This Table was a WRECK
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- Опубліковано 18 кві 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome antique table. 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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Tom, yesterday I had to repair a broken chair and as I was clamping the glue-up, my daughter started reciting, "I'm Tom Johnson, of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine". I told her it wasn't funny, but the wife just pointed out at our black Lab girl (who was watching me work) and disagreed. Just so you know, you've spoiled my whole family!
That is really funny! I'm sorry about that. Thanks for making me laugh! I'm glad you have such a nice family, also the same as mine, 1 daughter and a black lab (mixed)!
😂❤😂😮
Hello Shelly,
How are you doing?
Please give me an update.
Lots of love.
Axx
Dear Tom, somewhere the ghost of an old master craftsman smiles at the honor that you bestowed upon his workmanship.
Thank you! That is my hope!
What a beautiful comment.
Just viewed this restoration, love to see old workmanship being brought back to life.
Greetings from 🇦🇺
Thomas, it is so great to see a professional at work. You are amazing to watch. There are not many like you. Much love and respect. Em
This viewer in the UK is pleased to agree.
@@doughill1945 ... and this one in Australia. :)
Thank you! I do appreciate it!
Thank you!
Thank you!
I think what I love about your channel most is your respect for both the piece of furniture itself and its history! If only it can speak! Again you are a master!
Thank you!
@@johnsonrestorationI want tell them I taught you everything you know
Thomas, I think some people are meant to be on UA-cam with a tutorial channel, and yo sir are one of those people. You are a master of your trade and it shows in your work. I learned more watching this video, than I have in decades. Thanks for what you do.
You’re welcome! That makes me happy! I learn a lot myself making the videos
Favourite furniture guy on youtube, really impressive craftsmanship Mr. Johnson. Agree it looks ‘pretty good.’
Thanks!
This has now become my favorite Thomas Johnson video. That table is magnificent.
Thank you!
Oh how I love watching you preserve the artistry of the"back thens"…your work is so beautiful and respectful ❣️
Thank you so much!
You truly brought this table back from the dead. Beautiful work!
Thank you!
The fact that you had a fine piece of birch stashed in your barn is so "Thomas Johnson."
Thanks! It was lucky!
Somehow the simplest things become extra special. Their beauty is from the the subtle imperfections that make them unique with a story to tell. I love it.
Well said! Thanks
I love that the furniture you restore still looks old when you've finished.
Thank you! Always my goal! Always walking a fine line...
If I lived anywhere close to Gorham, Maine, I'd drive over just to pet that lovely table. UA-cam needs to add another reaction button: "Really, REALLY thumbs up", just for work this good. Thanks for sharing this with us.
You're so welcome!
It's such a pleasure to watch you care for these pieces and bring them back to life
Thank you!
Thanks for taking us along on your "Basket Case" series - the series gives us an idea what can be done with furniture that most of us would throw out.
Thanks! Yes, I like it too
Wow. Tom, I could write a paragraph. I love how you showed your process of researching online and with books. I also kept laughing at your "off-camera" footage and I have a hunch that was you winking at us!.I know the feeling of liking a product and then hearing they're going to discontinue it. You want to buy every remaining item on Earth so you never run out. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for the content, Tom!
You're welcome! You're the first person who has ever mentioned my joke "off camera"!
I loved every single second of this film. What a gorgeous little table. Thank you, Tom.
You're very welcome!
I truly CRINGE imagining how any other person would have disrespected this precious antique table. This is nothing more than amazing!
I can hear it now: "This table top is in awful condition, but I'm sure a couple coats of chalk paint will fix it right up and I can put it up at my yard sale next week for $20!"
Thank you! I feel the same way!
I need to stock up on chalk paint! Thanks
Good Job Mr Johnson - It's a pleasure learning from you.
That’s great! Thanks for watching
Love the video. My father was a professional wood worker and owned a furniture manufacturing company. It's so nice to see a true master restoring. Thank you for your time. My father would have loved to see your work.
Thanks! I wish he could have too, I wish my father could see what we’re doing too!
Morning coffee and Thomas Johnson. A good way to start the day off.
I was doing the same thing
@@ruthfarlow2892likewise!
Thank you!
That's funny! Thanks!
So good! Thanks!
My mom collected antiques, we would watch your channel. She passed 6 weeks ago, she would have loved that table. Cheers from VA.
I'm so sorry about your mom! I wish she could have seen it too! All my best to you
The new birch table top is absolutely gorgeous. One would never know this wasn't original. I can see a lady with a long swishing skirt gently setting a small tray on the table with a teapot, a bowl of sugar, a tiny pitcher of cream and one cup and saucer. A perfect hot drink with a book next to this adorable table. Another outstanding success. I love watching you work, Tom. Thank you for posting.
You’re so welcome! It’s next to my favorite chair with a book I’m reading. But I’m not putting on the skirt!
I love these videos. My mom had an antique shop while i grew up with a restoration business on the side. Always filled me with joy seing the new life they brought to antiques and how happy people were, getting their family heirlooms back. Wish i could learn to restore but i dont have the space or time for it. So for now i just watch videos like this. Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome! I’m glad that my videos help bring back those memories
Fascinating project, Tom and great result. Just amazing how those legs had survived the elements and still looked so good. Makes me think...what else have you got in that shed LOL!
Yeah...like that car under the clear plastic sheet! 😁
Thanks! I was amazed too at how the legs looked. I assumed I would have to sand them
How did you notice that? Good eye! A 79 MBG
Thanks! I was amazed too! I assumed I would have to sand them
Good eye! 79MGB
Another enjoyable episode. And learning again. I have always 'wet', and then de-nibbed with the grain. Your explanation of going at 45deg across the grain makes more sense. Thank you as always Sir.
You’re welcome! Yes, it really makes a difference
Watching you work soothes my soul. Thank you for giving beauty, peace, and knowledge in a world that can be pretty harsh and ugly. We all need more of you and your gifts.
Thanks again! That’s very nice
Superb restoration Tom. The way you explain what you are doing and why you are doing it at every stage is an absolute joy to to watch. I find your work very therapeutic and relaxing. Thank you so much Tom
You're very welcome!
I learn so much from you Tom! Thank you
You’re very welcome!
Thomas, I believe that was your lovely wife, Jane, that graced us with her presence and added her two hands to the job. Thank her for us. The richness of the wood takes me back to my childhood and the furniture that was around during the time I grew up. You do fine work Young Man. Take care and may you continue to be blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Thanks John! Yes, that was Jane! An accidental cameo!
@@johnsonrestoration May you continue to be abundantly blessed. Thank for sharing your skills and dedication. 🙏
Just another day in the shop performing miracles and creating heirlooms!
Oh yeah! Thanks!
If I am allowed to enter heaven I will wait for You to humbly ask if You accept me as an apprentice... Well, You already give me a glimpse of what heaven must be like, for Your work is from far beyond this world. Sorry for this "loaded speech", it just makes me so _happy_ to watch You working on all those wooden furniture pieces and I try to find words to express the amount of joy and happiness You give me with that. The only sad thing is that the videos _end_ ...
It's because of You that I dared to veneer some selfmade drawers and spend more time with woodworking and furniture and by doing that bringing more peace and contentment and grattitude into my life. Thank You Mr. Johnson, You are so awesome!!!
You are so welcome Chandra! It means a lot to me
Beautiful table, Mr. Johnson. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Tom, as usual, your "Pretty Good" is "Most Excellent"! I forget how many years I have been watching your videos but it makes my day when I see a new episode appear! ...What, Me Worry!...
Thank you! And thanks for acknowledging Alfred P Neuman!
@@johnsonrestoration I only know Alfred E Neuman... is Alfred P Neuman his brother? 🙂
Getting into antique restoration myself and find your videos both inspirational and a smorgasbord of information. Thanks Thomas for taking the time to put these up.
You're welcome! Good luck with all your projects!
Because of you, I now have some old brown glue in my shop. My mom freaked when she saw the ingredients.
Whoever that lady was in the flannel, she’s my soul sister. I live in flannel shirts over thermals in the winter.
Thanks Lorelie! Yes, that's my wife Jane. Flannel forever!
Such an amazing work that even off-camera the work is done on-camera.
Yes, how do we do that? Thanks
I simply love gateleg or similar tables! This one is really special. Thank you for saving it, Tom! Great job!!!
Thanks! Me too
Another wonderful job of saving part of our history Tom, and also you’ve saved a table yes of modest means no doubt but what a skilled country furniture maker had made for a middle class family that was so very proud to have placed in their home where friends and visitors could see it.
Nothing from IKEA or furniture stores of today could ever replicate !
Loved that you saved this honest little work stand 😊
Thank you! I'm so glad I saved it too!
Gosh, that's a beautiful table. Something you can be proud to own. 🥰
Thank you!
Hi Thomas. I have learned so much from your patient and respectful approach to restoration. One good turn deserves another- I have dozens of 18 th c drop leaf hinges and hand made screws from years of rescuing tables from skips and junk yards More than I can use in my restoration lifetime. Very happy to bundle a few up and ship them out from here in England to you, postal services willing. Let me know if you would like them and how to reach you. Best wishes. Bob Latham.
Hi Bob! Yes, thank you! That is very generous. You can get my address from my website: www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com/
Will do. Will let you know when I can get them posted.
Hi Thomas. Posted today. Should take about a week or so.
Great to see some new content. Sure do miss Ella.
Thanks! I miss her every day!
That piece deserved to be pampered and protected. Delightful details.
Thank you!
A fortuitous marriage of new to old wood. Beautifully and sensitively restored small table, preserved for future generations.
Thank you! Well said!
Excellent job 👍😎🐕🦺🐈⬛
Thank you 👍
That was wonderful Tom. I have been waiting a long time for you to resurrect that table. I will be over tomorrow to take it back
AH, HA hahahaaa!!
JIM 😮
Please do! Thanks so much!
“Off camera” magically has camera footage. Love it! 😍
Thanks! People are finally getting my little joke!
Every time i watch I learn something new about how to care for and love old things. Well, not love, but respect and care for . It upsets me when i see" restorers " Take a beautiful piece of furniture. , slap a coat of chalk paint and gold leaf on it , then sell it for very high price. Your work is like a japanese tea service. The process itself is so important to the finished piece. !!!😊
Thanks! I love the comparison to a Japanese tea service. Like they say, it’s all about the process
Well as usual Thomas you never disappoint! Fascinating watching you work, keep the great videos coming our way😁👍🏻
Thank you! I will!
That looks amazing. No one would know that the top was replaced. The patina of the top matches the base perfectly. Lovely work as usual.
Thanks so much 😊 I lucked out with the color for sure!
We loved this video. It also solved the question of what wood our flooring was made from. When you showed the highly figured birch that you were going to use as the top we knew right away that it is the same wood that is on our floor. Our floors would be from the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Thanks! Yes, Birch would make great flooring, it's so hard
Watching you work soothes my soul. Thank you for giving such joy to so many.
You’re so welcome! That makes me happy
I knew. I knew the moment you brought the table into your workshop we would see you make it shine. Such beautiful work.
Thanks for the video!!!!
You're so welcome Deete!
Friday "Brandy" night was missing someone for the last two weeks. Pleased to see a new upload.
I liked your thickness planer, looks rather compact compared to mine. Mine weighs in at 300 pounds and is a beast to move.
How unfortunate that the table top couldn't be saved. The swing out supports...wow! A trick i use to square off the legs is to place a plywood beneath the legs and screw them into their optimum position while the glue dries.
I so enjoy the learning experience of your uploads.
Happy Friday!
Thank you! I like the Brandy idea! I have done that with legs before, but with this one something was really twisted
Amazing work Tom! Your videos are great, they teach us viewers so much. Also laughed out loud when you said "Off camera" but there is video footage 😂
Thanks! I've been doing that for the last few videos, now people are starting to get the joke
@@johnsonrestoration love it haha
Well that was just lovely. I did not know you could "age" wood like that but it was your skill in just scraping not sanding that gave it that look of a long life lived. So clever and sensitively done, if anyone else said, sorry can't save the table top it would give me the shivers but I knew if you said you could replace it that something amazing would happen. Marvelous job Tom, I'm absolutely flaberghasted with how you did that, just beautiful. 👍👏👏👏👏👏👍
Thank you Jude! I appreciate it!
I've been waiting years for Thomas to do a table like the one I have upstairs. It has all the same things in need of repair. Thank you for these videos. There are many Ah Ha! moments for me, as now I can see how to fix my table. Thanks, again.
You're welcome! That's great! Good luck with it
Sheraton's country-side brother will love it.
Glad you added some off that off-camera footage.
Thanks! People are finally getting my "off camera" joke!
Yet another example of the quality and versatility of your skills Tom.
It reminded me that tomorrow I must find the “after straightening & sanding “ photos of the 1920s cabinet we have been talking about that had the badly warped & weathered top.
In the 1960s I bought an old table that had been stored near a radiator. The top boards had shrunk and one interior edge had curled up. I put a cloth and a dollhouse on it. The house was forced-air heated and air-conditioned, so a fairly even temperature. About rwenty years later I moved and found out the table had unwarped itself. The wood was still shrunk but flat now.
Thanks! Yes, it would be interesting to see!
That's amazing! Very lucky!
Lovely save. It may only be 90% antique, but it is useful again and beautiful.
Thanks! Yes, that's the important thing
WOW you started scrubbing the legs and that 1st. glimpse of the wood had me going WOW that table is beautiful.
Thanks Judith! Yes, me too! I thought - "that's what I want it to look like!"
Wow, can you imagine how old the table is. Just incredible, some one made it all by hand. It is so amazing to think the skill you had to have. Looks just wonderful how you made the top.
Thanks! It is something to think about - no lights - no power tools...
Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship and techniques. There is something special about saving something from the past.
So true! Thanks!
Kentucky is watching. Another great save. Glad to see you bring things back to life!
Thank you! Greetings Kentucky!
Tom, what a joy to watch this great video. Again, watching with my 6 year-old grandson. Thanks so much for your great work and videos. Greetings from Kenya.
Hi Chip! You're so welcome! I love that your grandson is watching - who knows? He might become a woodworker
@johnsonrestoration
When he comes over (they live quite close by), he often asks, "Can we watch the man who makes things?" He then climbs up in my lap, and we watch you. Declan is 6. Let's hope your prediction comes true.
I very much enjoyed watching this restoration. Years ago, while working at my brother's woodworking shop, I had to stain match brand new Mahogany paneling to aged wall panels already in place. I think I fussed all day and never quite felt like I got there. But the customer was happy so that's what's important. Wish I had that aging chemicals you used. All I had was a bunch of different stains to mix and try to cone up with a match. Thank you for all your videos. I always look forward to them.
Thanks! Yes, always difficult. I lucked out with this one as the color from the chemicals was right on. Potasium Dichromate is what it used for mahogany
Thank you for making these videos. I always pick up a little more information with each one I watch. I’m not a restorer but I love antique furniture that I usually find in rough but usable-ish shape and have always been afraid to improve them in case I just make them worse. I think I might be getting closer to working on them the more I watch and learn!
You are so welcome! Definitely get started! Go with the easiest one first
Looks great, Tom. Good for another 200 years!
Thanks! I hope so!
What a handsome guy!!!
I have 2 GSD’s myself, I can’t believe that he’s been there so long!!!
Hopefully he gets a home soon!❤
What?
Thanks! But I don't understand. German Shepards?
Good question!
Tom, to the casual eye one cannot tell that is a new top. Glad you are an honest man, with your skills you could produce new "old" stuff and it would pass as original. that was well done. I always pick up pointers watching you work.
Thanks! Yes, my goal is that it will pass, but if you flip it over you can tell readily
With every video I either learn a new technique for repair or I see how old furnature was designed (and how it can fail!) The chemical stain was a new one for me. Your ability to match colors is amazing. Keep the videos coming!
Thanks! I lucked out with this one
You did an absolutely outstanding job on this restoration, Tom!
Thank you!
@@johnsonrestoration you're most welcome, Tom!
Excellent! I could watch and listen to you all day 👍🏻
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks
Pulling things out of storage reminds me of a tabletop my father had picked up somewhere a long time ago. It was made of oak, 4+ feet around and as solid as could be. It was incredibly worn (as in used but not damaged) and had turned an interesting grey in color. He stored that top in his garage for a few decades, always meaning to get about using it. When he ultimately moved into a smaller home, this was one of many items which he just wouldn't have space for, so I took it off his hands, fully intending that I would also ultimately use it in a project... someday. Well that top sat in my garage for a few more decades until I ended up moving to a smaller home, where I just wouldn't have space for it. That was 14 years ago, and I still think about that thing from time to time, wishing I had gotten around to finding a use for it. Fortunately I still have a few other pieces I have yet to refinish or repurpose, so I suppose there's still hope. The table turned out beautifully.
Thanks! Well, what can you do? We can't rescue everything! I always think about the pieces I'll never have time for.
I would love to spend a few days around your shop and in your barn to see what treasures you have squrrelled away. It all comes in handy some day! Once again, a fantastic job.
Thanks! It's all going to come out of the barn eventually!
I love it. It reminds me of furniture I'd use in my grandparent's house. Thanks Thomas for the knowledge and fine craftsmanship.
You're very welcome!
God bless you, sir. You're a legend and a gem
Thank you! That’s very nice
Your skills and knowledge of wood is incredible. How you turned that little table into something wonderful. Thank you so much for this video.
You're so welcome!
Like you, I was sad that you were not able to restore the original tabletop but I can't tell you how much I appreciate your knowledge, experience, and artistry when you shared that severely warped wood is rarely if ever successfully repaired. And then you created a beautiful top - again demonstrating a wealth of talent and intentional techniques like card scraping and I am in awe.
Thank you Karen! Yes, it was a tough decision
another skilful renovation/restoration. A pleasure to watch you work. Many thanks for showing us
¡Gracias! ¡Te lo agradezco!
I love that you left the little life scars on this little table, they tell its story.
Thanks! I like that too, I think it’s important, I don’t want a piece to look new, it’s always walking a fine line
Sir, this is a beautiful job. "I think it looks pretty good !". I love watching you work. I have learned so much, watching you. I was able to revive my old dining table and captain chairs. They originally belonged to my husband's grandmother. That saved me lots of $$$$. And I have a beautiful dining set. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome! That's great! It's so satisfying
One thing I learned from this was that if Tom couldn’t repair the top then there’s hope for the rest of us. Keep on keeping on. Regards.
Thanks Peter! That made me laugh
Once again, you are something else, Mr Thomas!
Thank you! You are too kind!
Tom, beautiful job. Really enjoy the history of the piece. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and techniques with us.
You're very welcome!
Great renovation, love to see you do the practical wood work, i can relate to it. Now the staining and finishing part, that’s just magic to me, but very impressive. I really liked the hand cut pocket holes in the base
Thanks! I liked those too!
Wow! ,Tom, that two part chemical did wonders. Your bag of tricks is bottomless. Beautiful job. Thanks, Jim k.
You're welcome Jim!
Great work again Tom, very relaxing watching you work and apply your skills and experience to the old table.
Yes, it would have been nice to salvage the top, but sometimes things have just had their time. Now the table can be used for another 200 years!
Thanks 👍 I agree!
lovely little table, saved for another 100 years
Thanks! At least!
It’s so satisfying to learn how to do this kind of work even though I will never actually do it. Watching masterful work is in itself edifying.
Thanks Bill! I like that
I get so much joy & satisfaction from watching these. My grandpa was a craftsman. If only I had taken more shop classes
Thanks! Never too late!
That is a georgeous little hall table. Brilliant.
Thanks!
Great job Tom. I love how revive these simple pieces of furniture.
Thanks!
A pleasure to watch. A thoughtful and considerate restoration. I appreciated the gentle and approachable expert commentary, too. Lovely job! You've inspired me re-beeswax my late grandmothers dining table from ca. 1920.
Thanks! Yes, take care of that table!
I'm incredibly impressed with how much detail you went into with this! Not just in the attention to the piece, but also the educating you provided the viewer. New subscriber here! 🎉
Wow, thank you! Welcome to the channel!
What a wonderful table! Made all the more special with your great care,awesome history and seeing this table back to its wonderful self. Always enjoy seeing your videos!
Thank you! So nice...
The top was far beyond refinishing. The new top looks great. Nice job!
Thanks! I think it was a good decision
Bravo Thomas what a wonderful restoration, taking a barn find and making it a worthy addition to any fine decor.
Thank you!
So nice! I love to watch people who really know what they are doing.😊
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Thomas. I do so enjoy your videos! I have to say that I have been using Water-lox for a long time. Your the first one I have seen on the web that uses it also. You have given me a lot of tips and tricks I never knew about using the product. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. A lot of us old wood workers CAN learn new information. I'm 77 and still building things. Tables for the most part. But I have restored a few old pieces too.
Thanks! Never a day goes by that I don't learn something new! (But I'm not buying any new tools!)