They Said It Couldn't Be Done - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2022
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine attempts a rarely-seen restoration of a single broken back-splat from this handsome fancy 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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Despite watching every video you produce I am always astonished at the incredible results you achieve. Always such a pleasure to watch and such a great learning tool as well. Thank you.
Ditto
Ditto too!
You're so welcome! I appreciate it
Thanks!
Thanks!
Love how the panel says "special 3/8 ply do not cut" as you cut right through it. LOL. Thanks for the videos, always informative and entertaining. Ella is looking so old...
Thanks! She is - aren't we all?
@@johnsonrestoration Could you get a cat too, for the closer inspections?
Lol I had to check the comments for anyone else that saw that
hahaha I was wondering what that said! Do not c🪚ut
I have seen so many restoring posts on the TH-cam, Tom's videos are above everything I have seen so far. He is very meticulous on teaching his methods, explains with detail not only his procedure but also introduce material he uses to do the job. He is a very good teacher.
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it
I am mesmerized, glued to every detail of your repair. I started very late in life, learning wood restoration and it has become a passion thanks to masters such as you. Thank you for taking the time to post.
P.s I'm a huge fan of hot hide glue and mix and tint shellac. I'll keep coming back. 😊
Thank you! I'm so glad you have found a passion! That makes me very happy
You are a magician. A supremely skilled, knowledgeable, hard-working "magician".
Wow, thank you!
Another outstanding restoration Tom. You really are the best of the best. Thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge with us.
You are very welcome!
Very nice result . Your lovely old dog was happy to pose next to it . 👍🇬🇧
Thanks! She does get paid for doing that!
Every video begins with us saying, 'How the heck is he going to fix THAT?" and then we watch, enthralled, as you make it beautiful. Extraordinary work, as always. "Just a scosch..." There's a good Maine unit of measure, right there next to "smidgeon." 🙂
Same measurements used in England 🏴
Thanks Eleda! Actually "skosh" is Japanese - but you hear it a lot - my father-in-law served in Japan during the occupation. Smidgen is, well, a smidgen!
That's amazing! How do these words get passed around?
Sukoshi in Japanese means a little or some. Maybe skosh came from there. Another fabulously clever and painstaking repair. Thank you Mr. Johnson for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.
BTW, in Japanese, they use "skosh" or "skoshi" for "just a bit"
Your attention to detail is fantastic. Up very close you can see the repair but from any distance at all the chair looks like it never had a problem. Very well done.
Thanks Judith!
Thomas Johnson in one word - exemplariness.
Thanks! I'm trying to pronounce that!
They, "Can't be done".
Mr. Johnson, "Hold ma beer".
Love the way you take a piece that looks like it' destined for the burn barrel, and turn it into an heirloom piece.
Thanks! I like that!
@@johnsonrestoration Quite welcomed sir. And thank you for the hours of pure restoration zen you have gifted us with.
Always enjoy the craftsmanship Tom brings.
Thank you!
Yet another 'Masterclass' from Tom. The care and attention to detail is amazing, and you are so cool and calm working your magic. It is so satisfying watching you work, and obviously the results are stunning. Thanks for sharing your videos - such a thrill to sit and watch. Take care 🙂
Thank you Michael!
Nice one, Tom! Beautiful work. Always a pleasure to watch your work
Many thanks!
TJ Friday delivers again. Masterful.
Thanks!
I believe that along with the obvious skills I watch, your most important skill is…patience. Alas, that is where I concentrate my efforts too. Thank you as always, an impressive rescue
Thank you!
As I opened my iPad this morning I was hoping you had posted a new video. What a delight to watch the repair! Thanks for all you do to share your knowledge and approach to solidly repair the chair.
Thank you!
Very nice as usual Tom. I was particularly taken with the poster behind the belt linisher and the way you so smoothly cut through the sticker saying 'SPECIAL 3/8" PLY. DO NOT CUT' Haha!
Thanks for posting and I hope your finger heals soon!
I came into the comments to see how quickly someone would have mentioned that, nice job 🙂
Thanks! Yes, that's funny. I didn't notice that!
Thanks!
I appreciated your meticulous work on this chair.
I know it's incidental but it's very nice to observe these pretty birds and your sweet dog.
A real thank you from France.
Thank you very much! The furniture repair is just an excuse to show videos of the animals!
@@johnsonrestoration 😀😏
You just have one more subscriber.
Thanks for your humor.
Tour videos right my soul. Thank you for the beautiful, careful work.
You're welcome!
A master craftsman and a tribute to the profession.
Thank you! That's nice
The repair looks much better than just pretty good. Your skills are amazing and fun to watch. Educational too..
Thank you!
Another masterclass in furniture restoration..
Thank you!
Not sure if it's because I am getting old and weathered myself. But I love the feel and look of old repaired furniture. When I was young I didn't understand character. 200 years from now someone will sit in this chair and enjoy a meal. And you will be a part of that.
Thank you! I think about that a lot!
Amazing!! We sit and watch and wonder “What the heck is he doing?”, casting doubt!! Yet knowing that we are watching The Master at work!! None better!!
Thanks again for your videos!!
You're welcome!
Well that was a mess and how beautifully you've cleaned it up and blended the edges together for the next generation. Hey Tom, I'd love to see you and Trina collaborate on a tricky repair sometime. Take care and thanks for taking us along on this journey.
Thanks! 👍 We've talked about that - maybe someday
She is good!
I was thinking the same thing! And if I’m not mistaken, both of you are second-generation furniture repair persons.
Another great repair video Tom. First class repair.
Thanks!
Another master class with Ella's approval 👌 👏
Oh yeah! Thanks
That was another fantastic repair, looks like that will not come apart easily,
Thanks! I hope not!
Another great restoration/repair. I love the logic behind the spline, a lot of work but the results and protection are well worth the effort. and again great video work. the close up shots are priceless in my mind. we get to see each and every stroke in great detail , and learn many things from those alone thank you so much for sharing and for the great videography. both are beyond great!. ECF
You're welcome! I really appreciate such positive feedback
And you can only see the spline if you look for it. As everyone else is saying, it's a masterpiece of repair. But then, Tom ia a master of the craft.
I was just thinking that I have a settee that needs reupholstering, but I think I'll take it elsewhere. It'll be a lot cheaper.
A true master craftsman, just love watching the skill and care you put into everything
Thanks!
Those birds are really beautiful.
Thanks! Yes, and right in your own backyard!
So excited for a new video! Your videos are fascinating and calming at the same time!
Happy to hear that! Thanks!
You never cease to amaze. I've tried fixing some oak chairs of my own, but I keep seeing techniques that would give me much better results. I may be repeating my fixes.
Thanks! Yes, it's all a process - just keep getting better!
Another masterclass by the maestro. The birds in Maine are awesome.
Yes they are! Thanks!
I had trouble watching your videos for a while but am glad to be back. Been a big fan for a long time.
Thanks! I'm glad too!
Hey Tom
Great repair 🙂
I hope you do not get into any trouble, for cutting up the "special/do not cut" plywood. 😉
Take care
Thanks Tim! I'm hearing a lot about that! That note wasn't for me though - I'm the boss
@@johnsonrestoration
Hahaha...love it 🙃
Wonder if the splat had always been a little bit too long and under compression, which is why it fractured.
That's a good question! Thanks
Alan, I wondered the same thing and it seems likely to me too.
Great job as usual, Thomas!
Thank you!
Absolutely astonishing. Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome!
Amazing result … as usual. Interesting you apply tenon sizing rules to the spline. How deep did you go for the mortise?
Thanks! I don't know the exact measurement - but a little more than half way
Mr. Thomas, a couple of years ago I repaired a chair almost exactly like the one you have here, and with the same damage. I too was able to repair/glue the broken back piece while it was in the chair. Like you, I didn't want to start beating on the chair to get it apart for fear of doing great damage. One note that helped me was that instead of cutting a spline to get the two orphaned pieces back together, I used dowel rods; I don't remember the size I used but I do remember that I used oak for its strength. I drilled several holes in the broken piece and inserted the dowels and left it overnight to accept the gule. My customer was very happy.
Thanks! Yes, I've done similar repairs
I love that you cut through the "special 3/8 ply - do not cut" note and don't even take it off before cutting 😀
Thanks! That note wasn't meant for me! It was for the people that have worked for me
Love your job period! Way to explain, way to inform, the way to teach.
Love the birds as well. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Brilliant job Thomas, you and your dog have a nice !!!. 😀😀😀
Thanks! 👍
Looks great! Good for another hundred years.
Fingers crossed! Thanks!
Conocimientos sobre ebanistería + herramientas adecuadas + paciencia + amor por los muebles de madera... ¿qué podría salir mal? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Arigató, Sensei.🙏🏻
Mis respetos y saludos desde Tucumán, Argentina.🇦🇷
¡Gracias! Bien dicho, lo agradezco. ¡Hola a Argentina!
I find your repairs relaxing to watch as each step is meticulously done.
Thank you!
I don't always watch Thoman Johnson's videos....but, when I do, I'm always captivated and entertained (and educated!).
Thanks!
The "Master" does it again!!
Thank you!
Work like this demands much invested patience, and it seems like Thomas has got what it takes and beyond.
I really like your work, and am at peace watching it. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it
The likelihood of me doing any work like you do is comparable to a snowstorm in the Sahara. I watch your videos because I enjoy watching a real craftsman at work.
Thanks! That's nice!
You know what your doing; it has been a pleasure.
Thanks!
Good to see you back Tom
Thanks!
Thank you Sir. I always learn from your videos.
You are very welcome!
i love the way you stay calm and collected, and go step by step to achieve the results you are aiming for. thank you
You're welcome!
You are a master restorer ,it is always a pleasure to watch you reanimate a piece preserving the integrity of the original design , allowing it to function again as it was intended …..bravo ….
Thank you!
Your extra efforts make all the difference in the world.
Thanks! That last 10% is the difference between an acceptable repair and a really good one!
Well Done! First time watching you work. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Brilliant as always Tom.
Thanks!
What a great no nonsense job. And what Beautiful birds. Subscribed.
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
Great job Tom! Beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
A wealth of knowledge Thomas. Is the next generation taking over from you.
Thanks! I think so! (I hope so!)
Save the old furniture. It was and still is the very best! My whole house is furnished in it 👍🏻
Yes! There's just something about it that's comforting
Mr. Johnson, your skill and patience and loving care are an example to all who strive for perfection. Thank you very much indeed.
You are very welcome!
In answer to those who said it couldn't be done...I'm reminded of one of Bugs Bunny's more famous lines..."They don't know me very well, do they?" Splendid work!
Thanks! I like that! I'm going to use it!
Can't even tell it was broke! Great job! ❤❤
Thank you!!
Tom to the rescue again! "Pretty good!"
Thanks!
Allmost forgot about you, subscribed this time and hit the bell so i don't miss new posts. Allways learn a bunch from your videos, thank you for posting your work, it's just beautifull.
Awesome! Thank you!
Such minute and fiddley work, Tom, but so well done.
Thanks Phil!
Thank you Thomas.
Years ago I used to do in France what Thomas is doing today in the US.
Thomas is excellent and humble.
Thank you! I appreciate that - quite a compliment!
Always a pleasure to watch a Master Craftsman at work. Other channels show skilful work in renovation of unloved furniture, but this is in a class of it's own. I sincerely hope you have an apprentice or two to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy fine furniture.
Thanks! Currently, no helpers, but there are these videos!
Better than pretty good Thom. More like pretty awesome. The birds were something else as well. Loved seeing that poster....naughty naughty! 😄
Where's the editor on that one! Thanks!
A true craftsman's "okay" restoration! Beautiful work, as always!!
Thank you!
Excellent craftsmanship. I really enjoyed the video.
Glad you enjoyed it, Thanks!
Ella, loves her home...tanks for sharing
You are so welcome!
Great work, Tom… as usual.
I appreciate that! Thanks
Again and again here we see the value of an extra set of mostly crap but serviceable chisels. One can use them for scraping and rough work, especially if there is the possibility of a stray fastening or something knicking them, while saving the good ones for fine work.
Absolutely! I'm always looking for old chisels - sometimes they turn out to be too good for rough work, but I use them anyway
Love the little finch at the beginning.... another wonderful save and the results are beautiful! I sent you an email with a picture of the before and after of my own little project....a tired Edwardian desk with rounded corners made of 5 different types of wood! Inlay work and really sweet...I even ordered the proper age castors to put on it as it came with new ones? Nope...found the right age and put her right! My husband thinks its gorgeous now!
Thanks! Yes, I remember your email, what a great find and great "save"!
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you so much! Your reply was in my spam folder! My reputation here is growing.....LOL I am the saver of old "things" lol.
Wow! Outstanding work.
Thanks!
What a beautiful chair. Another exquisite restoration, Tom! The Birds are wonderful and dear Ella is ever her elegant self. ...Barry
Thanks Barry! I hope you're enjoying the summer
Outstanding as usual!
Thank you! Cheers!
Let’s add “clamping” as an Olympic event. Tom takes the gold every time.
Yes! Thanks!
Masterful as always.
Thanks!
Great addition of the time spent and materials used. And what a good boi you have there.
Thanks! Yes! But she's a female - Ella
As per usual awesome job. Cheers from Tasmania
Thank you! Cheers!
Brilliant repair and restoration
Thank you!
A pleasure to watch a real craftsman, new sub UK.
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
Another incredible video on how you restore furniture. You make it so interesting. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome!
You are the bomb-digity! Thanks sharing your extensive knowledge.
Thanks! I love that! haven't heard that in a long time
I really like being able to see the spline just that little bit - it really gives the piece character and history!
Thanks! Yes, I agree!
The spline was very impressive. I had my doubts..lol. It is in my brain as an option in the future. Thanks I needed watching you do this. It relieved alot of stress for some reason.
Thanks! That's great, I'm glad I could help
I have never seen anything so intricate... That spline is beautiful!
Thank you!
The stresses of the modern world just seem to melt away when you post another video Tom. And you thought that you only mended furniture!
Thanks! That's nice
The magician of restoration! Bravo!
Thank you!
This video shows that gluing and clamping are their own art forms. Very well done, indeed. Kudos!
Thanks! I like that!
Thomas that was real art work
Thank you!
There it is another perfect Thomas Johnson repair work. But, I'm very happy to watch a new video. Thanks a lot :)
You're welcome!
Having all the right tools makes all the difference!! Great restoration, once again!
Thanks! Yes, the right tool for the job!
Thomas: great looking chairs.I love Chippendale chairs. My favorite,- I have 4 Dutch Elm Chippendale side chairs from England that I purchased years ago. Still love them. Carol from California
Thanks Carol! It is so unusual to have Chippendale chairs made of elm! I bet they're nice