One-of-a-Kind Find!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ม.ค. 2025
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome piece of furniture. 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).
I have heard of a camping holiday but never a clamping holiday. Have a great vacation Tom.
Mmmmm........I've heard of glamping, not clamping.
Thanks!
😂 Good one!!
TSA Officer: "What's in the bag sir?"
Tom: "Clamps."
TSA Officer: "Well have a nice vacation sir."
Tom: "I think it should be pretty good"
Yes! That made me laugh
The bag full of clamps LOL! I like the subtle, dead pan humor in this video😁
🤣🤣
Thank you!
Great to see Ella again. She is remembered fondly.
Thanks Allan! She surely is…
Agree!
When on vacation you can’t take too many clamps with you.
I was shaking with laughter when I saw Tom packing his clamps.
Thanks! Over the years I have found that to be true...
Scene on a Montecarlo hotel lobby concierge desk. A tall American, wearing a flowery shirt walks in and leaves his heavy bag full of clamps on the mahogany veneered desk carefully, without marring the French polished surface. The Concierge flinches. The American declares: "I'm Tom Johnson, from Gorham, Maine."
I'd watch that movie.
That's Gorham..............Maine😊
"Johnson... Thomas Johnson, from Gorham... Maine"
*cue Bond theme music*
😅
And then he says.. "I think that looks pretty good"
That intro was HILARIOUS!!!!
Thanks Cindy!
I remember this when you first did it. Good to see Ella again.
Thanks! It is…
You can never have too many clamps, even while on vacation. I hope it turns out pretty good.
So true! Thanks
When TJ says: "I think it looks pretty good." It's good.
Thanks!
I have such incredible respect for you and the work you do. I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. I’ve watched other furniture restoration videos and while their work is quite impressive, your videos are like a master class.
The biggest difference, in my opinion, are how they take the furniture's apart and how they scrap/sand it. Someone as Tom, who knows more than just How to do it (he knows Why), makes it slowly and careful. Those who leave marks and scratches don't understand the difference between restorations and facelifts.
Thank you so much!
Thanks! Yes, people are too quick to sand
When I go antique hunting there are three things I never ask myself 1/ Do I need it , 2/ Can I afford it and 3/ Where am I going to put it ! Works everytime as you can see in my barn/attic/garage ! I just moved into a house five times smaller and I gave the major pieces to an antique dealer friend who in exchange moved the rest. I did keep lots of small pieces of furniture to restore and chairs to cover and dozens and dozens on antique frames for framing projects ! At this rate I will have to live another 70 years ! I love it that you took your tools on holiday !!xoxo Lovely to see our Ella xoxo
So, what you really need to be shopping for is a barn with a good roof!
I've been searching for many years for a frame to put a 13x23" print into. I want a substantial one with plaster or carved corners, like from the 20's or 30's era. I have a search saved on ebay, but have never found one that isn't several hundred$. Wish I had access to a good selection for sale!
Thank you Stephanie! Wow, it sounds like a major life change. But I have to agree with the commenter, would be nice to have some sort of shop/craft space. I have a feeling that you’ll work something out!
Yes! Especially the roof!
I hope you find it! But good frames are “expensive”
11:22 I can't believe there's a shot of you coming into the shop in the morning without your usual cup of coffee! Anyways, always enjoy watching your work and learning by osmosis. Cheers!
Thanks! How did I miss that!
Some people go glamping on vacation. Tom Johnson goes clamping.
Exactly! Thanks
That opening clip of you packing a bag full of clamps looks just like me every time my daughter invites me over for dinner or needs a babysitter. A week ago I went to babysit and she asked me to bring some glue and clamps to fix a dining room chair the back of which had snapped off last Thanksgiving. Fortunately instead of being emasculated by this her husband was delighted it had been removed from his honey do list. 😂
That’s great! Whenever I visit relatives I’ll have a tool box in the car
Camping holiday - glamping holiday - and now clamping holiday.
That campaign table is beautifully restored!
Thanks! We love it - in constant use
This was fascinating. So beautiful! And in heckofa good shape for 1883 roadside find! Snrk, Momma used to quote the poem 'let me live in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man.' That's updated to 'let me live in a house by the side of the road, and scavenge all the goodies!' Excellent work as always, sir.
Love that! I actually have an old cross sticth with that saying. I like your version
Your attention to detail leads me to surmise that the piece will be better than when it was new.
Thanks Roger, it can never be due to that damaged corner.
You see beauty in things that are trashed and your knowledge and skill reveals that beauty to us. Thank you Tom.
Thanks Mandy! That is very nice
You did an amazing job. That table is gorgeous. I just refinished an oak drop leave table. I knew the legs were not oak but loved the color of them and they were not in bad condition. I clean table with Krud Kutter, top and legs, strip the top but not the legs. I then cleaned legs with alcohol. It took off more grim and some old finish but left my legs the color I wanted. I then matched the top of table by using two stains. The end result is gorgeous. I could not find any markings as to year of table but could tell by solid glass drawer pull, brass wheels and screws that the piece has some age on it.
There is so much satisfaction in see in an old piece come back to life.💕💕💕💕💕
Wow! Charlene, it sounds like you did a great job! And yes, what a great feeling, everytime you look at it
You're the best Thomas... enjoyed the rerun of the campaign table, what an ingenious piece, you so beautifully restored.
I always enjoy your dry humor, it is memorable! For instance, your lunch prep!! 😂
I, too, enjoy Ella's clips, she must've been of English heritage, with that blocky head. Love the one where she's running to meet her humans in the woods ❤
Another where you tell her "no" & gently push her nose, so kindly.
I raised my 3 (now 50, 52, 56!) with a black Lab, who lived to be 15- 3mo... all these yrs later, we still enjoy our videos of Angus. (named after my folks's cattle)
xox LaRayne
Thanks Larayne! I love the name Angus! Perfect for a big lab. I miss my Ella! I love seeing her in the videos
The brown paper bag has worked well as a last step for me. Thanks for the tip!
That makes me very happy!
Once again a nice video, it was well done. and I love being able to see Ella again. she is missed. Tnx for "Re-Sharing" God speed /ECF
You’re welcome Ellis! I miss her every day, I love seeing her in the videos too
I am moving house and realised that my treasures, collected in a lifetime, each carring the memories of acqisition, loving restoration (my husband was really god at it) and being with us for many decades, lose all with the passing of life and time. Thomas, yo are my solace.
Thank you - that's very nice. We're at that age, looking at the past...
The first question I might ask myself before picking up a damaged piece of furniture from the roadside is “do I have the awesome woodworking skills that Thomas Johnson has “. Since I don’t, the next question would be “ is it an easy fix “. I have learned sooo much from your channel and really appreciate your patience and teaching skills! Thanks!!!
Thank you Calvin! That makes me happy
Hey Tom. Been subscribed to you for a while now. You may or may not be instantly familiar with my comments. I’m the one who pointed out to you that you are not only a craftsman, but an artist. 😊 you do such a great job with your videos. You are not the same, but definitely give me the same relaxing vibes as Bob Ross. That makes you a legend in my book. Take care. Keep doing what you love. It affects more people than you could ever imagine.
Thank you! And thank you for your kind words! So much positive reactions and good wishes have been humbling. I love my fans!
Hope you enjoyed your 'clamping' holiday, Tom!
I did! Actually I’m on it now, I just can’t leave all the comments until I get home. We’re hiking and exploring Hells Canyon, Idaho
Happy vacation. You can never have too many clamps especially on the road. I enjoyed the video and learning about the color work.
Thanks Katherine!👍
That catepillar is eating your beans!!! You know it's going to be good when he starts grabbing all the clamps!
Thanks Anne! We've got plenty for the caterpillar!
With that bag of clamps (and all the other items you take) I’m sure the furniture in your hotel room will be in much better condition when you leave. Looking forward to the next project. It goes without saying it will turn out pretty good. Have a great time.
Thanks! I will!
What a sweet little table. I love that you can look at something and just know that it'll scrub up well.
Thanks! It takes some experience to recognize what something could be
Anne Margareta Lindell, form Finland, hi! So nice, little table. I really love these videos ... so relaxing. I like to watch, when somebody else is working.
Thank you Anne! I’m trying to imagine Finland, I bet it’s beautiful
I nearly bust a gut when you were packing your clamps in your travel duffle bag. I'm taking a 10 day vacation tomorrow and yup, i'm packing my tool bag too!
Interesting factoid on the monarch caterpillar. My sister was up last summer here in Canada and she adopted at least 6 pupae Monarchs and brought them back home to Hilton Head Island. Her way of giving them a "lift" South on their journey to Mexico.
Thank you as always for your upload.
Wow! That's interesting. I wonder how they did. When I'm driving on vacation I do take a tool box
@@johnsonrestoration Shes a professional artist and has co-authored a children's book regarding a turtle that has returned to HHI, SC for many decades. She did the artwork.
She is mulling over a storyline for the Monarchs return trip and the perils they face. Look her up "Mira Scott, Picture This Gallery. There are TH-cam videos of her presenting a large turtle at the, i think, Savannah Airport.
Regards.
Ella, my fav helper!
Oh man! She was the best
That’s not a cold open. That’s a dry open. Remind me of the time Norm Abrams opened his closet full of identical flannel shirts, but he made absolutely no comment about it.
I wish I had seen that one! Thanks!
Outstanding work Tom you are a true craftsman! Greetings from Canada. 🇨🇦
Thank you!
Grazie Maestro per i bellissimi video che ci regali, molto istruttivi. Un abbraccio dall'Italia 🇮🇹
Thank you! A hug back to Italy! We love Italy
We all know what you think "it looks pretty good" but we all think it looks darn good. That said, Tom we all in your video feed are concerned that if you try to go through TSA with that bag of clamps...., well we would really like to know how to get a hold of you, after we start that go fund me campaign to get you out on bond! 🥰❤ Enjoy you vacation, we'll do the reruns till you return.
That is good! Don't worry, I checked that back, they probably opened it and shook their heads
You have such a dry wit! LOL. I love the campaign table you repaired, and I'm looking forward to watching you repair the piece you purchased from a yard sale. As always, I admire your talent and knowledge.
Thank you Vicki!
I think it will turn out pretty good !
Love these videos !
Stay clamped !
Stu xx
Thanks! I like that!
Hallo Thomas, das war ein geniales Intro. Ich habe die Reparatur des Tisches schon mal gesehen und ich war wieder voll begeistert. In deiner Werkstatt fühle ich mich immer wohl, es ist für mich jedesmal ein Abenteuer. Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Urlaub und eine schöne Zeit und bleib gesund 👍🙂🍀🐦
Danke Christel! Es freut mich, dass du so denkst! Alles Gute...
I haven’t watched yet but I think you’ll think it looks pretty good! I always love and admire your work. Enjoy your vacation!
Thank you so much!!
¡Really! 😄 ¿De vacaciones con equipaje tan ligero? 😂 Admiro su carácter Mr. Tom, con ese espíritu alegre y optimista. Gracias por sus consejos al adquirir un mueble usado, tiene mucha razón, hay veces que nos entusiasmamos tanto que compramos un mueble pensando haber hecho el negocio del año. Muy interesante esa mesa de campaña el mueble quedó excelente para muchos años más. Que Dios lo bendiga y dé salud para que nos siga regalando nuevos videos y aprovechar de su experiencia. Saludos.
¡Gracias! Agradezco sus amables palabras y apoyo.
I think it’s gonna come out pretty good. 👍
I think so too! Thanks Rusty
I finished a book case I built first with cherry stain, but didn't wipe it off, the next day it had dried and looked really good but i wanted more color so i began using mahogany stain over the cherry and because the cherry wasn't wiped the mahogany lightly loosened it and they mixed and was delighted that it became the color I was looking for,
I like that! It’s funny how those things work out sometimes
Good to see you using face protection when using the wire wheel, Thomas... the no. of times I see restorers on TH-cam with no eye protection using wire wheels give me chills!
Great restoration of a lovely piece, thank you.
Thanks! I’m better now than in the past
Beautiful campaign table. What a find and you did a great job. Love the Aug. 9 1887 mark. I especially enjoyed seeing how you restored the metal footholders. Many thanks.
You're welcome!
I think it will look pretty good - still waiting for the branded t-shirt with that phrase on the front 😜
Thanks! Oh, the T shirt thing!
Maybe my favorite piece so far!!! Beautiful and clever design work.
Thank you! I'm glad you like it! I do too!
Lovely, calm, informative, and interesting video as always. Love all the great comments, too! I imagine that TH-camrs are pleased when the audience gets it.
Thanks Sarah! At least I know I'm happy when the audience "gets it"
Because one can never have too many clamps/cramps.......on holiday😅 Nothing can "cramp" your style Tom, you are one in a million. Have a happy and well earned holiday with the Missus🏖🍹😎
Thank you! This is a trip for guys only! That's why we call it a vacation
Love the caterpillar to butterfly.
Isn’t that amazing? Thanks
Beautiful job Thomas, really beautiful.
Thank you very much Duncan!
Vintage vacation wardrobe - dandy!
Great!
I love how you take your beloved clamps on vacation.
Doesn't everyone? Thanks
Beautiful finish! Can’t wait to see the new project you introduced as well!
Thanks! I'm working on it!
Top level craftsmanship and now we also find out you are a subtle comedian!
Thanks Guy!
What a beautiful finish, Tom you are a master at restoration.
Thank you very much!
The caterpillar at the beginning is en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_machaon, a beautiful Papillon. If you grow carrots in mid northern hemisphere, you know them.
Fun fact: Monarch butterflies are poisonous due to their diet of milkweed in the larval stage. Predators tend to leave them alone. The swallowtails (Papillons among them) evolved to visually mimic the Monarch at the larval stage to reduce predation.
Thanks! I had never tried to identify it
3:11 Awwww! Ella!!! ❤
I miss Ella so much, and I love seeing her in these videos
Dear Thomas. You've made me late, once again. I was just leaving home when your latest video popped up - and if course, I watched it in full. As ever, I'm glad that I did because I always admire your expert skills and techniques, and of course, the inspirational results. A charming campaign table brought back to life, ready for... the next campaign! Big hug from Devon, England. 😊😊😊
Thank you Devon!
Great video! Loved the tropical shirt and packing your clamps! The table video was pretty good too! LOL.
Thanks Joanne!
Thomas Johnson restoration videos are the only shows on TH-cam I watch full screen from start to finish. Thanks for the great content!
Wow, thanks! Makes me happy
I was told by a woodworking friend of mine, as I stared at his wall of clamps, that you can never have enough clamps.
That's what they say! I wouldn't know would I!
The table turned out so pretty.
Thanks Judith!
Beautiful job, Tom. Hope I run into such a find and can refinish it so beautifully. Lovely addition to your room.
Thanks! keep on the lookout!
Another beautiful job by Tom Johnson
Thanks Rosalie!
Fantastic little table restoration. I truly enjoy watching your channel and always learn something new, which I then use in my own shop when I work on my own restoration projects. ❤
Awesome, thank you! I like that
Hey Tom, I was having a grotty day, until I watched this video. Your 'holiday' jape cheered me up no end. Of course, the rest of the video was interesting as well !!
Thanks John!
Dang, Tom - I thought I was bad, taking my laptop on vacation!
LoL! I know it's a spoof - it is a spoof, right?
🤔
Thanks! But not far from the truth - I often wish I had tools with me
I think it’s going to turn out awesome, and you will say, “I think it looks pretty good.”
I think you're right!
What a neat guy ! Gotta respect him 👏👏👏
Thank you!
Kolejna perfekcyjne wykonana robota. Mistrz Thomas ma zawsze dobre rady i ciekawe pomysły. Pozdrawiam i powodzenia.
Dziękuję! Doceniam to!
I love how you bring these pieces back to life ❤
Thanks Tracey! I love doing it!
Mr Johnson oh how I would love to visit your barn! Every project you do comes out beautifully!
Thanks!
Of course, you will say "I think it came out pretty good". Master of understatement. ;-)
Thank you Mary!
Wishing you a happy holiday
Thank you!
Tender Loving Care....what a beautiful piece!
Thanks Connie!
Enjoyed the video Tom. I think the vanity will look pretty good after you work your expertise on it. Thank you for the video and I hope you all had a great vacation. Take care and God bless.
Thank you Ron!
Happy New Year from the UK Thomas. Another lovely bit of restoration.
🇺🇲⛏️📏📐🔧🔨⚒️🇺🇲
Thank you Peter! Happy New Year!
There is no doubt that you will restore this back to its glory days . I have seen your work and you are very accomplished.😊
Thank you!
Still one of my favorite restorations ❤
Thanks! Me too!
Sweet. A great restoration of a very well designed antique.
Thanks!
Looks great Tom! A wonderful restoration. I imagine that it looks as it did when it was made.
Thanks! I hope so! That was my goal - I feel like I got it as close as possible
ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS, TOM!!!
Thank you! I am!
So happy to see your pup again.
I like it too! Thanks
Great job! Your editing and fast forward is spot on. I don’t get bored watching. Where was the vacation? We visited Acadia National Park last year, coming from Chesapeake Bay.
Thanks! I grew up taking all our vacations on the Chesapeake Bay, we lived in DC. I’m hiking Hells Canyon in Idaho right now
Great restoration from a master. Hope you enjoyed your holiday.
Thanks! I did!
Your restoration turned out wonderfully well, Thomas. Bravo, sir!
Many thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration you're most welcome,. sir!
The piece, according to you, came out, "Pretty Good." Everyone else believes it will be GORGEOUS!!!!
Thanks for the silly intro!!!
You’re welcome!
It turned out fantastic. Well done sir.👍
Thank you Dennis!
Pretty good, indeed. 👍
Thanks!
So, to go on holidays, Tom packs a bag full of tools.
A busman’s holiday? 😂😂😂
Always! A good tradesman always has his tools! Thanks
Gosh I miss Miss Ella Bean.🤎🤎
Oh! So much. But it makes me happy to see her in these videos
The table will be perfect I am sure love Christine x
Thanks Christine!
That is one very pretty yet very handy table!
It is! We use it every day
Wonderful, as usual!
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
Enjoy your clamping vacay! Looking forward to seeing the yard sale find restored. I know it will come out pretty good. 😅
Thanks! Stay tuned!
Hope you have a great Vacation Tomas.🌴🚢✈
Thanks! 😃 I will try!
Have a great holiday, Tom!
Thank you Valerie!