Repairing the Leg of a Federal Side Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine revisits a prior restorer's repair to this handsome antique Federal side chair. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
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Not only do I love your restoration expertise, I have to give a nod to the camera work and the person who edits these videos. No lazy fast forwarding, no loud music, plenty of explanation from you and last but not least, great views of the process.
Cheryl Birdsong-Juneau I agree! And so grateful for no annoying ditties in these videos!
I totally agree!
@@theresanovak4199 How do people even think those make their videos better?
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it. I do all the photography, Nick Barker is the editor. We enjoy doing it
Thanks!
I have been doing furniture restoration for 40 yrs .Your demonstrations show me there is still lots to learn . Thank-you !
You're welcome! Always learning! I learn something every time I make a video, actually every day!
Great job as usual! Every time you get out your Japanese pull saws I can hear my step father in my head when he gave me one. He had a heavy Dutch accent... "Hoch! It cuts on the pull stroke!" Makes me smile :)
Thanks! I love that your father gave you a hand saw. That's exactly what I always am getting for my daughter - tools! She is a woodworker so I hope she likes them!
Great work! I watch and always amazed at the work that you put into each phase of piece. The chair should hold up and be passed on to the next generation. 🌸🤗❣️👍
Thank you very much!
Slow, steady, and pay attention. I appreciate your workmanship. We're a dying breed.
All the best,
-- Joe
Thanks! Yes, often the slowest way turns about to be the fastest
You remind me of my grandpa. Thank you so much for these videos
You're welcome! I'm glad you got to know your grandpa, that's nice
Love when you get out the Japanese saws. 😍 Then there’s the sharp chisels. 😍
It was like watching an action movie.
Thanks! Sharpness is the key
Thanks! We do try to keep it moving!
I have been curious about the sharpening or maintaining sharpness. The ratio of time spent maintaining to time the tool is in use - or - percent of work man hours spent sharpening those exquisite chisels. 😂
I see where Tom has been doing this for over forty years and has really hit his stride, hopefully another twenty years at the level of craftsmanship. Thanks for the video
Thanks! I'm hoping for 20 more years too!
Sir you have the most steady hand I have ever seen! Just watching you chisel and gouge away at that leg without mistake was incredible! 👍🙌🤗💟
Agree. I bet surgeons don't have steadier hands.
Wow, thanks! Thank the decaf!
Thanks!
I'm not a furniture builder or repairperson, but after watching Mr. Johnson do his expert work, I feel like I've learned from the best. The way you figure out how to repair these broken/damaged antique pieces really amazes me. Always glad to see a video posted from Gorham, Maine.
Thank you! How do you know Gorham?
probably the most indepth repair ive seen so far! amazing! love the stories about your dads shop! thanks very much from chicago!
You're welcome!
Always a joy to watch The Craftsman. Thanks, Tom.
Very welcome!
Looks like a good repair from here. It's probably good for another hundred years. Neat trick for aligning the leg with those diagonal strips. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
There are many channels that restore furniture. According to my opinion the main reason that all the videos on this specific channel are so pleasant to watch is the way they are made. Switching cameras right angles proper lighting and sound no shaking etc. Of course the way the videos are presented is excellent and Mr Thomas explanations are perfect not short neither long and boring.
Thank you very much for your videos and greetings from Greece.
Thank you! I really like doing the photography, and I'm glad that people notice and appreciate it.
Your getting better and better describing you thoughts on the repairs and thus your approach to the repair. Nice job thanks for sharing.
Thanks! 👍 I thought I was talking too much
@@johnsonrestoration You never talk too much, Tom (at least not in these videos). Descriptions are to the point, and anecdotes/stories are always relevant and interesting.
Definitely not talking too much. You are passing on a lot of wisdom you have gained over the years and I, for one, really appreciate it.
You’re*
@@johnsonrestoration Not at all, it's my first time watching one of your videos and it was really informative and entertaining! I had no real interest in this field of work but the way you talk about things and the way the video was edited kept me watching, and I'm definitely going to watch more of these!
Thanks for making these videos...Incredibly peaceful and stress releasing.
Thanks! Glad you like them!
Once again, a remarkable blend of artistry, skill, experience, and down-home common sense.
Thank you!
Thanks to decaf!
@@johnsonrestoration A good decaf starts the day and finishes the night!☕
Sir thank you for sharing. My dad was a carpenter, and watching you repair this chair brings back memories of him making and repairing. I have to admit I love the old wooden cabinets that you have as well as the wooden measure. So nice to see these things being put into good use.
You are very welcome!
You're back!!! How refreshing to see my favourite antique restorer! Missed you, glad you're back.
Thanks! Already working on the next one!
@@johnsonrestoration Can't wait for the next restoration adventure.
Fascinating to watch Tom! Patience is the word of the day!
Thank you!
How grateful my good wife and I are for the hundreds of hours we’ve spent in this Maine workshop looking over the shoulder of this humble and highly skilled craftsman. Thank you Tom and thank you TH-cam. We also have gratitude to God for all those fine critters that live around the workshop. There is treasure everywhere we look.
Yes indeed and all those craftsman who made these wonderful things that Tom treats with such expertise and respect. XXX
Caj Sheen He has had many chances to belittle the original makers, but withholds judgement every time. Who knows what that maker had to work with.
Thank you! You put that so well. I appreciate it!
Thanks! It's true, I feel a connection with them
That is exactly right
Just found your channel and I think I went through 10 videos (without skipping ahead). What really gets me is the reveal. At the end of every video "I think it looks pretty good" strikes me as so humble. You do great work, sir.
Thank you! th-cam.com/video/mGP-CvjqmXA/w-d-xo.html
@@johnsonrestoration Just watched the video! It's pretty good.
Nice rescue to repair this chair Tom. I was surprised to see 2 screws in the old wood patch. I like how you layered the toner to dial in the colour. Well done. Scott 🇨🇦
Thanks Scott!
A surgeon's skill...masterful!
Thank you!
TJ, I was thinking how proud of you the original craftspeople would be. It seems you usually have them in mind when making repairs to their work.
Thanks! I definitely do
i love the attention to detail and the accuracy he is working with! really beautiful job!
Thank you very much!
As always, I just feel like I'm standing next to you in your shop, having this private little chat, and soaking up every bit of your great wisdom and skill! I really enjoy every moment of it.
Thanks! That's good, I like that
Your detective work and careful analysis is critical to many tasks, before the actual work is started. The payoff to such discipline sure manifested itself with this one, as a beautiful chair, restored, returns to its family of others like it.
Thank you!
Amazing to watch. Loved the use of drawing for understanding at the beginning. You make it too easy. As you say, the leg was solid. Everything has an elegant solution. Thanks Thomas for sharing your process once again :-)
Thank you very much!
Another Masterwork by the Master!
Thanks!
That was brilliant - I'd have had more of that upholstery off though, for fear of getting glue on it ! Someone else had done a nice job before, but you did an even better job on it. it's so relaxing watching you 'perform' your magic with such skill and care.
Thank you! I am always worried about getting those corners back correctly, so I didn't want to pull back too much
@@johnsonrestoration Sometimes you have to know how far to go and not go further for fear of unnecessarily opening up a can of worms. Haha. Great repair. I remember my uncle putting tacks in his mouth when doing upholstery. He said his upholstery teacher back in the day used to be able to bend a silver dollar in one hand with his thumb because his hands were so strong!
I'm not sure how I ended up here, but I'm glad I did as it seems like I have an undiscovered interest in antique restoration. This video is wonderful, thank you. I'll be checking out your previous and future videos very soon.
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
I think I've found the right word to describe your work - meticulous. It's always a pleasure to watch your restorations. PS Hope your lovely dog is well
Thank you! She is!
I would NOT have known what to do with that problem. Thomas, you are a real craftsman, and you do neat and clean work. Thank you for the video.
Thanks! I had no idea either! I figured I would just start and see where we went, and keep it simple
Always a pleasure to watch the Professor in action. Thank you posting such great videos.
Thanks for watching!
Yes it looks "pretty good." And another superb restoration that will surely stand the test of time.
Thank you!
The wood wizard raises the dead once again.
Just what I wanted to say! XXX
Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you for your wonderful videos. I don't refinish furniture but I am a "Maker" and restorer of die-cast cars, I was reminded of "dry clamping" and it is a wonderful addition to my making. What a difference in stress level dry clamping first.
You are so welcome! What you're doing sounds cool!
Thank you. I'm in my 70's and it's very relaxing to watch your great work.
You're welcome! I'll be there in 6 months
This is the first video that i ever saw and I am glad to say to i enjoyed every second of it i like your camera angles and your narration over the clips its just amazing you
Awesome, thank you!
Indeed..."It looks pretty good!!"
Lovely work and thanks.
You're very welcome!
Watched this again, and once again got more out of it. sometimes I don't always "see/get" the wisdom of your logic the first time around. but this time I really love the idea of the "new Piece" and what its really doing. and the soundness of its strength. tons better than a dowel in my mind. Thanks again for your efforts.craftsmanship and willingness to share.
You're welcome! There are always so many different approaches you could take. I try to apply sound engineering principles, and try to keep it simple!
That was a tricky repair. Well done. Lovely chair with all its carvings.
Thank you very much!
My favourite restorer is back! What a skillful repair again. And I am more than a bit envious about all the great tools you have... thanks again, great film!
😁🇳🇱
Thank you very much!
Thanks for posting this - for me it's a nice way to end a Saturday evening and forget everything else going on, just for a moment anyway. An immaculate repair as always.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
what a beautifully thorough job. definitely a lot of skill behind that restoration.
Thank you very much!
Good to see you back, Tom! And to do a great job on a really lovely chair. Well done, Sir!
Many thanks! I do appreciate your comments. I suspect that you, like me, have an engineering background
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you, Tom, for the great videos - and for tolerating my sometimes intrusive responses.
Your suspicion re: engineering is correct - however I now work in something completely different, and I'm in front of a computer screen most of the day. I also have a passion for antique furniture and its restoration - though in my case it's more about "not making things worse" rather than you making things better. Take care!
Elegant repair enhanced by great camera work! 🪑🔨
Thank you! I love movies, especially from he the early '30's, and that is a great influence on my camera work
Enjoyed the video Tom. Wow, that looked like a tough job. I would have been sweating on that one. Thanks for the video. Y'all take care and God bless.
Hi Ron, thanks! me too! I needed that joint to be really tight, and I was worried about making one cut too many
Your skills are simply outstanding.
Thank you very much!
That was extremely educational. Thanks, Tom.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent job analyzing and preparing for that leg repair. Well done! Best wishes.
Thank you!
Thomas, every time I watch you I learn something new. I am intrigued by the tools you use and all the skills you have. What an art you have. Do you teach anyone in your area? This is a craft that should be carried on! Blessings always.
Thanks! I've had many employees over the years, and now the videos! People are carrying on!
Great job as always Tom. I learn a lot from your videos. The saw and chisel work is outstanding. Thanks.
Very welcome!
Are those pieces of a harp I saw near the end?
Fine work, as always. A most pleasant distraction on a COVID afternoon.
Thanks! Yes, concert harps. I'm just finishing them
I thought I couldn’t enjoy this video more, but then - baby chickens! 🥰
Yes, you've got to have baby animals! Thanks!
I was waiting for new video.
Thank you for that
You're welcome!😊 First comment!
Spectacular. Wonderful hand work and a tremendous repair. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it
Thanks for sharing your tremendous talent with us! The chair will last another hundred years. Keep up the great work. ATB : )
Thanks!
A masterclass in furniture repair, my late father would have loved it too, Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for to share your knowledge with us.
My pleasure! You are so welcome!
this video brought back a lot of memories from woodwork class at my school many years ago, all joints and tennents were made with manual handtools (handsaws and chisels)
Thanks! That sounds like it must have been a good school, a trade school perhaps?
@@johnsonrestoration no - just a normal secondary school in the U.K (you might call them high schools) I passed the O-level and the A-level (higher exam) in craft & design where you have to design the project on paper then manufactor it using woodwork, metalwork and plasticwork skills
Beautiful work as always Tom. Always a joy to watch a master at work!!
All the best,
Norm in Arizona
Many thanks!
This channel is...
AWESOME!!!
Wow, thanks!
“It looks pretty good...” translated to reality: “Truly brilliant work..”.
Thank you!
Wonderful splaining Lucy!
Yes!
It’s called “spitting tacks”, I learned about it on Baumgartner’s channel! I thought he was playing a joke on us when he first popped a handful into his mouth haha
Thomas Johnson and Baumgartner both restore beautiful works of art, they are both Master Craftsmen in their own right.
Cringe
Wow! Thanks! I've watched some of his videos, I will look for that one.
Thanks! I think of him as being in an entirely higher class than myself
? Thanks for watching!
A true master craftsman.
Thank you!
Another GREAT piece of work!
Wow, thanks!
masterful work by a master
Thank you!
I really loved this one. I work on a lot of chairs. I'd love to have a set of those Japanese saws that you have. I was holding my breath while you were using them. So cool. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Those saws are incredibly helpful
Beautifully repaired and restored with that classic understatement, we all love to hear, "It looks pretty good".
Many thanks!
Great job Thomas, Stay Safe !!!.
Thanks, you too!
What a great bloke. Thanks for sharing mate.
You're welcome!
Wonderful. I enjoy your channel immensely. It makes me want to go apprentice somewhere with a furniture restorer!
Thanks! You should!
Awesome work as always.
I appreciate that!
Lovely work again!
Thank you so much! 😀
Once again, thank you!
You're welcome!
Life time of skill on display there. Lovely to watch.
Thank you!
Japanese saws (pull saws) are such a treat to use! Offers a lot more control when making fine cuts.
Thanks! They are so good! Is there ever a reason to use a western saw?
That drilling into the wood reminded me of the last time I went to the Dentist ! 😄
Wow! Not a memory you want to have!
That was like a suspense movie!
Thanks!
Hi Tom, I want to share with you something an old timer shared with me regarding leveling chair legs. He told me to put a flat top sawblade in my tablesaw and allow it to extend slightly above zero clearance plate (Less than 1/64). Place the chair on the table saw and carefully drive back-and-forth across the spinning blade shortening the table leg ever so slightly. It seem kind of funky to me but the first time I tried it, I was absolutely amazed at how accurate and how quick it was. It also left the chair with a nice flat bottom surface. Chamfers are then applied and the chair is done in about a minute or two.I’m sure if you try this you will be surprised and it will be your go to method for a leveling chair legs in the future. I’ve been using this technique for many years now and have had no issues with it whatsoever. The key is keeping the sawblade minutely above the insert.
Thanks! That is very interesting! I will try it with a chair that is not an antique to see how it works.
Oh, if only I could send my son to apprentice in your shop. He is starting with woodworking but there are so many skills, so many tools!
Thanks! I'm sure he'll learn just fine as he goes along. There's so much info available! But the only real way to learn is by doing
Thanks Tom, good job.
You're welcome!
It looks amazing!
Thank you!
Yup, I agree with all the others(compliments,) great way to stop late morning before lunch ( in this heat,) and assist your incredible patience and skill, while dripping with sweat...cheers rr Normandy, France
Thanks! Maybe a quick shower? I want to visit Normandy
Such a joy to watch you work your magic!
Thank you!
This was really interesting. Quite a complex damage, but er perfectly made repair. Good job!
Thank you very much!
Outstanding! I wouldn't know where to begin with a break like that.
Thanks! I didn't either. So much so that I wasn't going to make a video of it. But I'm glad I did
De nuevo otro video genial! Era muy dificil hacer esa reparación, pero ud Mr Johnson lo hace muy bien, gracias por compartir su arte. Saludos cordiales desde Montreal
¡Gracias! ¡Sí, fue difícil!
FANTASTIC VIDEO,YOU DESERVE A NEW SUBSCRIBER
Thanks and welcome to the channel!
Another great job.
Thanks!
passion is powerful
Thanks! I think it is the most powerful thing there is!
Beautiful job sir..
Thank you!
You have been missed. Nice job on a challenging repair. I like your vacuum/compress air gadget.
Thanks! 👍Yes, hadn't used it in a while, resurrected it
Amazing stuff!
Thanks!
Very nice work.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for the lessons. Really appreciate your work
You're welcome! Glad you like them!
Great work
Thanks!