Tom, I have watched you for many years. I think you would be surprised at how much peace and strength you have given me. I will be heart broken when you retire, but no one deserves retirement more than you. You are truly a good and decent man. Thank you so much.
"For behold, I make all things old become new." I always enjoy every video you share. I must tell you this one reveals the youthful excitement and joy you experience, especially in restoring an item too many of us would have considered a total lose. It reveals the love and passion of your vocation and to a discerning eye. It offers a clue to success and becoming great in any endeavor. One must come to love his work. My father told me the day before he died, "You are going to spend most of your waking hours working. Strive to find something you enjoy." Tom, you are teaching more than furniture restoration. You are teaching people how to live.
This was one of the most amazing pieces of what I can only think of as forensic furniture restoration I have ever seen. It showcased your skills and knowledge in one of the most enjoyable episodes of your work. It seemed impossible to resurrect the pile of scraps you started with but you turned it into a beautiful piece of furniture.Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Tom, regarding the dead space behind the decorative file slots and the missing panel: my parents had a very similar desk. There was no missing panel. Instead, there was a "floating" panel attached to the desk's frame with a large spring. As a child (the desk seemed huge to me) I would access that panel through the kneehole, push on it, and cuddle up in the dead space. There was a nest of checks that had fallen into the space from the overstuffed drawer. Im 70 now ☺, but its a cozy memory.
I think this may have been a draftsman's desk. The tall slots look like upright storage for renderings, and the small pockets look like places where rolls of blueprints were stored. This was an absolutely brilliant restoration, Tom. Absolutely brilliant. Your attention to detail while finishing the desk was a sight to behold. Do all your adoring fans a favor. Let us see all the tweaks when they are done. This was a wonderful experience, watching you literally take a pile of boards and put it together like a puzzle. Thank you so much!!
The ultimate lego kit with extra parts to add interest and confusion. Amazing transformation into a lovely desk. As always outstanding workmanship and attention to detail. Truly inspirational viewing. Thank you.
I thought I would fast forward to see the finished product, but, I watched every bit of this video hide-glued to my seat! lol! It’s a treat watching a pro like you.
By far the most dramatic before and after we’ve had the privilege of seeing on this channel. We have enjoyed watching for years. The only one close to this is a younger man that runs a channel called Baumgartner Restoration, he is to art conservation what you are to furniture & we thoroughly enjoy you both. Hope to see your work for years to come. May God bless you and keep you.
The two mystery pieces are pencil holders for the drawer, if they fit. Those old desks could have had an apparatus to swing up a typewriter on a shelf which could be swung back into the desk at the end of the day. Cubby slots might have been for envelopes.
Normally I would have been at work at that time. But today is a festive day in Germany, so it was the first time ever for me to watch a "premiere" of Tom Johnson. Well that was awesome, as always. Taking us on a journey through parts and pieces and ending with a wonderful desk! You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Johnson! And knowing that more than 260 other people from all over the world were watching at the same time with me felt like "personal class". Thank You so much! That made my day!
From brain teaser jig saw puzzle, to saving a beautiful piece of furniture! You saved it from the burn pile or landfill. Beautiful work and desk, Tom! I hope that you have a "mark" so that everyone knows it was made by a master and saved by a Master!
I'm sure you've heard this sentiment before but it is so comforting to join you in your shop as you breathe life into these precious pieces. And it's refreshing to see your respect for these pieces with none of the whining ("I can't believe how much sanding this needs wah wah wah") which is so common in many other "restoration" videos. Ahti from Estonia says that sanding is the music of his life. Isn't that lovely? I bet you share that feeling. I relocated to Eastern Tennessee years ago after living in CT for 57 years. I spent so many summers in Maine, and I so enjoy the opening and closing of your productions! A bit of homesickness can be so sweet. But the reason I've chosen to comment now after watching hours upon hours of your work? It's breaking my heart to see you enter your shop, beverage in hand, alone. Oh, Tom. Isn't it time to rescue another little soul....?
I loved this episode. It had so many satisfying elements for a viewer like me. The amazement of seeing bone dry, grey, cracked wood refinished to a lovely golden oak. The sherlock level puzzle putting together the various pieces. The continuing mystery of the side rear panel and drawer locking mechanism... I'm a 57 year old airline pilot, about to retire early and this is really inspiring me to put to gether a small working area and do this for a hobby. I haven't worked in wood since my high school shop days...
Beautiful job on this nice old piece. You could make that awkward missing door space into a secret compartment. Use a push in magnet catch and an invisible hinge on the door. Oooh, mysterious!
A puzzle for a good mind to work on. How satisfying! My dad was from that Victorian age and he got so sick of wood that he painted everything green as most of his era did. As a result, I’m very cautious with my greens, but wild with my woods.
I enjoyed this puzzle very much. What a great desk, and one with secrets, and a past. Perhaps the barn will yield more clues as you gradually work your way through all of the remaining pieces waiting their turn for the Tom Johnson treatment.
I remember when I first found this channel, looking up his website to find out he had retired during covid. Yet, he's still producing new content. He drives around picking up old furniture to restore and repair. When you retire after many years of doing your job, to continue doing it as a hobby, that's a good sign you loved your job. Don't we all wish we had a job we would want to keep doing when we no longer have to?
I discovered your videos about this time in 2019. I come from a family of cabinetmakers, antique dealers and restorers but they were all gone by the time I was 11. You have given me the courage and skills to realize lifelong dream of furniture restoration. Sharing your skills, knowledge and experience has been a gift. Thank you Tom.
An irrational amount of persistence was demonstrated here, but that's what separates the professionals from the pretenders. "Good pretty looks it think I".
Amazing. I love the idea of a secret hiding place behind a removable panel. Can't wait to see Part II - The Antique Office Chair Restored. Also, I'm imagining how many treasures that old barn has under it's eaves.
After refreshing my memory of ledgers via online antique sites, the early 1900's ranged in height from 12 to 14 to 18 inches. With the file drawer, possible typewriter pop-up/strongbox hidey hole, and pencil holders, I lean toward the owner putting the current & the previous year ledgers into the right hand slots. Old black & white movies had ledgers laid open, that looked like a desk pad size. Sweet project.
I loved watching this project, Tom. I wonder how many pieces are still waiting in the barn? I hope that you will still be able to find some time to treat us to some more barn restorations. Happy travels!
Great episode and what an accomplishment again Thomas 🤩🤩🤩This is 100% a cabinet with hidden space to store secrets in a safe way. There was for sure a panel as well at the right side of the cabinet and maybe it just hooked a panel in place iso having a door with hinges. That’s my guess …a James Bond stile desk with secret spaces … everyone should have one 😎👍👍 Thank you 🙏🏽
Oh, the open place with the frilled edge on the side edge of the pedestal is for rolled maps or rolled plans. Ive seen that before. Could the missing door have been glass, and broke a long time ago? The desk is like an all in one office. Very clever. As are you for saving it. Lovely episode.
Ooh, yes. So gorgeous, Tom. I can't wait to see the chair as well! And pumice in the polish. I've used it in shellac, but never in the Howard's. I need to go polish something NOW! Thanks for the video!!
Once again I am convinced that you could take a box of splinters and a wish and make a beautiful piece of furniture. Thank you for sharing. The large storage space could be used to store that Thanksgiving Platter that never fits in a kitchen cabinet.
Absolutely awesome job Tom. I know exactly the feeling of this type of job. I make Leadlights (Stained glass). People come to my workshop with boxes of broken glass and twisted leads, with an expectant look on their faces, and they inevitably say "I've got an easy job for you! But seriously, you can fix it can't you?" I tell them, "As long as you give me the accurate finish dimensions , I haven't failed yet."
By far. Without doubt nor comparison. The best restoration on your channel so far EVER?? Absolutely incredible!! You are Gods gift to old furniture. For sure!! Fantastic!!
Hi Tom, I was brouth up to consider wood as almost sacred. I remember the Cowichan aborigenees in British Colombia Canada also venerated trees with great respect and considered them as part of our universal destiny. When they would create a Totem pole, they would go in the forest and talk to the trees and tell them that one would become a venerated totem. This story has remained in my mind as the respect theese nations had torwards nature and the earth to which we belong. The pile of wood you have restored to this beautiful desk is a statement to this kind of thinking... To think someone would have used this pile of wood and burned it in a woodstove is beyond me....congratulation on this wonderful realisation...a beautiful desk that will live on for many to enjoy...the very best to you...
Back in the 1980s, an antique dealer friend of mine had one almost identical, but that had been more gently treated. He was told it was a "security" desk. Everything except the pop-up typewriter stand on the bottom left locked, and the rear right hole was covered with a kind of floating panel on a pressure fit spring with a shelf inside for a small srongbox.
This feels like a life lesson at the same time watching a desk come together. Someone that had been long forgotten and was a mess, got shown the light and some love and made ready for a new life again.
Fabulous show Tom - real detective work! I can't begin to see how you searched through all those pieces and found out where they went. That barn of yours must be quite something. Thanks, Tom (from France)
What an amazing puzzle! With a handful of pieces that don’t belong and several pieces missing. And you didn’t even have the picture on the box to refer to! Beautiful work!
Not bad for a pile of sticks! You have taken the 3D puzzle to new heights. Most of us would need to take our patience out for a good gallop to do this! It was helpful also to see behind the scenes to see how you pre-assemble the units before the final glue-up and clamping. Blessings! from Canada 🇨🇦
Tom, reading all the comments, well, I can't think of anything else to say, other than "Thank You" for everything you do on this channel. This was something special.
Mentioning the desks at school. Yes most of my desks through school were that color or a bit lighter. Have me a laugh and good memories . The desk is gorgeous.
Tom, you've outdone yourself with this project. Unbelievable work. Wow. When you were figuring out the "puzzle pieces" in the beginning, I kept thinking how many times I would say, Ok, this is all going to be firewood. I admire your patience and determination. Please update us with the desk if/when you continue with it.
I have always enjoyed your videos. They are a connection my late husband and I had. Thank you for new material. Every time I watch your videos, it reminds me of him. I love your work ethic and teaching.
Wow, that was different and very interesting to watch as you pieced it together like a forensic detective. Basically a giant jigsaw. Let's hope the customer takes better care of it this time around! Thanks for posting the video.
What a beautiful desk! I can't wait to see the chair. Tom, you should think about writing a book (or two, or three...). You have such an amazing amount of knowledge; it would be wonderful to pass it. on. Maybe write it to go along with your videos, or package up your videos on dvd and have the book go with it.
For mmost of my carreer I used a big old desk I had found shortly after I had started working for my museum. It was about 4 times the one you lovingly repaired, and had drawers on both sides. So at one time it was used by 2 people sitting opposite each other. A mysterious locking mechanism for the drawers annoyed me no end, since I could never quite work out how it functioned. Taking tbe desk apart to find out was not really an option. I am sure I could have taken it home with me when I retired since nobody else wanted to work on this antique piece, but I had no space. Two slightly smaller desks live in my house, both without a locking mechanism. My father's became my kitchen island. And very useful it is in that capacity, providing space for lots of kitchen utensils. Congratulations with a magnificent salvage operation
Your immaculate attention to detail has turned this sow's ear into a silk purse.
Thanks!
We never have any doubt about whatever he does turning out better than new and beautiful.
Tom, I have watched you for many years. I think you would be surprised at how much peace and strength you have given me. I will be heart broken when you retire, but no one deserves retirement more than you. You are truly a good and decent man. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome Dale! I'll keep making videos occasionally!
@@johnsonrestoration Now to Travel around beautiful Maine ? Git Go , it is you and family time.
Before: a pile of firewood. After: a beautiful oak desk with some intriguing mysteries! You are amazing!
Thanks Vickie!
“See if I can put it back together”. We all know you ARE going to put it back together and I haven’t even watched the video yet!
The suspense! Thanks
@@johnsonrestorationDid you find those extra bits in the barn by any chance ?
@@johnsonrestoration so maybe you should make a truly scary Halloween special, where you DON'T put a piece back together 😱😅
"For behold, I make all things old become new." I always enjoy every video you share. I must tell you this one reveals the youthful excitement and joy you experience, especially in restoring an item too many of us would have considered a total lose.
It reveals the love and passion of your vocation and to a discerning eye. It offers a clue to success and becoming great in any endeavor. One must come to love his work. My father told me the day before he died, "You are going to spend most of your waking hours working. Strive to find something you enjoy."
Tom, you are teaching more than furniture restoration. You are teaching people how to live.
Thank you Max! You are too kind! I really appreciate it
This may be my favorite of all your projects. Thanks for filming it.
You're so welcome Walter!
This was one of the most amazing pieces of what I can only think of as forensic furniture restoration I have ever seen. It showcased your skills and knowledge in one of the most enjoyable episodes of your work. It seemed impossible to resurrect the pile of scraps you started with but you turned it into a beautiful piece of furniture.Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Wow, thank you Calvin!
Tom, regarding the dead space behind the decorative file slots and the missing panel: my parents had a very similar desk. There was no missing panel. Instead, there was a "floating" panel attached to the desk's frame with a large spring. As a child (the desk seemed huge to me) I would access that panel through the kneehole, push on it, and cuddle up in the dead space. There was a nest of checks that had fallen into the space from the overstuffed drawer. Im 70 now ☺, but its a cozy memory.
What a wonderful memory! That's cool as a moose! (As we used to say in the 1960's.)
My brain isn't good enough. I need a diagram. 😁
Thanks Betsy! That is so cool! I love it
They still say that here in Maine! (way too often!)
The "Before and After" pics speak to the challenge. I can't say I have enjoyed a session of what you do and how you do it more. Thanks so much!
You're so welcome Joe!
I think this may have been a draftsman's desk. The tall slots look like upright storage for renderings, and the small pockets look like places where rolls of blueprints were stored. This was an absolutely brilliant restoration, Tom. Absolutely brilliant. Your attention to detail while finishing the desk was a sight to behold. Do all your adoring fans a favor. Let us see all the tweaks when they are done. This was a wonderful experience, watching you literally take a pile of boards and put it together like a puzzle. Thank you so much!!
Thank you! I think if it was a draftsman's desk it would have been higher with a hinged top, but it's fun guessing!
The ultimate lego kit with extra parts to add interest and confusion. Amazing transformation into a lovely desk. As always outstanding workmanship and attention to detail. Truly inspirational viewing. Thank you.
You are very welcome!
I thought I would fast forward to see the finished product, but, I watched every bit of this video hide-glued to my seat! lol! It’s a treat watching a pro like you.
Thanks Jamie! I like that "hide-glued"
I love when he says “I think it looks pretty good” at the end of each video
Thanks Kevin!
I would wear a Tom Johnson logo t-shirt with this slogan on it proudly! @johnsonrestoration
An absolute testament to your skill, patience and love for the craft. The result is outstanding Tom!
Thank you Tomas!
Like making a puzzle without a picture to work from!! Great job Tom!
Thanks Tom! It sure was
By far the most dramatic before and after we’ve had the privilege of seeing on this channel. We have enjoyed watching for years. The only one close to this is a younger man that runs a channel called Baumgartner Restoration, he is to art conservation what you are to furniture & we thoroughly enjoy you both. Hope to see your work for years to come. May God bless you and keep you.
Thank you Dorothy! It is an honor to be mentioned with Julian!
Your dry comment, "It looks like something"! gave me a laugh, Mr. Johnson. I am fascinated to see the outcome of this remake!
Thanks Sarah!
The two mystery pieces are pencil holders for the drawer, if they fit. Those old desks could have had an apparatus to swing up a typewriter on a shelf which could be swung back into the desk at the end of the day. Cubby slots might have been for envelopes.
Exactly! There would have been a spring contraption under the typewriter that would allow you to pull it out and up to working height.
Thanks Janet! I’ve seen set ups like that
Lord, where would you find one of those? Maybe it’s in the barn.
That was a tough one Tom. Hope you find the missing pieces in the barn!
Thanks! Me too!
Normally I would have been at work at that time. But today is a festive day in Germany, so it was the first time ever for me to watch a "premiere" of Tom Johnson. Well that was awesome, as always. Taking us on a journey through parts and pieces and ending with a wonderful desk! You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Johnson! And knowing that more than 260 other people from all over the world were watching at the same time with me felt like "personal class". Thank You so much! That made my day!
You are so welcome Chandra! You made me smile!
You took a pile of wood Mr Johnson and turn that into a work of art. Bravo
Thanks Jannie!
From brain teaser jig saw puzzle, to saving a beautiful piece of furniture! You saved it from the burn pile or landfill. Beautiful work and desk, Tom! I hope that you have a "mark" so that everyone knows it was made by a master and saved by a Master!
Thanks Doug! I should mark it!
If I didn't watch the whole video I would never believe that the initial pile of of junk wood actually turned out good looking furniture! Fantastic.
Thanks Wes!
I expect "Inspiration" or "Patience" is your middle name! An absolute blast watching you do a puzzle and restoration. So so fun.
Love that! Thanks Theresa!
I'm sure you've heard this sentiment before but it is so comforting to join you in your shop as you breathe life into these precious pieces. And it's refreshing to see your respect for these pieces with none of the whining ("I can't believe how much sanding this needs wah wah wah") which is so common in many other "restoration" videos. Ahti from Estonia says that sanding is the music of his life. Isn't that lovely? I bet you share that feeling. I relocated to Eastern Tennessee years ago after living in CT for 57 years. I spent so many summers in Maine, and I so enjoy the opening and closing of your productions! A bit of homesickness can be so sweet. But the reason I've chosen to comment now after watching hours upon hours of your work? It's breaking my heart to see you enter your shop, beverage in hand, alone. Oh, Tom. Isn't it time to rescue another little soul....?
Hey! Restores have to whine about sanding. If the customer know how enjoyable this trade is, they'll never pay. Just sayin.
@@patriciamay638lol!
Thank you Betsy! You are so sweet! As much as I love dogs, we are too old to get another. Maybe someday my daughter will get a pup and we can share
That's good Patricia! So true, I have never minded sanding
One has to know antiques before they can make it live again when it falls on hard times .Thank you Tom.
I loved this episode. It had so many satisfying elements for a viewer like me. The amazement of seeing bone dry, grey, cracked wood refinished to a lovely golden oak. The sherlock level puzzle putting together the various pieces. The continuing mystery of the side rear panel and drawer locking mechanism...
I'm a 57 year old airline pilot, about to retire early and this is really inspiring me to put to gether a small working area and do this for a hobby. I haven't worked in wood since my high school shop days...
Betcha he finds more pieces in the barn!
Thanks! Yes, you've got to do that!
I hope so! I've looked a couple of times but I'm not done!
Part 2 awaited with baited breath!
Me too! I'll try! Thanks
Beautiful job on this nice old piece. You could make that awkward missing door space into a secret compartment. Use a push in magnet catch and an invisible hinge on the door. Oooh, mysterious!
Thanks Becky! I've been thinking about that!
Another brilliant restoration. Looking forward to the chair video.
You and me both! Thanks!
A puzzle for a good mind to work on. How satisfying!
My dad was from that Victorian age and he got so sick of wood that he painted everything green as most of his era did. As a result, I’m very cautious with my greens, but wild with my woods.
Thanks! I like that - "wild with my woods" - me too!
That took some patience. You are a true craftsman.
Thank you Keith!
I enjoyed this puzzle very much. What a great desk, and one with secrets, and a past. Perhaps the barn will yield more clues as you gradually work your way through all of the remaining pieces waiting their turn for the Tom Johnson treatment.
Thanks Thomas! Oh yes, back to the barn...
I have no words to give you my opinion about this work; let me tell you only that it was fantastic.
Thank you, Thomas.
You're welcome Raoul!
I remember when I first found this channel, looking up his website to find out he had retired during covid. Yet, he's still producing new content. He drives around picking up old furniture to restore and repair. When you retire after many years of doing your job, to continue doing it as a hobby, that's a good sign you loved your job. Don't we all wish we had a job we would want to keep doing when we no longer have to?
Thanks Eddy! So true! I never thought of it that way
I discovered your videos about this time in 2019. I come from a family of cabinetmakers, antique dealers and restorers but they were all gone by the time I was 11. You have given me the courage and skills to realize lifelong dream of furniture restoration. Sharing your skills, knowledge and experience has been a gift. Thank you Tom.
You're so welcome! You've got that in your genes! I'm so happy I could help in a small way to get you back to it
An irrational amount of persistence was demonstrated here, but that's what separates the professionals from the pretenders.
"Good pretty looks it think I".
Thanks! "Irrational" being the operative term!
Sydney, Australia. Watching on a Friday night.
Great! Enjoy it!
Amazing. I love the idea of a secret hiding place behind a removable panel.
Can't wait to see Part II - The Antique Office Chair Restored. Also, I'm imagining how many treasures that old barn has under it's eaves.
Thanks Rita! Not too many!
After refreshing my memory of ledgers via online antique sites, the early 1900's ranged in height from 12 to 14 to 18 inches. With the file drawer, possible typewriter pop-up/strongbox hidey hole, and pencil holders, I lean toward the owner putting the current & the previous year ledgers into the right hand slots. Old black & white movies had ledgers laid open, that looked like a desk pad size. Sweet project.
Thanks Charlotte! Good info! I like movies from the 1930's, I need to start looking for these
I loved watching this project, Tom. I wonder how many pieces are still waiting in the barn? I hope that you will still be able to find some time to treat us to some more barn restorations. Happy travels!
Thanks! Oh yeah - there's more in the barn!
Sir, you definitely have the mind of an engineer! Love watching it work! Thank you for letting us share in your journey on this one!
I believe Tom has an engineering degree, actually.
Thanks! An engineering background does come in handy!
Thanks Davide! I never got a degree, I'm old enough to have worked as an engineer before you had to have a degree! (1971 - 74)
Great episode and what an accomplishment again Thomas 🤩🤩🤩This is 100% a cabinet with hidden space to store secrets in a safe way. There was for sure a panel as well at the right side of the cabinet and maybe it just hooked a panel in place iso having a door with hinges. That’s my guess …a James Bond stile desk with secret spaces … everyone should have one 😎👍👍
Thank you 🙏🏽
You're so welcome Joanne! That's what I'm thinking too...secret compartment
Oh, the open place with the frilled edge on the side edge of the pedestal is for rolled maps or rolled plans. Ive seen that before. Could the missing door have been glass, and broke a long time ago? The desk is like an all in one office. Very clever. As are you for saving it. Lovely episode.
Thanks Laura! I like the idea of a glass door on the side, especially if I keep books in there
All that from a pile of sticks. Beautiful work, as always.
Thanks Bobby!
Ooh, yes. So gorgeous, Tom. I can't wait to see the chair as well! And pumice in the polish. I've used it in shellac, but never in the Howard's. I need to go polish something NOW! Thanks for the video!!
Thanks Cat! The pumice in the polish works amazingly well - you don't need much!
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you, Tom!
Once again I am convinced that you could take a box of splinters and a wish and make a beautiful piece of furniture. Thank you for sharing. The large storage space could be used to store that Thanksgiving Platter that never fits in a kitchen cabinet.
I like that! Thanks Carlos!
That was an absolute tour de force. How wonderful. Truly inspirational.
Thank you!
Absolutely awesome job Tom. I know exactly the feeling of this type of job. I make Leadlights (Stained glass). People come to my workshop with boxes of broken glass and twisted leads, with an expectant look on their faces, and they inevitably say "I've got an easy job for you! But seriously, you can fix it can't you?"
I tell them, "As long as you give me the accurate finish dimensions , I haven't failed yet."
Thanks Tom! You know the feeling!
Your patience never ceases to amaze me! What a lot of work. Thanks for sharing.
You're so welcome Donna!
So often, Tom‘s methods require a high level of skill and patience. I like this video because … I can vacuum.
That made me laugh! Thanks John!
Another excellent restoration! If possible, I would love to see a project with your daughter assisting you-sort of passing the baton.
Thanks! You'll see her - but no passing batons! She does much more creative woodworking
@@johnsonrestoration I would love to see her work!
Awesome to see doing something new!!! Thank you for all your videos !! I’ve watched them all several times. Be well!
Thank you! And you keep well too!
By far. Without doubt nor comparison. The best restoration on your channel so far EVER?? Absolutely incredible!! You are Gods gift to old furniture. For sure!! Fantastic!!
Thank you Dwayne! You are too kind!
Unbelievable to imagine all that kindling makes a desk! Looking forward to the continuation.
Thanks Amie! Me too!
*What a gorgeous jigsaw puzzle!*
Thank you!
Hi Tom, I was brouth up to consider wood as almost sacred. I remember the Cowichan aborigenees in British Colombia Canada also venerated trees with great respect and considered them as part of our universal destiny. When they would create a Totem pole, they would go in the forest and talk to the trees and tell them that one would become a venerated totem. This story has remained in my mind as the respect theese nations had torwards nature and the earth to which we belong.
The pile of wood you have restored to this beautiful desk is a statement to this kind of thinking...
To think someone would have used this pile of wood and burned it in a woodstove is beyond me....congratulation on this wonderful realisation...a beautiful desk that will live on for many to enjoy...the very best to you...
Thank you! Very well said. I appreciate it!
Amazing reconstruction. It's always a joy to see Tom work.
Thanks Stephen!
Back in the 1980s, an antique dealer friend of mine had one almost identical, but that had been more gently treated. He was told it was a "security" desk. Everything except the pop-up typewriter stand on the bottom left locked, and the rear right hole was covered with a kind of floating panel on a pressure fit spring with a shelf inside for a small srongbox.
Wow! I would like to have seen that! Thanks
Omg that was complicated. Great job.
Thank you!
This feels like a life lesson at the same time watching a desk come together. Someone that had been long forgotten and was a mess, got shown the light and some love and made ready for a new life again.
Thank you John! Well said! I like it
Lovely job Tom! Nice time watching your work. Best regards!😊
Thank you!
Not for the first time, you are a brave man, Tom!
Thanks! Or is it just foolishness!
Very nice. Maybe that strange opening with the runner protruding was a secret compartment covered with a fake panel that pulled completely out.
That's what I think too
Thanks! Yes, I'm thinking the same thing
Thanks Dianne!
Thank you for sharing your work with us once again.
You are so welcome Enrique!
as I mentioned in the chat it looks similar in design to a dutch calvinist desk with a door on the back section. looking forward to the result!
Thanks! I need to check that out
Wow, Tom, this is amazing
Magnifico, lavoro eccellente 👍👍👍
Thanks Denise!
Gracias Camillo!
I think the mystery opening would make a great display shelf or bookshelf.
Thanks Bart! Yes, I'm thinking the same thing
Let's be real, not many people could piece together this puzzle... but it's no challenge for Mr. Furniture! Amazing job Tom
Thanks!
Wow from a pile of firewood to a lovely piece of furniture 😍 ❤
Thanks Sheila!
Wonderful job. As allways. I love your professionalism and love for the old.
Thank you!
This was such a fun episode! So much figuring out and putting pieces together and renewing! This is one of my favorites.
Thanks Sparrow! Mine too!
I enjoyed that puzzle.
Thanks Heather! Me too, in the end!
Fabulous show Tom - real detective work! I can't begin to see how you searched through all those pieces and found out where they went. That barn of yours must be quite something. Thanks, Tom (from France)
You're so welcome! It is something, but not in a good way!
What an amazing puzzle! With a handful of pieces that don’t belong and several pieces missing. And you didn’t even have the picture on the box to refer to! Beautiful work!
Thanks! Yes, no picture!
Not bad for a pile of sticks! You have taken the 3D puzzle to new heights. Most of us would need to take our patience out for a good gallop to do this! It was helpful also to see behind the scenes to see how you pre-assemble the units before the final glue-up and clamping. Blessings! from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you Kathy! I love “take our patience out for a good gallop”
Tom, reading all the comments, well, I can't think of anything else to say, other than "Thank You" for everything you do on this channel. This was something special.
You're very welcome Barry!
I like to see what you found out about the mysteries of this desk. And, of course, I want to see your restoring an old chair for that desk!
I'll make a video! Thanks!
Mentioning the desks at school. Yes most of my desks through school were that color or a bit lighter. Have me a laugh and good memories . The desk is gorgeous.
Thanks Judith! All of us of a certain age remember that color!
@johnsonrestoration oh yes LOL
Love those shop safety flip flops Tom. Great puzzle repair too!
Thanks Tim!
You sir, are amazing 😊
Thank you so much 😀
Its beautiful, you have the patience of a master.
Thank you!
In a UK supermarket at present they are selling wooden toys for youngsters ! Looks like you got one early !Always impressed.
Thanks Doug!
Tom, you've outdone yourself with this project. Unbelievable work. Wow. When you were figuring out the "puzzle pieces" in the beginning, I kept thinking how many times I would say, Ok, this is all going to be firewood. I admire your patience and determination. Please update us with the desk if/when you continue with it.
Thanks Brian! I will!
The camera work is as good as the woodworking. I find your videos easy to watch as well as informative.
Thank you! My editor and I try very hard...
Excellent work as always! Really enjoy seeing your videos. Always learn something!
Thank you!
I can't believe this transformation, even as I watch it. I know I'm going to watch this video again, a few times! This was in pieces. 😅😅😅
Thank you!
Would love to see part 2!!!
Thanks! Me too!
I have always enjoyed your videos. They are a connection my late husband and I had. Thank you for new material. Every time I watch your videos, it reminds me of him. I love your work ethic and teaching.
Thank you Francis! That makes me feel warm inside. I'm so sorry for your loss, and happy that my videos can help in some small way
Wow, that was different and very interesting to watch as you pieced it together like a forensic detective. Basically a giant jigsaw. Let's hope the customer takes better care of it this time around! Thanks for posting the video.
You're so welcome! It will be my desk, and I promise to take better care of it!
Your job? STUNNINGLY MAGNIFICENT!
Thank you Kay! You are too kind!
What a great puzzle solver!
Thanks!
Understatement of the year. "I think it looks pretty good." It is nothing less than miraculous!
Thank you!
What an amazing transformation! My favourite video so far! Thanks for all of the hard work bringing this epic restoration to us!
You are very welcome!
Thomas you’re just a genius no doubt about it. Thanks for the video.
You're so welcome!
Wonderful work Tom , great how you had to study all the bits prior to fixing,
Thanks! I was really worried about gluing something up wrong!
What a beautiful desk! I can't wait to see the chair. Tom, you should think about writing a book (or two, or three...). You have such an amazing amount of knowledge; it would be wonderful to pass it. on. Maybe write it to go along with your videos, or package up your videos on dvd and have the book go with it.
Thanks! I think these videos are a lot better than books! The books have all been written...
You’ve taken on an antique IKEA kit!😊
Yes I did! And I succeeded! Thanks Barb!
For mmost of my carreer I used a big old desk I had found shortly after I had started working for my museum. It was about 4 times the one you lovingly repaired, and had drawers on both sides. So at one time it was used by 2 people sitting opposite each other. A mysterious locking mechanism for the drawers annoyed me no end, since I could never quite work out how it functioned. Taking tbe desk apart to find out was not really an option. I am sure I could have taken it home with me when I retired since nobody else wanted to work on this antique piece, but I had no space. Two slightly smaller desks live in my house, both without a locking mechanism. My father's became my kitchen island. And very useful it is in that capacity, providing space for lots of kitchen utensils.
Congratulations with a magnificent salvage operation
Thank you Frieda! Yes, I always disabled those mechanisms, they were nothing but trouble. It's too bad your desk was too large to keep!
Wow!! Something beautiful
Thanks Agnes!
Just Wow!!! What a wonderful talent you have perfected over the years. Thank you for taking us on the journey.
You're so welcome!