So Satisfying - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores these broken panes of glass in an antique display cabinet. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., call us at (207) 222-2266, 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).
Beautiful … professional … attention to detail… refreshing …😊
Thank you very much!
I honestly believe you are the most patient person doing restorations on all of UA-cam! Always enjjoy watching you work!! Age 73 retired carpenter.
I would completely agree, for furniture that is, this has been my favorite channel for years now. However, there’s another channel called My Mechanics I would suggest you give a shot if you haven’t already. He does various tool restorations, so very detail orientated.
@@michaelsworld6292yes, the equivalent mastery but with metal...he makes new ones to paraphrase his famous caption!
Have you seen Hand Tool Rescue? he's brilliant and hilarious. 😄
Thank you! It means a lot to me coming from a fellow tradesman!
Thanks! I'll check that out!
It’s so lovely that we still get to see Ella occasionally ❤ 👼
Thanks! I know, I wasn't sure how I would react but I like it
Hallo Tom, if you cut glass in the future dip the glass cutter in a little white sprite and use a small brush with white sprite and run it along the surface of the glass , you will find it makes the cut easier. I was a glazier for over 35 years and used this method all the time good luck.
very true. My father also used this method.
White spirit? Or sprite? What is sprite? Not the drink?!
I did wonder if wetting the glass would help, as the liquid helps cracks propagate faster.
Thank you! Sounds like good advice. Like others I'm wondering what White Sprite (or spirit?) is. Alcohol?
@@johnsonrestoration Hallo Tom! I think it's known as mineral spirits or plain old paint thinner in the US
Another great one to watch, after lunch, hiding indoors from this unusually warm afternoon sun...rr Normandy, France
Thanks!
The visual joke on the thumbnail (a pic of you and the words “100 years old”) was a good one!😂
Thanks! Haven't been too many comments on that!
It hurts a little but it was nice to see Ella again. She always looked so sweet quietly checking on you. I bawled like a baby when you announced she had passed on. It reminded me of when I had lost my own dogs. I hope you are doing well Thomas. It does get easier with time but that hurt is still there.
Thank you Kate, I appreciate it. I too wasn't sure how I would feel seeing Ella but I'm glad when I do. I think about her everyday
Nice, Tom. I liked the Ella flashback.
Me too! Thanks
The right tools for the job can make all the difference
Absolutely! There seems like there is a specific tool for just about everything!
Glazing windows was my least favorite part of old window restoration. Great job as always, Tom!
Thanks! I like it when it goes well!
The patience you had getting that putty our of there Tom.. that glass cutting tool was fantastic. It was nice of her to help you. Loved seeing Ella again too. All the best as always. Kate x
Thanks 👍 Yes, I like seeing Ella too...
We all knew at the start it would turn out perfect. The fun and satisfaction for us is watching you get there! Thanks, Tom!
You're welcome!
Whew! I was holding my breath there for a while, great job! Thank you!
Me too! Thanks!
The few times I replaced glass, I made putty snakes, laid them on the glass/frame interface and worked them in by hand.
Thanks! Yes, I have done that too, didn't work here because the frame was so small
I spend a lot of time as a glass cutter after high school. Working in a custom window shop with large sheets of glass and a tilt table. Cutters do wear out, dont be afraid to replace one if the score isnt right.
Thanks! It took a lot of failures to figure that out
I agree with Mr. Hollingsworth. I worked 5 summers in a commercial glass shop. The pros used mineral spirits to lubricate the cutter wheel during each cut. They used a shallow jar lid with a sponge inside. The sponge was soaked in mineral spirits. The pro would dip his cutter wheel before each cut. Long cuts were lightly traced along a straight edge before making the cut. Glass with an irregular surface was scored on the back (smooth) side. Large jobs called for a new cutter. Ragged edges can be sanded with a sanding block or a power sander. For large cuts the glass was scored one time with uniform pressure. Then the glass was then tapped on the underside with the cutter handle to initiate the crack. Then the drop piece was rolled down from the initial crack down the length of the cut. Cuts with a waste drop of less than 1 inch can be tricky. A good score should have a single continuous mark. Scoring glass more than once often causes bad breaks. Antique glass has variations and defects that challenge any glass cutter. Thank you for sharing your videos.
Thanks! Good advice!
Amazing craftsmanship
Thank you!
We cheered when the last piece of the octagon came off. Thank you for your video.
Thanks! That's great!
Knowing when it’s wiser to use an expert is an art!
Great job.
Very true! Thanks!
I have PTSD from re-puttying the windows in my home with my father when I was young. He (and you) have infinitely more patience than I!
Thanks! Ah, the memories!
Hi Thomas Job Johnson, 😅🤣😂, because you Sir have the patience of Job. Quality work my friend. May you be blessed beyond measure! John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Thank you John! I like being patient! It's the fastest way to get to the end
@@johnsonrestoration As a longtime, 36 years, photographer I absolutely agree. And as a believer, Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Have a blessed day Thomas.
Hallo Thomas, das war wieder eine sehr interessante und aufwendige Arbeit. Deine Geduld möchte ich haben. Ich freue mich immer wieder dir bei der Arbeit zusehen zu können. Möge es lange so bleiben. Viele liebe Grüße und eine schöne neue Woche Christel ☺👍👌👏
Danke Christel! Ich hoffe, Sie haben auch eine gute Woche (oder jetzt sollte ich sagen Wochenende)!
Thanks for the glass cutting lesson Tom. I always get nervous when cutting glass. I like your approach of doing the simple ones first! Scott
Hi Scott! First comment! Every time I cut glass I feel like I'm starting all over again. But I know I'm getting better. I finally got a professional glass "cutter". Those cheap ones from the hardware store don't work that well. You need to be confident, and that is tough!
Tom, there's nothing I enjoy more in the morning than a cup of tea and watching one of your videos, your calm manner is a great way to start the day, thank you!
Me too, good morning, UK time🫖👍😄
You're welcome! I love to hear that
Thanks!
Superb glass-o-rama, Tom. Those Scottish mullions remind me of kumiko panels.
Thanks! They do!
You make cutting glass look so easy!
Oh wow! I'm glad it looked like that! By the time I was done I had it down
My father owned 3 acres of glasshouses and i learnt to cut glass at an early age. After you score the glass with the glass cutter if you then gentle tap the glass along the cut it completes the fracturing along the cut enabling a clean break.
Thanks! I can see you have a lot of experience!
Another fascinating one, Tom! As you were working, I was wondering how the hell they make mullions that fine LOL! Thanks.
That is a very good question! I can't imaging...
Love watching your process and how when you hit a snag, you just work through it patiently. Your videos helped me feel confident enough to reglue a set of antique chairs that have been sitting in my dining room waiting to be fixed for 5 years! Thanks, Tom!
You're welcome! Good luck with those chairs!
You must have the patience of Job! I really enjoy your videos. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thanks Tom, another great video, I always find cutting glass to be a real pane!!! Hope you're well see you on the next one
Good one! Thanks
Thanks for another masterclass Tom. A post from you always makes my Friday better.
That's great! Thanks
You are so patient and meticulous with your work. Amazing how much experience information feedback arrives.
I love your restoration projects in your videos.
Thank you.
You're welcome! And yes, I learn a lot from the comments
Hi Thomas. Never break the glass at the edge of the table; you risk breaking it the wrong way. The only correct way is to put the glass flat on top of the table (not on cardboard). Put a pencil directly under the scratch pointing in the same direction. Then put one hand at the left side and the other hand at the right side of the pencil and gently push. Do not push in the middle of the pane! You want the break to start at one end of the scratch and make it 'run' to the opposite side of the pane. No need for tools. Cutting glass this way never fails, even with very thick glass, like half an inch thick. BTW, your friend Lea also breaks the glass the wrong way. That is why she needs a tool to remove the little parts. Like I said, never put force in the middle of the pane, always at one end. It may sound like bragging, but I can cut a two foot long strip of barely 10 mm wide. Obviously, the glass should be perfectly clean. To keep the cutting tool in perfect condition, store it with the head immersed in a jar with some mineral spirits. This way the little wheel will always run smoothly.
You should consider making a video of this skill. I would totally want to watch and learn. I think I’ve seen similar method done on porcelain tile.
No, there are many ways to cut glass.The cleanest break is use your index fingers knuckles together thumb on top.If the scoreline is bad, ie you pressed too hard, not hard enough, or skidded the cutter, nothing will save that glass.Grozing and breaking pliers help.
Wow! Thank you! This is very good advice. I have to think about what you're saying. I will try this
Exactly what I was thinking!
I have a lot to learn!
The first restoration was tedious for sure. Glad you had resources. And, 20 hours is actually fast I would say. Perfect restoration, as always. It’s great you are transparent and explain the steps and unforeseen situations.
Thanks! Tedious yes, but I learned a lot!
Nice video. Great to remember dogger again.
Thanks! I miss her!
I was fascinated by the whole process. Thanks for adding the metric measurements too 😊
You’re welcome! 😊
Another masterful repair by Tom! Plus I am Scots, from the Clan Gunn! So that is cool repairing the heritage of the homeland ... XO
Thanks! Glad to do it!
The usual attention to detail is such a pleasure
Thank you!
Nice work Thomas.
Thanks!
Your daughter is in my hometown. And a local framer that I used to use recently retired. So I’m glad to hear that there’s someone else I can use.
Great! Here's her website: www.emcollier.com/
Simply stunning .
Thank you!
Great work Master Thomas! Liked and shared on my Twitter in honor of the UA-cam Algorithm Gods.
Thank you again! I hope it helps!
Hi Tom, I love your UA-cam videos very educational and informative. I am a cabinet maker with almost 40 years experience from Gilmanton New Hampshire . What I appreciate most among your many talents is the ability to restore a piece of furniture and maintain the original finish. That is an art within itself and in my opinion you have mastered it . Please keep up the good work it's always a pleasure to watch you do your magic. By the way I'm curious do you know if you have a brother named Larry David
Hi James! Thank you! Many have commented on Larry David over the years! I can only hope that's a good thing. But I really appreciate positive feedback from fellow tradespeople, it means a lot to me. Come visit if you are ever in the area!
Thank you Tom!
You're welcome!
I still have one of those glass cutters like yours. I first learned to use them when I worked in retail at W.T.Grants. Do you recall seeing shelves with glass partitions that were mounted vertically to divide spaces for products? We cut glass to fit the metal shelves, and some departments had glass shelves. I got fairly proficient at cutting glass. It was fun.
Thanks! Yes, cutting a lot of glass like that you must have really got it down. Every time I cut glass I have to start over again!
So great to see you collaborate with your daughter and another local artisan.
Yes, I liked that too! Thanks
Great video, thank you for just being yourself.
You're welcome!
A lovely restoration Tom, and being a Scot it is always a double pleasure to see a local piece taking pride of place so far away. I must admit to holding my breath on a few occasions as you shaped the glass, especially the octagonal piece. Thanks for sharing your skills with us.
You're welcome! I was definitely holding my breath!
As has been said, you’ve got the patience of a saint. Thanks again for this informative episode. 👏😁🇦🇺
You're welcome!
Tom, after you score the glass line up the white line of the running pliers on the score line and squeeze. That's why the pliers have that white line.
Oh! I get it! I will try that in the future
Hello how are you Thomas, I am writing to you from far away, my small country Uruguay... I follow your restorations on the channel, they are incredible... could you make a video showing the workshop and its machines? That workplace is beautiful. .thank you totally
Again - you're welcome!
@@johnsonrestoration agradecido y feliz por su respuesta,Thomas..
Love the metric Tom, keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
A masterclass in glass replacement in period furniture. A real treat and so much learned from a true master of his craft. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Learned a lot from this video, thanks
You're welcome!
Haha I love how completely confident you became during the course of this project in cutting glass. From your first awkward attempts to becoming a glass cutting master! In the UK, glass window restorers use the same tool and techniques that you have used, so well done. It was lovely seeing Ella again.
Thanks! It is good seeing her!
Great work as always, Tom. ❤
Thanks!
At the start I admit I was wondering how you were going to cut the larger pieces of glass because I know it is so hard without specialized tools. I saw you using that little scorer and I thought, "Wow, that is going to be tough". I'm so happy you found a fellow professional.
Yes, it was bad! Thanks goodness for Leah!
Thank you for the video. I enjoyed and learned a coupled of things that I may be able to put to use in a future project of my own, nicely done and crafted sir.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
What a treat to see Ella beside you once again. You must miss her a lot.
Oh I do! Everyday. I want to hug her again!
I believe the small fabric is for strength,as you thought,....but also as a cushion for the thin glass to help absorb the stress of hard accidental closing
Thanks! Yes, especially since there was no room for glaze
Your patience and skills are inspiring. Thanks for sharing. 💚👽
You're welcome!
The layout of the glazing panels is reminiscent of the Celtic Cross that was popular in areas of Scotland and northern England in years gone by.
Thank you! I was wondering about that design - you see it a lot.
@@johnsonrestoration As it happens, my sister and I have recently selected a Celtic Cross design for our parents' headstone so maybe that's why it came to mind.
Tom, I had no idea you were 100-years-old! You're looking pretty good to me!
But seriously, I know you ai'nt that old really.
As it happens, I was cutting some glass just the other day. I was making a 3x3 piece for repairing a Georgian exterior door, and a much larger piece to refill a broken picture frame. I didn't enjoy the putty work on the small door piece, I reckon you did that very well. But I remember being taught that the important part to making long cuts was confidence! So I try not to overthink it. And then, before cracking the pane, to gently tap the cut with the cutter to break along the cut before snapping it. Works every time (until it doesn't).
But hey, I probably could get one of those nibbler/grippers, very useful, in a pinch. For big cuts I just grip the glass in my hands, using an edge to crack along. As you did in the second video.
I'll pick up my copy of "Grandmothers and teaching them to suck eggs" on my way out!
Thanks! Good advise! (I don't get that last line!)
Tom, I really enjoyed the revisits along with your new piece.
(As to the last line, we have an expression over here, "don't teach your grand-mother to suck eggs", meaning don't try to tell someone how to do something, when they very clearly knows what they are doing, probably more than we do? Maybe the word "mansplaining" has a similar resonanace.)
Hi Tom, when glass cutting by hand, make sure the glass is clean, use some spirit to get of "grease or oil'. Furthermore check the cutter-weehl, or change it regularly. Make sure you must score the COMPLETE line where the glass has to break.
Sometimes it helps to put a matchstick at the start and end of the scoringline under the glass. The pliers you use to make the cut.........better not use them. A plier with a flat grip can be used for small strips you have to remove.
Overhere in Europe glascutters have 6 small cutter-wheels, so when one is blunt, you can rotate the cutterwheel-bearing disk 60 degrees tot use the next wheel and so on.
Thank you! Good advice! I did get a cutter with a carbide blade, it should last me forever! Yes, the plier thing is tricky
To remove smudges from the glass, sprinkle on some dry plaster of paris and use a soft dry brush to swirl it around. It soaks up the oils and makes final cleaning much easier.
Wow - what a good idea! Thanks
GREAT JOB!
Thank you!
Some Scottish friends of ours in Northern Virginia lost several pieces in shipping from Scotland, and several more damaged - by inspectors, no less! Glad you could restore these doors. Beautiful work, as always, and kudos to the framer and your daughter!!
Thank you! I'm so sorry for your friends! I hate it when people don't respect other's belongings
Hi Thomas just want to says thanks ! Watching your videos at the end of the day is almost therapy for me. Its feels so comfortably and relaxing seeing you working. I hope one day i have some portion of your patience. Thanks for sharing it. Its inspiring.
You're welcome!
Hi Tom. I love your videos, they very soothing and your work is impeccable. You're like the Bob Ross of furniture restoration! I've learned so much from you. I noticed your left hand looked pretty bruised, whatever happened, I hope it's feeling better now :)
Thanks! I have a bruised fingernail - not bad though!
It looks like you used some sort of film to keep the broken glass from falling to pieces while you were removing it. If so, it's a great idea! It keeps the mess to a minimum, and it can even help with making a template. If so, what is the film, cling wrap?
Also, fingers are the best caulking and putty tools never invented. It's a messy job, but when it's done - what a satisfying project! Great work!
Thanks! The owner had done that, and yes, it was a good idea
It was just clear plastic tape for boxes
It’s fascinating watching you repair old pieces! Love your channel. This video with the glass repair was amazing!
Thank you!
It's always a pleasure to watch a true craftsman work
Thank you!
Very nice videos on antique glass replacement. Excellent work. Thanks for sharing ❤
You're welcome!
Really nice look at irregular glazing! Fascinating!
Thank you!
Great video tom
Thank you!
Beautiful job, Tom. You have the patience of Job and the tenacity of a Marine raider!
Thanks! 👍I like that!
Glass gives me the shivers!! Awesome job, Tom.
Me too! Thanks!
Always enjoy your videos! You are a true craftsman.
Thank you very much!
Incredible job Sir! Very nice indeed!
Thank you!
super jobs, I never could cut glass, but they look just like new!!!
Thanks! I am still learning. It's like I have to learn from the beginning every time
I'm not sure if I saw you using a cutting oil when trying to cut the glass with the tool you have, but my dad told me that kerosene works very well for cutting, it helps the glass to cut cleanly
Thanks! There was a bit of oil on the cutter
Awsome ! You really have a talent for "Dramatic Furniture !" Every time you upload your work is like watching " As the wood turns" soap lol . Great patience!👍. Beautiful hutch.
Thank you so much! 😀 I need to use "as the world turns" or a variation in a title!
Thank you Tom, nice compilation of your different experiences with glass. So patient.👍👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love the forensic analysis of a piece during deconstruction. One can learn a lot, both in the mistakes made and the good done, such as the reinforcement fabric
Thanks! Yes, so true!
Enjoyed the videos Tom. You chose the right title. It is so satisfying when you score glass and it breaks in the right place. That second piece you did was a big puzzle to get back together before the glass went in. I guess you have seen some antiques that the glass was glazed with wax not glazing compound. You take care and God bless.
Thanks Ron! No, I haven't seen one done with wax...sounds interesting
Paying for Patience , The Customers Go for It. The Outcome is the Proof.
I like that!
Your videos are always the highlight of my day
Michael Hollingsworth is spot on about the mineral spirits
The cutter you are using will actually hold the spirts in the shaft and dispense it on the glass as you score it and as others have pointed out you want to snap the glass from the end rather than the middle
I prefer starting on the side that the cutter has run off as the score goes all the way to the edge there
Thanks! That's good advice! Another commenter was saying a similar thing
Thank you Tom always enjoyable!
My pleasure!
I have not worked with glass before but now my old pie safe is on the list. That was great sir thank you.👍
You're welcome! Good luck!
Love watching you work. A friend of mine who does a bit of lead lighting made a couple of panels for our home. Cutting glass sure is skill I admire. I did all the grinding. It’s great to have many lessons as you teach as you work. Beautiful results on all the pieces. I love all the details you show, like the cambric strips in the corners.
Thanks Allison!
That's the kind of project that keeps a great deal of effort well hidden.
That's a good way to put it!
Some years ago when my wife and I bought a condo on Portland's West End, we had the Frame Shop on Longfellow Square do a number of framing jobs for us. I got to know the owner, Tim Hussey quite well , he was a perfectionist! I'm aware of the The Little Falls Frame Shop as she bought Tim's inventory when he closed up. Now I'm going to have stop by the next time we are in Maine - I helped Tim find a small Delta disk sander and Ulmia miter box.
A glass machine is the way to go - pricey but fortunately a friend has one he bought from a hardware store going out of business - does a great job.
Thanks! You should definitely visit the Little Falls shop. But even a machine doesn't help with those little angled cuts!
Love ya
The oil from the putty can be taken off with dry wall compound (powder) and a soft brush.
Thanks! That sounds like a good idea
Another great teaching session, thank you Thomas.
You're welcome!
Always enjoyably impressed by your skill, but this one...well, wow. Now both cabinets will continue to age beautifully.
Thanks!
I cannot tell you how many pieces of glass I broke.
Keep up the great work
I didn't show all the times I screwed up!
Very Art Deco 😮
Thanks Fater! I wasn't seeing any Art Deco in this! I haven't worked on an Art Deco piece in quite some time. I hope something comes along
Putty is an amazing compound, Tom. Is it a mix of clay and linseed oil? Clever that it can be softened with gentle heat too. Your local framing friend has great equipment for cutting larger pieces of glass. An interesting fact about old glass is that over the centuries it will flow microscopiaclly. The Kings College chapel in Cambridge, England, and built in the fifteenth century has some glass which is thicker at the lower end than at the upper end which shows that gravity makes it flow downwards very slowly.
The 'flow' of glass is actually an urban myth, certainly over a few millennia (never mind 600 years) - see for example Dutra Zanotto, E. _Do cathedral glasses flow?_ in American Journal of Physics 66:392-395 (May 1998), or Borja, L. _Shattering the myth of fast-flowing medieval glass_ in Material Research Society Bulletin, Cambridge University Press, October 2017.
The Dutra Zanotto paper actually explains why some medieval glass is thicker at the bottom than the top, and it's because of the way in which it was made, not because it flows due to gravity.
Thank you! I'm not sure what it's made of, but that sounds plausible! Interesting about the glass, and dlevi67's response. I have a feeling he knows what he's talking about!
So interesting! Another myth bites the dust
As always, a sheer delight to watch a master working. Certainly one of the top restoration channels, if not THE top one.
Wow, thank you!