What an impressive gift he made. A true craftsman! You have restored and repaired this rosewood writing box with gentle respect and acceptance of its age. I absolutely love all things ROSEWOOD! Thank you TJ !
Hi Tom, I only recently found your channel. Last night I was ill and could not sleep. I watched one after another of your videos. Your professional and calm approach are a pleasure to watch. Thanks for helping me through last night. Best regards, Mike, UK
The camera work in this series is a joy to behold. Thank you Mr Johnson for sharing your skills and Thank you to whoever is helping him do that with your camera.
Dear Tom. You are a true master carpenter. Your skills and knowledge is absolute hats off. I live in United Kingdom London and by accident saw your video whilst searching for french polishing. I now watch your restoration videos and enjoy learning how you sympathetically restore some beautiful vintage furniture. Thank you Tom. You are a true gentleman and its a new addiction to see your videos. I am car guy and love old cars and repair my own collection.....cars with carburettors and points which, sadly the generation of today are clueless.
Thanks! I appreciate it! Just the other day I was trying to explain to a young person about carborators and the choke mechanism. I have a 79 MGB, and it's amazing how you use all 4 limbs and you are in tune with the vehicle. They will never know what it means to drive a car
I think the art of restoring antiques is to do as little as possible and keep its integrity intact. You are certainly the master, and we are just the novices looking for inspiration. My last project was restoring a 19th century Davenport desk that had seen better days. It came out shining after two or three weeks work and sold at auction for a reasonable price. Enough to cover wax and other bits and pieces spent on it. It's all about the enjoyment of bringing stuff back to life for me.
Tom, many thanks for sharing your years of experience with us. Your shop gives me a warm feeling of days gone by, and great memories of hours spent amongst the various aromas of wood, and stuff in glass jars.
I was sick for all of February and stuck in bed or the couch and I was wondering what I could do to occupy my time. By luck I came across your UA-cam site and was drawn in and was amaze at the quality of your work and how patient you are and how you are able to explain your work to others. I believe I have seen all of your episodes as of today and viewing re-runs now. I wish to thank you for occupying my sick days and teaching me about your craft. I did pick up a lot of lessons from you with which I will use taking care of my furniture. You are a master at your craft and not bad at teaching. I look forward to your new episodes in the future and will miss you when you retire. O by the way this 71 year old has to tip his hat to you. Best wishes and God bless you.
My family used to own a number of writing boxes. One was of particular interest to me. It was a very dark wood box with a mother of pearl inlay on the lid. When I was a boy I discovered that, if the partition forming the compartment for the inkwell was pulled up, a secret compartment opened, revealing three small draws. This was news to the rest of the family.🇬🇧
Tellement agréable de vous voir si respectueux de votre travail et de la demande de votre commanditaire de garder la patine de cette écritoire. Bravo !
Tom, your closing remarks say it all about the art of restoration, both in terms of the skills and techniques you use and the attitude of respect toward the antique itself and the deep meaning it has to the owners. Some of those old 'mileposts' sit crooked but firm; Better that than supplanted and forgotten. Your work is very much appreciated and admired. Thanks for sharing it with us.
A fine little piece and each scuffmark and even the bowed sides show it's family history. Working around that painted monogram for refnishing would've been very difficult too, I imagine. Thanks for making and sharing this video.
Once again, you show your years of experience, and best of all, your love for what you do. The thing that always comes through to me, is the love and respect you have for the wood/item. And like others I applaud your restraint not to go too far with the repairs or finish.To change that finish is to alter a 100 years of living and showing that life in it's appearance. Well done Tom and once again thank you very much for sharing. .
Enjoyed the video Tom. You did another great job. It looks nice and is kept original. Neat story behind it. That is really nice you have your Dads inlay supply box. Beautiful chickens. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video.
I have watched you now for quite a number of years now and it really think this box has been one of your best. The respect that is paid to the owners wishes and the wood itself. I have in the past done many repairs on items such as this and it is really hard to know when to stop. In this case you really nailed it rather than ruin a family heirloom with a restoration. Great job as usual, Thomas. Thanks.
Small pieces such as this, can become time consuming when they throw up unforeseen problems. It's often difficult to know when to stop. It's a nice wee thing. Thanks for posting.
A real restauration work of love, it has recovered all the beauty and functionallity still preserving the its history with respect ! Bravo ! The gran-child will treasure it forever ...
Wood - a once living, always organic building material, subject to change over time and climate. Building a piece to survive these for 20 years is something. 100 years, amazing.
Absolutely amazing work Tom. You are so considerate and delicate in keeping the history for your clients instead of just (fixing things) as many others do. Hats off to you
I want to think you still find joy in what you're doing; it's satisfying work, and can earn a modest living, but there's something special about bringing these old things back to life that I'm hoping you'll say stays special over the years. Thank you for giving me these videos.
Hi Tom. New to your channel. I am a woodworker, but mostly work on new pieces. I have really enjoyed learning about the restoration side of things. Seeing how things fall apart (or don't) offers many lessons on how to put them together in the first place:) I appreciate your approach and will continue to watch. Cheers
I am so sentimental about passing down of family treasures; this nearly brought tears to my eyes. I hope the newlyweds were thrilled to receive this most precious gift. You did a beautiful and loving restoration on the gorgeous piece.
What a charming memento of his grandparents for the owner. It's sad that nowadays so few people enjoy letter-writing. It's definitely a dying pleasure to send & receive letters.
Thanks! I keep telling myself I must write letters! Well, I had at least better get started on my Christmas cards, and will write a brief note in each one
Hi Tom....another great lesson in patience and restraint.....understanding when the piece has been restored as far as it should be. Best wishes, stay warm, and hugs for the black Lab!
So interesting to see these repairs, and so nice to see there are still true craftsmen around!!. The people of Maine are lucky to have a shop like this around!!
Tom, you are one incredibly patient person. Beautiful job on that lap desk. I'm sure they will understand that you can't overcome the warp without reconstructing the box. Nicely done.
This had lots of the elements I enjoy the channel for. First the care, attention to detail and patience whilst working on the piece. And also seeing a beautiful piece of furniture I never knew existed. Always a joy seeing your work Tom. Thank you for sharing
Really enjoyed watching; incredible attention to small detail. Though a COMPLETE amateur woodworker, boy do I learn and understand a lot watching you...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.
I like your openings and endings of your videos. Your repair work is so interesting to watch to see how you can repair some old basket cases. So many tricks to repairing old furniture. Amazing patience working out problems with the wood. Great job recording your repairs.
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I recently started a UA-cam channel trying to demonstrate how to repair more modern furniture since it is always breaking, and I have a lot more respect for all of the UA-camrs who make an edit their videos every week! So much work
Beautiful repair! So glad you didn't fully restore the finish. The 100 year old patina from those who used it is what makes it a treasure!! Pats to Ella!
The respect you show for the original craftsmen's work and materials they used at the time is certainly notable, and watching you work is truly akin to watching any artist. I wish we lived closer so someone in my family could apprentice with you and learn from your expertise! Through inheritance, we have a number of antique pieces of varying styles and periods in our home which seem to be drying out. We also have several 9 foot wood doors which my father had stripped to the natural finish and a former trio of outdoor side and head light panels with lead glass; these too have a dry look to me. On one table in our home, I have used orange oil buffed in, then wiped down, but then it seems dry again in a few weeks. I would trust your input into how to best care for these pieces! I do not use modern dusting or waxing sprays. Can you share your opinion on what, after dusting well, is the best way to "rehydrate" the furniture and other wood like the doors in our home? A particular wax? Oil?
Thanks! A basic misunderstanding - when wood dries out it is due to the atmospheric conditions, it is losing moisture as the cells work toward achieving equilibrium with the air. You can put all the oil and polish on you want and it does not affect the moisture content of the wood. Raise the humidity level of your house to help the furniture
I just retired I owned a couple of car repair shops and a restomod shop I have watched this man making things beautiful again so I thought I'm gonna try this it is a great hobby very absorbing unfortunately I dont know how I have made so far firewood so I'm taking a course at a community College and I will continue to watch this show oh everything I wrecked was out of a dumpster and about 5 years old that wood bleach if used incorrectly will turn your project into firewood
Thx Tom. I get relaxed and super focused watching your tempo. I have just milled some wormy maple veneer and you have upped my woodworking skills and confidence. Thx as usual.
What an impressive gift he made. A true craftsman! You have restored and repaired this rosewood writing box with gentle respect and acceptance of its age.
I absolutely love all things ROSEWOOD!
Thank you TJ !
You're so welcome Marte!
Knowing when to not go to far into a repair shows real wisdom. Great job and thanks for posting!
Thank you!
Hi Tom, I only recently found your channel. Last night I was ill and could not sleep. I watched one after another of your videos. Your professional and calm approach are a pleasure to watch. Thanks for helping me through last night. Best regards, Mike, UK
You're welcome! Glad to have helped!
A very beautiful piece for the family to cherish for many more years.
Thanks! It is!
The camera work in this series is a joy to behold. Thank you Mr Johnson for sharing your skills and Thank you to whoever is helping him do that with your camera.
Thanks! That's me doing the camera work, I'm into it!
It is always a pleasure to watch you work. A reminder of true craftsmanship.
Thank you!
Dear Tom. You are a true master carpenter. Your skills and knowledge is absolute hats off. I live in United Kingdom London and by accident saw your video whilst searching for french polishing. I now watch your restoration videos and enjoy learning how you sympathetically restore some beautiful vintage furniture. Thank you Tom. You are a true gentleman and its a new addiction to see your videos. I am car guy and love old cars and repair my own collection.....cars with carburettors and points which, sadly the generation of today are clueless.
Thanks! I appreciate it! Just the other day I was trying to explain to a young person about carborators and the choke mechanism. I have a 79 MGB, and it's amazing how you use all 4 limbs and you are in tune with the vehicle. They will never know what it means to drive a car
Wonderful to have a genuine family antique. 😃👌👌
It really is! Thanks!
I think the art of restoring antiques is to do as little as possible and keep its integrity intact. You are certainly the master, and we are just the novices looking for inspiration. My last project was restoring a 19th century Davenport desk that had seen better days. It came out shining after two or three weeks work and sold at auction for a reasonable price. Enough to cover wax and other bits and pieces spent on it. It's all about the enjoyment of bringing stuff back to life for me.
Thanks! same here, I just love saving these pieces from the abyss! Sounds like you did a good job
Beautiful sympathetic restoration Thomas, originality only happens once, thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thomas, it was so nice of you to tell us about your father and brother having a shop. It does really run in the family. Lots of talent in those genes.
Thanks!
An absolutely beautiful job
Thanks!
A lovely and respectful restoration. Knowing when to stop shows your mastery, experience and judgement. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Tom, many thanks for sharing your years of experience with us. Your shop gives me a warm feeling of days gone by, and great memories of hours spent amongst the various aromas of wood, and stuff in glass jars.
You are welcome! I know what you mean, I love it when I walk into the shop and it smells just like my Dad's shop
Many thanks for the reply Tom. George.
I was sick for all of February and stuck in bed or the couch and I was wondering what I could do to occupy my time. By luck I came across your UA-cam site and was drawn in and was amaze at the quality of your work and how patient you are and how you are able to explain your work to others. I believe I have seen all of your episodes as of today and viewing re-runs now. I wish to thank you for occupying my sick days and teaching me about your craft. I did pick up a lot of lessons from you with which I will use taking care of my furniture. You are a master at your craft and not bad at teaching. I look forward to your new episodes in the future and will miss you when you retire. O by the way this 71 year old has to tip his hat to you. Best wishes and God bless you.
Thanks Charles! I'm sorry you were stuck in bed, but a silver lining for both of us! I'm retired from "the business" but I will continue the videos!
My family used to own a number of writing boxes. One was of particular interest to me. It was a very dark wood box with a mother of pearl inlay on the lid. When I was a boy I discovered that, if the partition forming the compartment for the inkwell was pulled up, a secret compartment opened, revealing three small draws. This was news to the rest of the family.🇬🇧
Thanks! That is really neat. The owners of the chest in this video didn't know: ua-cam.com/video/u__XGncVbM4/v-deo.html
Your attention to detail is a rare example of true craftsmanship and excellence. Thanks so much for taping and sharing. Terrific outcome!
Thanks!
How romantic, a writing box for ones’ fiancé! Perfect vid for Valentines’ Day!
Thank you! It is, but I never thought of that until after the fact!
Outstanding! I have learned so much from you, the most important lesson has been patience.
Thanks!
The true beauty of that little box is revealed...thanks
You're welcome!
Beautiful job sir!
Thank you!
Tellement agréable de vous voir si respectueux de votre travail et de la demande de votre commanditaire de garder la patine de cette écritoire. Bravo !
Je vous remercie! Je vous en suis reconnaissant
Tom, your closing remarks say it all about the art of restoration, both in terms of the skills and techniques you use and the attitude of respect toward the antique itself and the deep meaning it has to the owners.
Some of those old 'mileposts' sit crooked but firm; Better that than supplanted and forgotten.
Your work is very much appreciated and admired. Thanks for sharing it with us.
You are very welcome! I appreciate your kind words
A fine little piece and each scuffmark and even the bowed sides show it's family history. Working around that painted monogram for refnishing would've been very difficult too, I imagine. Thanks for making and sharing this video.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
This way of restoration keeps the history of all who used it alive. Great work, love it.
Thanks!
Once again, you show your years of experience, and best of all, your love for what you do. The thing that always comes through to me, is the love and respect you have for the wood/item. And like others I applaud your restraint not to go too far with the repairs or finish.To change that finish is to alter a 100 years of living and showing that life in it's appearance. Well done Tom and once again thank you very much for sharing. .
You're very welcome!
What a great piece of family history. Thank you for sharing.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Enjoyed the video Tom. You did another great job. It looks nice and is kept original. Neat story behind it. That is really nice you have your Dads inlay supply box. Beautiful chickens. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video.
You're welcome!
Beautiful restoration 👍👍👍. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I have watched you now for quite a number of years now and it really think this box has been one of your best. The respect that is paid to the owners wishes and the wood itself. I have in the past done many repairs on items such as this and it is really hard to know when to stop. In this case you really nailed it rather than ruin a family heirloom with a restoration. Great job as usual, Thomas. Thanks.
You are welcome! I appreciate your input
A good man. Knowledgeable, patient, exacting. A great guy to have a s a neighbor!
Sure wish I had a fine cabinetmaker neighbor :)
Thanks! Move to Maine!
Small pieces such as this, can become time consuming when they throw up unforeseen problems. It's often difficult to know when to stop. It's a nice wee thing. Thanks for posting.
You;re welcome! It is difficult to know when to stop!
A real restauration work of love, it has recovered all the beauty and functionallity still preserving the its history with respect ! Bravo ! The gran-child will treasure it forever ...
Well said! Thank you!
Wood - a once living, always organic building material, subject to change over time and climate. Building a piece to survive these for 20 years is something. 100 years, amazing.
Thanks! Well said!
Congratulations to the new couple. What a lovely, meaningful gift.
Thank you! I think so too
Always a treat to watch the "Master" at work...thank you.
You're welcome!
Absolutely amazing work Tom. You are so considerate and delicate in keeping the history for your clients instead of just (fixing things) as many others do. Hats off to you
Thank you!
Show me new leather for writing slopes
I want to think you still find joy in what you're doing; it's satisfying work, and can earn a modest living, but there's something special about bringing these old things back to life that I'm hoping you'll say stays special over the years. Thank you for giving me these videos.
You're welcome! And I appreciate you watching!
Oh Thomas how I love this... Thank you so much..:)
You're welcome!
Hi Tom. New to your channel. I am a woodworker, but mostly work on new pieces. I have really enjoyed learning about the restoration side of things. Seeing how things fall apart (or don't) offers many lessons on how to put them together in the first place:) I appreciate your approach and will continue to watch. Cheers
Thanks! Exactly right - what to do and what NOT to do!
A fantastic display of restorative craftsmanship....wonderful work as always!!
Thanks!
What a lovely tribute to this family...and congratulations to the young couple and their upcoming wedding! Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you! And to you too!
Thomas this is not a good work... this is pure art! Thanks for sharing your talent.
You're welcome!
Lovely heirloom! Always amazed and gratified at the care you take with each piece you work on!
Thank you!
You are a master of your craft! Well done!!!
Thanks!
So good to watch a craftsman at the top of his trade and long may it continue
Thank you! I hope so!
Now that box needs some antique fountain pens inside. Fun to watch. Thanks again.
That's a good idea! Thanks
Thank you for all you time and effort. You’re my Maine man when it comes to fixing furniture 😄😄
You're welcome! Good one!
Another Great job Thomas. Thankyou.
Very welcome!
Repeating myself: I really enjoy watching these repairs.
Thanks! And I enjoy the fact that you're watching!
I am so sentimental about passing down of family treasures; this nearly brought tears to my eyes. I hope the newlyweds were thrilled to receive this most precious gift. You did a beautiful and loving restoration on the gorgeous piece.
Thank you! I appreciate it. And it worked out well at the wedding, everyone’s happy!
What a beautiful work of art...the original and the sympathetic repairs as well. Blessings!
Thank you!
What a charming memento of his grandparents for the owner. It's sad that nowadays so few people enjoy letter-writing. It's definitely a dying pleasure to send & receive letters.
Thanks! I keep telling myself I must write letters! Well, I had at least better get started on my Christmas cards, and will write a brief note in each one
Hi Tom....another great lesson in patience and restraint.....understanding when the piece has been restored as far as it should be. Best wishes, stay warm, and hugs for the black Lab!
Thank you! And I will!
*You handle this antique with a great deal of respect. Very nice job, Tom!*
Thank you!
It truly is a joy to watch you work. Thanks for all the content.
You're welcome!
Another great video from Thomas Johnson!! Thanks so much!! ✝✡
You're welcome! I appreciate you always watching and commenting!
Wow. Good job on the lap desk. 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you 🤗
Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to film your work. You are amazing and I enjoy your videos throughly
Thank you!
Turned out just beautiful.
Thanks!
A really superb restoration that keeps the character intact. Thanks.
You're welcome!
Watching you work, is like watching music. What an interesting piece of history.
Thanks!
So satisfying to watch a gentle restoration of an Antique laptop.
Thank you!
So interesting to see these repairs, and so nice to see there are still true craftsmen around!!. The people of Maine are lucky to have a shop like this around!!
Thank you! I'm lucky they'll have me!
Tom, you are one incredibly patient person. Beautiful job on that lap desk. I'm sure they will understand that you can't overcome the warp without reconstructing the box. Nicely done.
Thanks!
Great work as always!
Thanks!
This had lots of the elements I enjoy the channel for. First the care, attention to detail and patience whilst working on the piece. And also seeing a beautiful piece of furniture I never knew existed. Always a joy seeing your work Tom. Thank you for sharing
You're welcome!
«...But,this patina represents 100 years of family history,and i think it looks pretty good!!».Thats the best closing line one could ever say!!!
Thank you! It's so true though, I try to look at all the pieces I work on that way
@@johnsonrestoration We all can see that,thats why you re such a unique artist in what you do!!
Great work. Thanks Thomas.
You're welcome!
Well done Thomas,excellent job.
Many thanks!
Really enjoyed watching; incredible attention to small detail. Though a COMPLETE amateur woodworker, boy do I learn and understand a lot watching you...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.
Thanks!
Beautiful, detailed execution of the process! The new HD camera looks great as well!
Thanks!
I love when he says "I think it looks pretty good" at the end of a video, when it looks absolutely fantastic! #understatement
Thanks!
Impressive spare beading box. Nice renovation owner should be pleased.
Thanks! They are!
As always Tom excellent work I think you were right not to refinish thanks for posting
Thanks!
Master craftsmanship, nice to see you continuing in the family business, very rare.
Thanks!
you are a true craftsman. i really enjoy watching you work you bring life back into these precious antiques while preserving the character and charm .
Thank you!
A beautiful transformation Tom
Thank you!
Beautiful work again, thanks!
You're welcome!
enjoy this detail and intensive use of your skills, txs for sharing
You're welcome!
I like your openings and endings of your videos. Your repair work is so interesting to watch to see how you can repair some old basket cases. So many tricks to repairing old furniture. Amazing patience working out problems with the wood. Great job recording your repairs.
Thank you very much!
Fantastic!!! What a skill to have.
Thank you very much!
Awesome work. Loved it. Thanks. 🇦🇺
You're welcome!
Turned out great Mr. Johnson! Keep up the great work. I really enjoy learning from your expertise
Thanks!
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I recently started a UA-cam channel trying to demonstrate how to repair more modern furniture since it is always breaking, and I have a lot more respect for all of the UA-camrs who make an edit their videos every week! So much work
Wonderful video with a great outcome, Thank you.
You're welcome!
Love your restauration as much as your dog and chicken !
Thanks! me too!
Beautiful repair! So glad you didn't fully restore the finish. The 100 year old patina from those who used it is what makes it a treasure!!
Pats to Ella!
Thank you! And I will!
Excellent work, nice and methodical repair.
Thank you very much!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you!
I absolutely love your work!
I'm so glad! Thanks!
Masterful work, Tom. Very enjoyable as always.
Thanks!
Last shot, the best! Master and trusted friend. (Master on the left)
You got that right!
Exactly , being patient is what it takes. I think that's pretty good.
Thanks!
It's nice to see another person from Maine on UA-cam doing such a beautiful job.
Thanks!
It indeed look pretty good... Again an amazing job of restoration. Thanks for uploading...
You're welcome!
Fascinating repair Tom...👍
Thanks!
The respect you show for the original craftsmen's work and materials they used at the time is certainly notable, and watching you work is truly akin to watching any artist. I wish we lived closer so someone in my family could apprentice with you and learn from your expertise! Through inheritance, we have a number of antique pieces of varying styles and periods in our home which seem to be drying out. We also have several 9 foot wood doors which my father had stripped to the natural finish and a former trio of outdoor side and head light panels with lead glass; these too have a dry look to me. On one table in our home, I have used orange oil buffed in, then wiped down, but then it seems dry again in a few weeks. I would trust your input into how to best care for these pieces! I do not use modern dusting or waxing sprays. Can you share your opinion on what, after dusting well, is the best way to "rehydrate" the furniture and other wood like the doors in our home? A particular wax? Oil?
Thanks! A basic misunderstanding - when wood dries out it is due to the atmospheric conditions, it is losing moisture as the cells work toward achieving equilibrium with the air. You can put all the oil and polish on you want and it does not affect the moisture content of the wood. Raise the humidity level of your house to help the furniture
I just retired I owned a couple of car repair shops and a restomod shop I have watched this man making things beautiful again so I thought I'm gonna try this it is a great hobby very absorbing unfortunately I dont know how I have made so far firewood so I'm taking a course at a community College and I will continue to watch this show oh everything I wrecked was out of a dumpster and about 5 years old that wood bleach if used incorrectly will turn your project into firewood
Thanks! A lot of auto finishing techniques transfer well to furniture finishing. Good luck!
Excellent work, Sir
Thank you!
Thx Tom. I get relaxed and super focused watching your tempo. I have just milled some wormy maple veneer and you have upped my woodworking skills and confidence. Thx as usual.
You're welcome! Good luck with that veneer!