that day!,and never tried it again.
I just cheat now...lay em all on the bench with the heads aimed in the same direction.
Hats off big time to anyone who could actually do it,and do it quickly.
Very hard to imagine.
It’s a shame there was not more videos from the past,so many amazing talents never to be seen again.
Thanks! They do say "sterilized"! So it was expected to be used in the mouth. Amazing!
Thanks! Yes, another lost technique! Let's face it - a pneumatic stapler is far better!
Great work! I watch and always amazed at the work that you put into each phase of piece. The chair should hold up and be passed on to the next generation. 🌸🤗❣️👍
Thank you very much!
Always a pleasure to watch the Professor in action. Thank you posting such great videos.
Thanks for watching!
You're back!!! How refreshing to see my favourite antique restorer! Missed you, glad you're back.
Thanks! Already working on the next one!
@@johnsonrestoration Can't wait for the next restoration adventure.
Im super grateful to be able to watch masters of their craft do their job. It's inspiring and helps seeing those processes differently. They arent "just repairs" in hands like this.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Sir you have the most steady hand I have ever seen! Just watching you chisel and gouge away at that leg without mistake was incredible! 👍🙌🤗💟
Agree. I bet surgeons don't have steadier hands.
Wow, thanks! Thank the decaf!
Thanks!
As always, I just feel like I'm standing next to you in your shop, having this private little chat, and soaking up every bit of your great wisdom and skill! I really enjoy every moment of it.
Thanks! That's good, I like that
Amazing to watch. Loved the use of drawing for understanding at the beginning. You make it too easy. As you say, the leg was solid. Everything has an elegant solution. Thanks Thomas for sharing your process once again :-)
Thank you very much!
Just discovered your videos and am endlessly inspired by the quality of your work and the manner in which you explain your decisions. You truly make a tough job look easy! My wife and I just bought our first home, a Victorian built by a lumber worker in 1895. Much of the interior woodwork is local red cedar and white oak. Sadly it was badly neglected in the past and, although much of the original woodwork is still here, it needs repair. You've inspired me to tackle some of those projects to show the quality of original craftsmanship the respect it deserves! Thanks for sharing with us your skill and personality!!
Thanks! I’m honored to be an inspiration! A lot of woodwork just needs a good cleaning, try Murphy’s Oil Soap, then a couple of coats of shellac. Water based poly if you want satin
This is the exact way to do it. I think it looks awesome. Another great video Thomas. Your patience in these videos, really shows up in the final repair.
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks for posting this - for me it's a nice way to end a Saturday evening and forget everything else going on, just for a moment anyway. An immaculate repair as always.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Nice rescue to repair this chair Tom. I was surprised to see 2 screws in the old wood patch. I like how you layered the toner to dial in the colour. Well done. Scott 🇨🇦
Thanks Scott!
Just found your channel and I think I went through 10 videos (without skipping ahead). What really gets me is the reveal. At the end of every video "I think it looks pretty good" strikes me as so humble. You do great work, sir.
Thank you! ua-cam.com/video/mGP-CvjqmXA/v-deo.html
@@johnsonrestoration Just watched the video! It's pretty good.
Mr. Johnson. I ran across your videos about a week ago and I am so in awe of the care in which you handle the pieces...almost like a dad handling his baby. You seem to really enjoy what you do. I only hope that you have taken some youngster under your wing to carry on this craft. God has truly gifted your hands. I'm truly enjoying your videos. I watch them for hours on end.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. I have had quite a few employees over the years, I know a few are carrying on. I know that my videos are helping people all over the world! It's amazing
Slow, steady, and pay attention. I appreciate your workmanship. We're a dying breed.
All the best,
-- Joe
Thanks! Yes, often the slowest way turns about to be the fastest
Good to see you back, Tom! And to do a great job on a really lovely chair. Well done, Sir!
Many thanks! I do appreciate your comments. I suspect that you, like me, have an engineering background
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you, Tom, for the great videos - and for tolerating my sometimes intrusive responses.
Your suspicion re: engineering is correct - however I now work in something completely different, and I'm in front of a computer screen most of the day. I also have a passion for antique furniture and its restoration - though in my case it's more about "not making things worse" rather than you making things better. Take care!
Have been watching your videos for some time now and I do want to thank you for the work you are doing. I'm really inspired by your patience and the care and love you put in every project. And I absolutely love your humble 'looks pretty good' when in fact both the process and the result are amazing! Thank you so much! Warmest regards from Russia
Awesome, thank you! Wow! hello to Russia!
This has got to be one of the most satisfying repair videos I have watched. You really take your time and pay attention to every little detail. Great job there sir thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
TJ, I was thinking how proud of you the original craftspeople would be. It seems you usually have them in mind when making repairs to their work.
Thanks! I definitely do
Thomas, every time I watch you I learn something new. I am intrigued by the tools you use and all the skills you have. What an art you have. Do you teach anyone in your area? This is a craft that should be carried on! Blessings always.
Thanks! I've had many employees over the years, and now the videos! People are carrying on!
Sir thank you for sharing. My dad was a carpenter, and watching you repair this chair brings back memories of him making and repairing. I have to admit I love the old wooden cabinets that you have as well as the wooden measure. So nice to see these things being put into good use.
You are very welcome!
You always get the really tough ones. It is a great thing that the antique world has you doing this fine work.
Thank you! It is true, people come to me with the jobs that everyone else has wisely rejected!
Love when you get out the Japanese saws. 😍 Then there’s the sharp chisels. 😍
It was like watching an action movie.
Thanks! Sharpness is the key
Thanks! We do try to keep it moving!
I have been curious about the sharpening or maintaining sharpness. The ratio of time spent maintaining to time the tool is in use - or - percent of work man hours spent sharpening those exquisite chisels. 😂
I think I've found the right word to describe your work - meticulous. It's always a pleasure to watch your restorations. PS Hope your lovely dog is well
Thank you! She is!
I'm not a furniture builder or repairperson, but after watching Mr. Johnson do his expert work, I feel like I've learned from the best. The way you figure out how to repair these broken/damaged antique pieces really amazes me. Always glad to see a video posted from Gorham, Maine.
Thank you! How do you know Gorham?
I just totally love your work Mr. Johnson. Wish you had much more videos to enjoy watching, just can't get enough. I truly mean what I say. Your one of a kind and you will be appreciated for many years to come. Thank you.
You are welcome! I appreciate you watching and commenting
Indeed..."It looks pretty good!!"
Lovely work and thanks.
You're very welcome!
That was a tricky repair. Well done. Lovely chair with all its carvings.
Thank you very much!
I see where Tom has been doing this for over forty years and has really hit his stride, hopefully another twenty years at the level of craftsmanship. Thanks for the video
You're welcome! I hope so too!
Looks like a good repair from here. It's probably good for another hundred years. Neat trick for aligning the leg with those diagonal strips. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
Thanks for sharing your tremendous talent with us! The chair will last another hundred years. Keep up the great work. ATB : )
Thanks!
You remind me of my grandpa. Thank you so much for these videos
You're welcome! I'm glad you got to know your grandpa, that's nice
Normally, I don't care for dialogue when I'm seeing antiques get restored. However, this is probably the only case where the dialogue has enhanced the entire thing. I loved learning the little details about the chair and how he was working. It was really quite amazing to see!
Thanks! I try to keep talking to a minimum, and I thought I talked too much in this one - I'm glad that was not the case
That was extremely educational. Thanks, Tom.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
probably the most indepth repair ive seen so far! amazing! love the stories about your dads shop! thanks very much from chicago!
You're welcome!
I’m a 26 year old who was way into video games for 10+ years had a deadbeat father lol. Never had a scrap of handiness or patience. Until I started building garages and barns 2 years ago. This guy really is something special. I wish everyone could know how much of a true science/art this guys got dialed in. Never have humans been able to learn by the 100,000’s like this in history! Take advantage! These camera angles and narrations are pure gold. I learned 4 new woodworking tips without you mentioning a word, just watching how you do it so perfectly. Thanks for making a UA-cam channel 👍
You are so welcome! I really appreciate it. Comments like yours make it all worthwhile. And I'm so glad you picked up some tools and started building. That's what it's all about
There are many channels that restore furniture. According to my opinion the main reason that all the videos on this specific channel are so pleasant to watch is the way they are made. Switching cameras right angles proper lighting and sound no shaking etc. Of course the way the videos are presented is excellent and Mr Thomas explanations are perfect not short neither long and boring.
Thank you very much for your videos and greetings from Greece.
Thank you! I really like doing the photography, and I'm glad that people notice and appreciate it.
That was brilliant - I'd have had more of that upholstery off though, for fear of getting glue on it ! Someone else had done a nice job before, but you did an even better job on it. it's so relaxing watching you 'perform' your magic with such skill and care.
Thank you! I am always worried about getting those corners back correctly, so I didn't want to pull back too much
@@johnsonrestoration Sometimes you have to know how far to go and not go further for fear of unnecessarily opening up a can of worms. Haha. Great repair. I remember my uncle putting tacks in his mouth when doing upholstery. He said his upholstery teacher back in the day used to be able to bend a silver dollar in one hand with his thumb because his hands were so strong!
Beautiful work as always Tom. Always a joy to watch a master at work!!
All the best,
Norm in Arizona
Many thanks!
Beautiful chair. Excellent repair. The people around you are lucky to have you.
Thank you! That's nice
What a pleasure to see a true craftsman at work! Thanks.
You're welcome!
Enjoyed the video Tom. Wow, that looked like a tough job. I would have been sweating on that one. Thanks for the video. Y'all take care and God bless.
Hi Ron, thanks! me too! I needed that joint to be really tight, and I was worried about making one cut too many
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for to share your knowledge with us.
My pleasure! You are so welcome!
One of the most valuable things I've learned from Tom Johnson; it's all about the clamping.
Thanks! It's true! Without proper clamping you got 'nuttin!
After watching many chair repairs, I've come to realize you are
The Chairman...............
literally. And a very good one at that.
Love your videos, they are always impressive.
Thank you so much! 😀 I like that! Of course, frank Sinatra was known as the "Chairman"
The wood wizard raises the dead once again.
Just what I wanted to say! XXX
Thank you!
Thanks!
I was waiting for new video.
Thank you for that
You're welcome!😊 First comment!
Thank you for your skill and the love you take in keeping these works of functional art alive
You're welcome!
Très joli travail comme d'habitude bravo à bientôt salut Jeannot 🛠😉
Je vous remercie!
Are those pieces of a harp I saw near the end?
Fine work, as always. A most pleasant distraction on a COVID afternoon.
Thanks! Yes, concert harps. I'm just finishing them
“It looks pretty good...” translated to reality: “Truly brilliant work..”.
Thank you!
Of all of your videos, I think this one highlights your remarkable skill with the chisel the best--or at least it's in the top 50!! So many good ones! Thank you for sharing, Mr. Johnson.
You're so welcome! I appreciate it!
I had absolutely no idea there was such a thing as a wood surgeon, yet there you are. Amazing disection skills. Thanks for the journey. More, please.
Thanks! More coming!
It’s called “spitting tacks”, I learned about it on Baumgartner’s channel! I thought he was playing a joke on us when he first popped a handful into his mouth haha
Thomas Johnson and Baumgartner both restore beautiful works of art, they are both Master Craftsmen in their own right.
Cringe
Wow! Thanks! I've watched some of his videos, I will look for that one.
Thanks! I think of him as being in an entirely higher class than myself
? Thanks for watching!
I restored a 1927 Hoosier cabinet, watching your videos helped me repair 2 broken legs, you can't even tell they were broken.
Wow! That's great! What a good feeling. Congratulations! I'm glad that I could help
I learn so much by watching how you repair. I make Federal furniture as a hobby.
Thanks! Wow! I envy you. I need to build something
I could watch your videos again and again and again
Thanks! Feel free to!
As always LPG! Your craftsmanship shines. The twenty five minute video don’t give justice to the twelve to sixteen man hours or more it probably took. I admire your patience that comes through on your videos.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
I'm not sure how I ended up here, but I'm glad I did as it seems like I have an undiscovered interest in antique restoration. This video is wonderful, thank you. I'll be checking out your previous and future videos very soon.
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
Always a joy to watch The Craftsman. Thanks, Tom.
Very welcome!
I watch several furniture repair techs, you are a master at what you do. It's nice to see the correct steps, in a repair like this,You show me how impatient I am , I wouldn't of thought to protect that cushion, not until it was too late. THANKS.
You're welcome!
I must praise you on your patience Mr Johnson. Just watching you cut that tiny sliver from the cheek of that tenon with a hand saw is quite simply amazing. If it was me, after about 3 pulls on the saw I would have had to lie down on the floor and count to 10! :) You do outstanding work Sir.
Thanks! I didn't show the part where I'm on the floor!
One of the best and trickiest jobs you've recorded. Of course over those 56 years since you first started in your father's shop I think you've seen plenty of these 'tricky' repairs This is right up there with the checkered inlay you made 2-3 videos back. I think it looks more than "pretty good !" The depth of your knowledge and skills is something wonderful to share. Thank you.
OddJobFix PS, I'm looking into that Work Sharp tool sharpener I saw in the back ground. Looks like a great tool.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Yes, it has it's quirks but I like it a lot. Once your chisels are sharpened the first time, they are very easy to touch up and resharpen
Thanks for adding the little chickens at the end of the video, made it even better and relaxing to watch
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Your detective work and careful analysis is critical to many tasks, before the actual work is started. The payoff to such discipline sure manifested itself with this one, as a beautiful chair, restored, returns to its family of others like it.
Thank you!
Another fine furniture repair by the surgical master; explore the anatomy and followed by an orthopaedic reconstruction of a compound leg fracture! Thank you Tom
Well said! I appreciate it!
I enjoy you exploring and pinning down exactly what the problem is and working out the best possible solution. I find cleaning and waxing furniture to be very close to a Zen experience.
It truly is! Thanks!
What a beautiful, masterful restoration. I truly enjoyed the entire process. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
You're welcome!
At 16:30 the mark of a master craftsman like you sir shows on your precise and perfect cuts! Thank you for so much inspiration Tom!
You are very welcome!
*My Saturday is now complete! Thanks, Tom.*
You're welcome!
Sir, you are a very very clever man. I love your Instruction videos. May you live long and prosper.
Thanks, you too!
I would NOT have known what to do with that problem. Thomas, you are a real craftsman, and you do neat and clean work. Thank you for the video.
Thanks! I had no idea either! I figured I would just start and see where we went, and keep it simple
Nice work Thomas. Had the pleasure of working with skilled craftsman, cabinet makers, carvers and polishers.
Keep up the good work
Thanks! I will try!
My Uncle 1900 - 1972 an upholster, always kept tacks in his mouth while working. When asked if he ever swallowed any, his reply was “Only occasionally.” Always interesting to watch you Tom. Greetings from U.K. 🇬🇧
Thanks! The thought of accidentally swallowing some sends chills down my spine
you sir are a master of your craft. I loved every second of this video. The explaining of, and attention to each step was fantastic to watch. My dad would have loved this video, as well as watch everything youve posted. Thank you for sharing your work.
You are welcome! What I wouldn't give if my dad could see it too!
My favourite restorer is back! What a skillful repair again. And I am more than a bit envious about all the great tools you have... thanks again, great film!
😁🇳🇱
Thank you very much!
Thanks Tom. I’ve watched so many of your videos and learn something every time. Dave UK.
You're welcome!
this video brought back a lot of memories from woodwork class at my school many years ago, all joints and tennents were made with manual handtools (handsaws and chisels)
Thanks! That sounds like it must have been a good school, a trade school perhaps?
@@johnsonrestoration no - just a normal secondary school in the U.K (you might call them high schools) I passed the O-level and the A-level (higher exam) in craft & design where you have to design the project on paper then manufactor it using woodwork, metalwork and plasticwork skills
Chair legs with mortises and no stretchers are a nightmare, particularly if you are restricted to traditional glues etc. This was a good watch, thanks for posting Tom.
Yes, they are! I hope this one stays strong
I hadn't realised until now quite how much I'd been suffering withdrawal symptoms. Great to see you back Tom!
And yeah... it's ok ;-)
Dave
Thanks!
Your videos are amazing. I’ve learned so much from watching you work. I just glued up my first table top, it’s not perfect but without your expert tuition on gluing and clamping it would have been a disaster. Thank you! Tobias, Stockholm, Sweden
Wow! That's great! The next one will be better I'm sure
Thank you for your wonderful videos. I don't refinish furniture but I am a "Maker" and restorer of die-cast cars, I was reminded of "dry clamping" and it is a wonderful addition to my making. What a difference in stress level dry clamping first.
You are so welcome! What you're doing sounds cool!
Fascinating to watch Tom! Patience is the word of the day!
Thank you!
Watched this again, and once again got more out of it. sometimes I don't always "see/get" the wisdom of your logic the first time around. but this time I really love the idea of the "new Piece" and what its really doing. and the soundness of its strength. tons better than a dowel in my mind. Thanks again for your efforts.craftsmanship and willingness to share.
You're welcome! There are always so many different approaches you could take. I try to apply sound engineering principles, and try to keep it simple!
Never been recommended a restoration video like this before, but glad I did. Always nice to see someone skilled who takes pleasure in their work
Thank you!
i love the attention to detail and the accuracy he is working with! really beautiful job!
Thank you very much!
Only one word--astonishing. And empathic. I guess that's two words . . .
I have one word to say: Thank you!
Very sensitively done restoration. Thanks for letting us follow along.
You're welcome!
Perfectly filmed and narrated - it's always nice to hear your own thoughts when you approach a restoration. Add that to your demonstration of a lifetime of skilled craftmanship and you've got an almost perfect channel. Nice intro and outro too, the wildlife and your pets really do round off each episode. Thanks from the UK.
Many thanks! I appreciate it!
Enjoy watching your craftsmanship especially the attention to detail and engineering of the piece. Thank you for sharing.😁
You're welcome! Glad you enjoy it!