Back to Beautiful - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.พ. 2023
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this gorgeous Regency period writing slope. 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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I live on a small island in Denmark, just had my roof re-thatched. Told the thatcher about your channel, she already knew it. So we sat down and had a cup of coffee, talked about Ella and our past pets and your craftsmanship. So now you know that both you and Ella are known and remembered on a small remote island in Denmark.
Such nice words and so true…greetings from Greece
And from Ireland
And from Canada.
And South Australia
And NSW Australia
That wonderful dog. R.I.P.
Yes, thank you. She was my girl!
It is good to see the wonderful Ella. I am pretty sure most viewers miss her, like I do.
Yes we do. i agree.
Yes we do. I agree.
Thanks! yes, everyday!
When you first get a dog, it seems that he or she fills the place that you never knew was empty. When the dog leaves you, it seems that this place is now a gaping hole and stays like that forever.
@@MarekKorkusinski completely 💔
We’ve seen Ella in a few of your videos since her passing - I’m sure it’s both difficult and comforting for you; but I just wanted you to know … we recognize the loss of her companionship and still appreciate the meticulous craft that you perform. 🤗
Thank you. I was worried, but I like seeing her. The pain is diminishing...
I still remember my pets. They are living in my heart
Your not on your own Tom. You have all of us Subscribers. So sorry about your loss. Keep up the GREAT work.
That is very nice. I got choked up a little bit!
It’s so hard to lose our 4 legged friends. We’ve had 6 Samoyeds. Tried to do them in pairs. 1 Male & 1 Female, but always both neutered. 4 of the 6 were Rescues they didn’t live with us as long because they were already adults when we got them. They all came with different temperaments and different needs but all were good, loving loyal dogs. The one that hurt me the most was Luke. He was the biggest and had a problem with aggression if you touched him where he didn’t want to be.
One day I’d had enough being patient with him and picked him up by the scruff of his neck with both hands and held against the door with all 4 feet off of the floor and yelled at him for his act of aggression. He changed after that and became such a loving Sammie that I could hardly believe it. He eventually got sick and couldn’t do much anymore and finally an aneurism took him out. I was devastated. For quite some time. Our Female took over for Luke the very next morning when she ran to the edge of the porch and barked out at all the evil to let them know that despite Luke being gone; she was still on duty. Broke my heart again and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! But I went out there and gave her a big hug and just sat with her for about 20 minutes. She did that every day for a long, long time.
My Best to you Thomas!! You’re a Master Craftsman and I don’t usually Share the Videos I watch but I shared this one today.
I don't get tired of watching your videos, Tom. We missed beautiful Ella...
"I'm on my own today", broke my heart.
Thank you Rosalinda!
It was tough to say it...
I was aware that you had lost Ella but it was a very poignant - and tear invoking - moment when you said you had been at the vet. I have lost, in my lifetime, 8 different dogs ( 2 to go) which broke my heart each time but they all enriched my life as I am sure that Ella did yours. It was always a wonderful experience watching Ella watch you with that special adoration. Thanks for sharing her with us and thanks also for sharing your skills at restoration. You are a master craftsman, for sure.
Thank you Judy! I appreciate it - I know you understand
I don't do any furniture repair, but I still love watching you bring these pieces back and listening to your calm, concise chat about the process. A million thanks for posting these
You're so welcome!
Always a joy to the master & his faithful companion Ella.
Thank you!
Wanders in looking lost, says 10 words that broke my heart. Stay strong, sir, and continue your painstaking, reverent and beautiful work.
Thank you, I will
So nice to see Ella with you in this video, she is now immortal ! Today I adopted a tiny one year old little rescue dog from Roumania (I live in France) I took two trains 8 hours and then an hour by car to pick her up at the drop point. After a much needed bath she is the most wonderful little Jack Russell lookalike with a precious character. A month ago I adopted a tiny 4 month old Jack Russell mix who is the most darling little boy. He is Tutti and she is Una. I am blessed. Thank you Tom for another lovely restoration, you make our day brighter.
You're welcome! I can only imagine what it's like in your home now! You'll be getting plenty of exercise
This was a beautiful little project, I liked the laminated veneer trick, and it was so nice to see Ella once again.
Thanks! It is good to see her
Lovely little piece of the past and good to see dear Ella ❤
Thanks! It is good...
Thank you for sharing Ella with us. This is a very nice project and turned out great.
You're welcome!
Oh Tom. I am so very sorry to hear that Ella has passed.
Many videos I watched, and I always was glad to see her by your side.
My very heartfelt condolences to your on your loss. Ella was the most loyal companion you could ever have. I am grieving your loss.
Rest in Peace gentle Ella, and land softly at the Rainbow Bridge. You were loved by many.
Thank you. We are so moved by all the support and good wishes that so many have shared. She was my girl!
So sorry for your loss Tom. We are all here for you! Love watching your expert restorations.
Thank you!
I love watching your videos Tom. After long weeks that are often stressful, I look forward to Friday and your videos to providing a relaxing and educating experience before the weekend.
agree! Like therapy but fun.
Thanks! Unexpected consequences!
Thanks David, I like that
I have to remember to breathe when watching you work, Tom. Your craftsmanship is enthralling, but then you provide incredible camera work on top of that. Filming yourself work is tricky and time consuming - it is a separate job. You do it all magnificently. Thank you for sharing with us!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Thank you Mr. Johnson for this announcement. I’ve received a couple of those, which I’ve ignored. It’s good that you notify your viewers about it,appreciate it. Beautiful job, looks fantastic!
You are very welcome!
Loved seeing our girl back from the vet 🙏🙏🙏. Gorgeous work
Thank you so much! But ultimately th-cam.com/video/vKkLmBOebWk/w-d-xo.html
Wonderful to see Ella again. She was special. I miss seeing her at your side. Know that you have youtube friends who think of both of you. Just love listening to you explain the history of the piece as you explore it.
Thank you Michael, that's very nice. I appreciate it
What a beautiful delicate work, Tom. It is a pity I live on the opposite side of the globe. I have done a lot of silver, brass and copper jewellery and I could have made that brass escutcheon plate for you in no time at all. It would have been such a pleasure and an honour to contribute.
Where were you? I could not think of a way to transfer the design onto the brass. If you have an idea, please email me: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
Great idea
@@T_Hoog It is much simpler and accurate to cut out the paper template and stick it onto the metal plate with thin double sided tape.
There is a masters who making new, but wery few whos repair such skillfully like you. Deep respect from Serbia
Thank you! And greetings to Serbia!
Oh my sweet Ella, love her face she will always be with you they stay in your heart and with Ella she will always be in many of these videos...never to be forgotten.
My beloved Border Collies and pound Border crosses will never be forgotten.
Dogs just make life so much better.
Thank you! Yes, all true. She is part of my life and always will be
Hey Tom, That graphic-novel treatment when you were working on the brass was amazing. Very appealing and different. I'm sure it must be hard to inject novelty into a long running series without breaking the brand, but this was a very cool upgrade.
Thank you! My editors idea - I liked it too!
Excellent work Tom. I so look forward to your videos. You have literally transformed the way I look at and restore old furniture. Thank you so much for these videos.
You're welcome! That's humbling
Stellar! Really nice to see your your girl ❤ It has been 35 years since one of my dogs passed. We shared a special bond. I think of her often.
Thanks! I know I will think of Ella forever
The tiny pieces which punctuate your portfolio could be my favourites. Thank you for all you showed us, Tom... does One's heart good! You are always, what used to be called... hmmmmm... oh, I remember now... a Gentleman! ...Barry
Thank you Barry! Much appreciated!
@@johnsonrestoration Sincerely meant, Tom!
Another heirloom meticulously restored! I love watching your transformations.
Thank you!
This really came out looking great, Tom! I love the way you replaced the veneer, matching it well enough to look completely convincing as being part of the original surfacing. The variations in color may have played to your advantage, but it still took your great skills and knowledge to make it all look so nice. You did a great job on this! I love the contrast of the wood and brass! It retains its age and beauty! Nicely done!
Thank you Wallace! Yes, the color variation was the saving grace
Your work is great, you are also a terrific teacher of this craft. Thank you for being a great mentor for all of us rookies out there.
You're very welcome!
Hi Tom I,m a Restroration guy Retired 63 I also repair restore Antique an Vintage furniture I live when some one says I,d burn that to me there is no other challenge when they see the item restored the astonishment says it all I love watching learning different ways others do repairs your channel is my go too
Thanks William! Yes, I like that too! Especially when someone inherits a piece that no one else wanted and after it's restored they all now claim Grandma said they could have it!
Thom thats def a 👍👍 repair job! You are an artist. It was bittersweet seeing the shop mgr make an appearance. Hope you are resting with the angels Ella. 💖
Thanks! We know she is!
Tip for getting out screws safely and easily. I use this in antique Gunsmithing. Install a screw driver bit of the right size into a drill press. Place the screw you want to remove under the bit. Using the quill on the drill press. Press the bit into the screw with as much force as necessary. While turning the drill Chuck by hand. Or if needed use a rod to turn the drill chuck. By using to holes the chuck key fits in. This works great. Never have to worry about the screw driver slipping or rounding the screw. Using the quill on the drill press to apply as much downforce as necessary.
Sometimes using a hot soldering iron on top of the screw can loosen it.
@@bloggalot4718 that works great as well. That's usually the first thing i try
Thanks! I can't wait to try that. Of course, I'm often working on larger pieces where that isn't possible, but I will also try the soldering iron
Thanks! I just got a new soldering iron so that I can try that
@@johnsonrestoration best of luck i hope this helps.
Outstanding! I didn’t expect it would look that clean. Like a show room model.
Thanks!
When 51 minutes pass as if it was 51 seconds. Definitely something to be learned for these new schmick-smock generations and their shorts. If they have time that is. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! I like that!
As always a new video about an antique stuff and saving it, countless thanks for your efforts and skills to save the history.
You are so welcome!
An interesting find in the box was a Piano hammer but I actually think it might be for a harpsichord as it was a bit smaller and had no felt on the end. Thought I would mention in case you were interested in knowing what it was. :-)
Thanks! Interesting tidbits like that are always 👍.
Thanks! That is interesting. Maybe the owner will know something about it
Yes! I agree
Oh...haven't heard the term "writing slope" before--how interesting! Lovely result on the repairs. Always a joy to catch a glimpse of Ella.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Since my banking account got drained, I am an Luddite, except for where and when technology does what I mean for it to do. I appreciated your advise about scammers. Years ago, Hal warned us, yet we just kept giving AI the pass to think for us. Your videos are heartening! I cherish the times I have seen you carefully restore pieces from the past and given them the chance to carry on. I have an old dome trunk from the 1870s. It has recently been given to me and is from Mesilla, New Mexico...a survivor of a stagecoach wreck, my romantic self thinks. It is battered and beaten, but because I have been watching your videos ( and one or two others) I understand the best approach is no approach. I will leave it as it came to me and hope one of my future offspring sees it for its beauty and gives it new life. I really want to take a run at it, but know better.
Thanks Sandra! I am a Luddite too, but one with a TH-cam channel!
“I was at the vet this morning. I’m on my own.” That one stung! Sorry about your buddy!
Apparently that was a routine visit. She was back the next morning.
Thanks! It was tough
Thanks! It wasn't routine, those were her final days th-cam.com/video/vKkLmBOebWk/w-d-xo.html
Another excellent piece of work Tom 👏👏👍
Many thanks!
I have always enjoyed puzzles and the one you have there is a good one.
Thanks! It is!
Beautiful work! Good for another 200 years!
Thank you very much!
For a terrible moment I thought you'd lost your old girl, So glad to see her make a reappearance.
th-cam.com/video/vKkLmBOebWk/w-d-xo.html
@@KPA78 Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks! I know, I like seeing her. I wasn't sure...
Beautiful! Another job well done!
Thank you very much!
Wonderful, lovingly crafted work, the product of a lifetime of lessons, learned and adventures taken. A beautifully told story.
Thank you! Nicely said! I appreciate it
Tom, listening to you tap veneer is amongst my favourite Tom tasks. Incredibly soothing and satisfying , now that I too recognize the ‘wrong’ sound of a failed section.
Thanks! I love doing that too!
I should know by now to expect a stunning outcome, but when I first saw the piece, I wondered how you would ever achieve it. Well done! Lucky owner.
Thank you!
Beautiful work Tom. I wasn't familiar with Lubricite and Gilboy's, I'll have to check them out!
Thanks! they're all "good people"
Enjoying these brings calm in the otherwise busy days. Thanks 👍🏻
You're welcome!
You’re a genius! You did such a beautiful job on that writing slope.
Thank you so much!
Aw it still breaks my heart to see beautiful Ella. She was such a good girl. Ah Tom what a beautiful job you made of that writing slope. It's just glorious now after the touch of the master's hand. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work with us. What are we gonna do when you retire? Tom, are you familiar with The Robinson brothers from Milltown, Co. Cavan Ireland? They live just a few miles from me. They have only shared their skills with one other person - their nephew, who then went on to join the priesthood. I hope he passes their wisdom, skills and secrets to someone else as it would be such a shame for all that to be lost.
Tell them to put them on TH-cam. That and their work will be their legacy to the world.
@@BigHenFor Oh the Robinson brothers busy themselves with nature rather than technology. One of the brothers has made it his personal mission to track down and reintroduce species of apples that were once native to the area and are on the brink of extinction. They're very protective of their work and their ways. It took them decades to agree to show their nephew.
Thanks Emer! I don't know of the Robinson brothers. I have never understood people who have these "secrets". I have always shared everything I know with anyone and it has done nothing but bring me good fortune
I know, right? Thanks!
It must come from a sense of insecurity
Anytime I see those scammers in the comments I report them immediately. Regardless of whose comment it's under. My advice is to anyone who reads the comments, when you see the scammers report them like crazy. We can only get rid of them if we report en masse. Diligence people. We can beat these guys. They've been doing this for months now and almost every youtube channel has been hit. Report, report, report.
Yes report them, but remember that many times they show up immediately, they are robots, so they operate with permission from youtube.
@@Drottninggatan2017 TH-cam really needs to sort itself out. Between demonetising content creators without a valid reason and then allowing these scammers, they're really losing the plot. Their platform would not exist without content creators or an audience. They need to show a good deal more respect towards both.
It's so embarrassing, all my favorite creators have issued warnings. Billion dollar company with pathetic spam fighting skills. (But if I'm kind, they might represent the few of thousands that get through - but still...)
@@Drottninggatan2017 Don't take this the wrong way but don't those spammer comments just add to the comment count that would be good for the channel?
@@dwightl5863
Not really. They take on the appearance of the channel owner, so it is very deceptive, and if we allow this kind of behaviour soon we will not know what is what.
It happened before that a channel bought likes from people in Asia or bots, literally paid for it, but in the long run they lost out.
Another excellent video, I learn so much from you Tom, I never get tired of watching and rewatching your videos. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, hugs from Lisbon, Portugal.
You are very welcome! I appreciate it!
You really lucked out with all those saved pieces. Good thing you like Puzzles. ;-) As usual excellent work!
Yes! Thank you!
What a wonderful video, and it was lovely to see Ella in the video. You always make these jobs look so easy. Wonderful. All the best.
Thank you!
Hit the like button before watching the video as I know that it will be well made and interesting, not to mention the superb craftsmanship.
Thank you! That's nice!
Great work and I am so sorry for the loss of your family member Ella. She'll be waiting for you.
Thank you!
Another SUPER result from the SUPER rest-o-rator!
Thank you!
Very happy to share over on Twitter... your knowledge, along with your channel, is certainly share-worthy!
😊👍 cheers Thomas.
Thank you Pat! I appreciate you sharing
Wow, what a change! Thank you, Tom.😀
You're welcome!
I am a furniture builder and sometimes repair pieces, so I can really appreciate the unseen parts of the work you do. You have my admiration for the diligence with which you pursue the craft. Thanks for making these videos. On this on I think I would have cut out the scollops of the pattern around the escutcheon and gone to an equal sized brass tube to compliment the other circles of brass. But that is for me to do if I get the chance. Really good job! No exception.
Thanks! The real problem was that I couldn't transfer the exact image to the brass. Each scallop was different.
I hit like before i watched this.... that's how much I enjoy your work.
Thanks!
You were an awesome dad to Ella. she had a great life. It showed.
Thank you! That's nice
As usual fantastic workmanship. I miss Ella, as of course you do, but seeing her now and then reminds us of how wonderful a (shop) dog she was and always looking out to get into the ‘real’ hide glue you warmed up.
Thanks! Yes, I liked seeing her too
Every morning when i walk into my shop with a cup of coffee, i think of you and Ella.
That's nice! Thanks
I commented before seeing entire video. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Oh! I just answered your first comment. But thank you. We will miss her forever!
Thomas:Magnificent! What a beautiful restoration. I love the slope writing box. Lucky owner. Carol from California
Thanks Carol!
WOW Tom, you did it again ! What a fantastic job, such meticulous care to detail and all that patience with the veneer. The result is stunning, of course ! BTW, that odd hammer shaped piece of wood you had at the beginning is from a Piano action. Thanks for sharing all your skills with us - such a relaxing way to spend some time with you. Thanks again - take care 🙂
You're welcome! I figured it was piano - but someone said since it wasn't felted it was from a harpsichord
Mr. J, I've learned more watching your videos than I did with 4 years of Shop Class in High School! Thank you very much......
You're welcome! Yeah, but I bet the shop class was more fun!
Wow!! It's beautiful!!
Thank you!
A friend of mine makes jewellery from some sort of "silver clay," which is real silver in a putty that burns away with a small hand torch, leaving just the silver behind. I wonder if there's a brass clay that would do the same thing you could shape an escutcheon from? I liked the little animated sections of "Tom tried.." that's new. And I didn't realise Ella had died before reading these comments. Very sorry for your loss, she was a really cool shop mate.
Thanks! I just found it!
You, Thomas, are something else altogether.
Thanks! (I hope that's a good thing!)
@@johnsonrestoration Your comment at 1:50 made me laugh out loud.
She was such a good girl. Thank you for the peace and serenity your videos bring my husband and I.
Thank you!
Tom, your videos have given me hours of pleasure, watching the meticulous work you do! Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
I also lost a very old friend recently: a white bull terrier called Roxanne. Like Ella, she spent most of her waking time at my feet, supervising my activities and watching over me. I remind myself that Rox had her allotted time and I was lucky enough for it to be spent with me. I hope that helps as you get used to a workshop without Ella to keep it running smoothly. Sending warmest hugs to you from faraway Australia. RIP, Ella dear. You were a good dog.
Thank you! I'm sorry for the loss of Roxanne. And yes, we will remember all the good times. We knew what we signed up for!
I am so glad to see you work so hard to match vanier. So many other restorers glob bondo on missing vanier, I always think "Tom wouldn't do that!". It may look okay on camera, but I wonder about in real view? Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much! Yes, and the thing is, it takes longer to do a patch with filler than with actual wood veneer!
@@johnsonrestoration But it is worth the extra time. I think your customers appreciate it much more.
I love it BEFORE I see 👀 your show!
Thank YOU!
AFTER WATCHING....
"Pretty good".....????
Our dear dear Sir....
EXCELLENT (as ALWAYS!)
That little piece took a long time!
TY for sharing!
You're welcome!
Great video. Enjoyed your work on the delicate box. I enjoy your videos so much, especially ones that have Ella there. I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you! She is missed
Don't remember seeing a screw defeat you. But you got past that escutcheon challenge. End result is fabulous! Hey, stay safe with the frigid weather you folks are experiencing.
Thanks! I just didn't want to damage anything! And I was able to still do what was necessary
Thomas your attention to detail is uncanny. I have said it before and need to continue saying that you are an absolute inspiration to me and my repairs. As once said I am 72 years old, and have been doing this seemingly forever, but It never fails that I get fine tuned to my job through watching you and your meticulous discipline to detail.
Thanks James! I will tell you having an HD camera pointed at your work tends to sharpen the mind!
For such a small piece, your work had a huge impact!! Well done, Mr. Johnson...
Thank you!
Top notch as usual. Nice to see some unusual video editing with the escutcheon making.
Thank you very much!
Truely lovely travel writing desk.
Thank you Judith!
Ella, best shop dog ever. Miss her. ❤
Thank you!
Your calm patience while working out solutions to intricate problems is amazing.
Thank you
I've always found it interesting how sometimes the smaller projects have the biggest impact. Very nicely done. Beautiful work as always.
Thanks! Yes, it's easy to overlook these small pieces
The whole thing was beautiful, but she shined up brass and the final polish was just *chef's kiss.* I love watching your craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Yes, a chef's kiss!
Excellent work. I’m really enjoying watching your work.
Thank you very much!
The brass graphics were fun. I still get a kick when you relate your time invested; you say hours, I'm thinking this month's project on my end.
Thanks! Well, it happens over the course of a few weeks
Absolutly beautiful Tom, sending you greetings from sunny Gibraltar, a tiny town on a tiny rock in southern europe x
Wow! Thank you!
Besides your craftmanship, the camera work in these videos is also really good.
Thank you!
I have just discovered your channel. You are truly talented and gifted in terms of your profession, and I very much enjoy watching your videos. As a new subscriber, I fortunately have a back catalogue of your videos to watch!
Thanks Peter! Welcome to the channel!
Tom, most if not all respect you and your videos. What a teacher.. Thank you.
You're welcome! That's nice
How fun is that cartoon style! Bet that would bring attention on shorts! Perfection as usual Tom.
Thanks! Yes, I liked that!
Sad and happy to see Emma again.... I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but the 'something else' on the stick that you held up from amongst the bits at the beginning - I'm sure that's a broken off piano hammer, without its felt. Lovely job, as always.
Thanks! Yes, or a harpsichord
Oh how I love to watch the work!
Thank you!
Truly an exercise in stepwise patience, persistence, knowledge and skill combined. Thank you!
You're welcome!
It was nice seeing Ella
My condolences brother
Thank you
As always a superb repair
Thank you!