This was Kind of... a MESS
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine painstakingly restores this handsome vanity found at a yard sale. 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).
What goes better with a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning? Thomas Johnson, of course.
One of the things that I have learnt from watching Thomas Johnson is that the work goes well if you arrive in the workshop with a (apparently) empty coffee mug.
That's great! Thanks
Never empty!
Whenever I am out of sorts, I watch Tom's calm, steady approach to a basket case of a piece and the world just seems to be alright again.
Thank you! That's very nice!
because it goes to show that everything can eventually be worked out.
Grandma would be thrilled to see her vanity like this one turned out. Beautiful job Tom. Cheers John.
I think so too! Thanks!
Grandma would also like to know that she’ll never be an antique! 😅
Watching Tom working on repairs always makes me think of the old saying "You can never have too many clamps!".
Did you see the clamp room in the background?
Just think, he used to own 2 or 3 times as many.
Literally everyone thinks that, Brian...!
😂😂😂😂
Yup uh-huh, the original Jed Clamp-it
Welcome back, Thomas. We've missed you.
Hey, thanks! I've been posting every 2 weeks! Did you miss anything?
Nope. I just thoroughly enjoy every post.
Watching a tatty piece of furniture transformed into a thing of real beauty, makes me heart feel fuller. What a joy.
Thank you! Me too!
Your last comments are so very true. To keep a piece looking true to what it was with minimal work adds so much more to the piece. Thank you as always for sharing your knowledge 😊
You are so welcome!
When you do that "I used these tools and materials" at the end of the project, I think you should have two big boxes on the workbench labeled "calm" and "patience", and a refrigerator box beside the bench labeled "experience". :)
Thanks! That's nice!
I almost always speed through diy or reno videos, but I never do for your videos.. I love watching you in real time meticulously bringing back the beauty of these old pieces.
Same here. I also suggest to many would be restorers to watch Tom’svideos.
Thank you Angela! My editor and I take pride in our production work and it makes me very happy to hear that!
Thanks! I hear from quite a few restorers that do watch
"This will never be an antique." Oh Tom, It is an antique already, as in 1920 to 2020. That's a hundred years you know. Heaven help me I'm almost an antique myself. That little vanity/desk is so sweet I could cry. Yes, Grandma thinks it looks "pretty good," beautiful in fact!
I think technically it's cannot be called an antique because it's a reproduction of someone else's work and not an original design or creation. I believe that's what Tom meant anyway. 👍
Thanks! All I meant was it will always be a reproduction
Exactly! I'm trying to get people to distinguish a real antique from old furniture
It’s a pleasure to watch you work. Nice to watch people work with their hands especially when they are as knowledgeable as you are.
Thank you! That's nice
Your camera work is astounding. Love the tight angles providing close-up tutorial views. The end user of the vanity will have a prized T.J. restoration, Gorham, Maine. 👍👍👍
Thank you very much!
Nothing like spending time watching Mr. Johnson work his magic! A true craftsman!
Thank you! I appreciate it
I recently restored an Edwardian dressing table (vanity) and I was very conscious of the history behind the piece. I think that dressing tables are one of the most intimate items of furniture in a house. All the time spent in front of the mirror, to become ready for the day, the wedding, the christening, the funerals. A life story in a piece of furniture.
Wow! Well said! And so true! Thans
As soon as you said the smell of grandmother's vanity I had a flood of memories and emotions about my grandmother. Such good stuff!!!!! THANK YOU TOM!!!
You're welcome Gregory! Smells can generate a strong remembrance!
Grandma would be chuffed to bits with her vanity, Thomas!
Thank you for another rescue, needing all of your expertise.
Pity Grandma can't be restored as well.
You're welcome!
We could give it a try!
The chicks are back! Hope the barn is okay. Grandmas vanity looks very good. Another masterpiece.
Thanks Dwayne! They'll soon be out in the coop!
That little vanity turned out beautifully. Another piece saved from the landfill or burn pile, great job
Thanks Angela! I love saving pieces from the landfill!
There would be a tear in Grandma’s eye upon seeing how pretty her vanity is now. Well done, Mr Johnson.
Thanks! That’s a nice thought
Tom Johnson, you truly are the Lord of Clamps and Clamping, the
King of Veneer Restoration and the Emperor of Finishing/Colour-matching. I've learned so much from this video. E.g., To list just a few: Three-way clamps, "Wacky wood", the angle of the replacement veneer cut needs to match the plane of the surrounds of the original, and how to colour-patch and hand draw to ensure even-ness and continuity of the finish. Once again, 50 minutes of really well spent TH-cam viewing. Sir, I salute you! Can't wait until your next instalment!
he is the CLAMPMEISTER!!!
Thank you! That is so nice! I appreciate it
Yeah!
You did a wonderful job bring the vanity back to her old glory. I appreciate the little detail about adhering sandpaper to the back of a ruler. My dad and uncle owned a Art store in the 60's and 70's. I would watch my dad make picture frames. Every now and then while assembling the frame he would rub his hammer on a piece of sandpaper he had stapled to his work bench. When I ask why he did it he said sometime glue would ooze out of the joint oand get on the hammer. Rubbing the hammer on the sandpaper remover the glue so it wouldn't get on the frame.
Nice tip, thanks.
I like that! Thanks!
I'm glad you reiterated what you've said many times about restorations. I came across another TH-cam channel about restoring a 300 year old cabinet. I was insulted. They just started ripping and replacing parts that looked in poor conditions. I wanted to leave a comment, but decided to just flip to another channel, rather than leaving a nasty comment. I'm glad for people like you and your peers. I wish channels like yours would have a different type of disclamer like " Musium standard furniture Restoration" to separate yourselves from carpenters, albeit good, that just rebuild an old furniture.
I just suggest nicely to them that they could learn a lot from Thomas Johnson and put in a link
Are you by any chance talking anout AT restirations? He usually tries to keep things original, but if things are eaten by woodworm (especially leggs and such) you can't really do anything but replace it unfortumatly 😅
@@Judoka26 not me. I like AT restorations too. There’s an awful lot worse out there than him.
@@philomenahearn1717 absolutely, I meant OP sorry
Thank you! But my work is not really”museum quality”, I appreciate what you’re saying. And yes, too much sanding! That “300 year old table” is no longer an antique
I always forget that you also have to film!!! Thank you for the video 👍 😊
You're welcome!
👏👏👏👏🇦🇺🙏😁 Still love watching you at work. I learn something each time seeing things I might have missed before. Thanks Thomas.
You're so welcome!
Such a beautiful repair on this beautiful piece of furniture.
Thank you!
😂 It's always a good day when a new Thom video drops
Thank you! That's nice
Grandma would have been thrilled. Your work is so inspiring to see. I've been watching your videos for years now and I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with the world. Your preservation work and attention to detail is truly an inspiration and you've given me the courage to save other pieces of history from going to the skip and not shying away from a project when something really wonderful comes along. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to keeping these practices alive. It's truly an art, and you an artist.
Thank you Christopher! That is very nice - I appreciate it
Great start to my Saturday. Tom and grandma's vanity, lil chicks in the workshop, round corners, Waterlox varnish followed up with orange oil beeswax. Thanks for bringing us along Tom.
You're so welcome Beth!
Tom, I never get tired of watching you. You are amazing. You are truly the best I've ever seen at Antique Restoration! I've learned so much from you, I hope you keep posting videos! Much love and respect sir.... from Pennsylvania. 😊
Thank you Joyce! I appreciate it
Great content always! Keep it coming. Thanks! Nice work on saving “ real furniture “ for years to come. Likewise, nice camera and video work! There is always something to learn from your content. Appreciate it.
You're so welcome!
I like how you chill in your socks.
Thanks! Only when on the dropcloth!
Grandma would be very pleased and brought to tears, that after all the years someone cared enough to keep it better than she remembered!
Outstanding job, Tom!
Thanks! I’d like to think so too!
Always a treat to watch a craftsman at work!
Boy your shop chickens are sure bossy!😂
Thanks Val! These are the most active chicks we've ever had!
I enjoy watching your process. I like that it is a gentle restoration not a rebuild. Grandma would be proud of her vanity.
Thanks Heather! I think so too
Another great restoration from Tom. I've always liked 'brown furniture' - as many call it. However in the UK, it's not popular. In fact you couldn't even give it away. Pity. BTW, Tom's advice for renovating my wooden drawing board surface meant it turned out great! Many thanks.
Yes, same here! I'm glad that drawing board worked out!
Just a small reflection, but first a big thanks for another great episode, you really show how to save a roadside find and bring it back to life with minimally invasive methods. This is great inspiration and most likely will lead to many of us trying to do the same! Thanks Tom!
You're welcome!
Couldn’t agree more with the sentimental value of grandma’s vanity to be preserved without refinishing
Thank you Fater! Good to hear from you!
Beautiful restoration. The birds singing was exceptional background music. ❤ thank you for sharing
You’re so welcome! I like the birds too, those are my little chickies
I very much enjoy Tom's gentle patience when cleaning off the grime of decades, and replacing blemished or missing veneer. You are very theropeutic for us armchair woodworkers to watch..
Thanks! That's very gratifying to me!
Looks great Tom. Perfect explanation of why you chose to treat the vanity as you did. I think “grandma” would have recognized it at first glance.
Very true! Thanks!
I like your approach and whatever it takes to achieve the results that respect the piece. You have every polish and gizmo there is-so interesting.
Thanks! I have too much "stuff"!
It’s a joy to watch a master antique craftsman restore such a thing of beauty.
Thank you!
Regarding the "backsplash": There are a number of things that like to roll off the back of a vanity. Round lipstick cases, eyebrow pencils, brushes and jewelry, etc. It's nice to have something there to prevent that.
Thanks! Yes, I agree!
You are a treasure! You do such fine work and are passionate about what you do. You are a master of furniture restoration!
Wow, thank you!
Another great and sensitive repair Tom. Well done 👏 👏👍
Thank you Michael!
The master at work
Thank you!
Hi Tom. I love your gentle touch with furniture 😊 P.S. I had a good laugh when you spoke about it being hot. It’s winter here (in Skukuza South Africa and it reached 90 today 😂).
We in south Texas are also laughing…
Thanks! Yes, we are fortunate here in Maine - but it's coming!
Texas is out of hand! My niece in Dallas said they can't use the pool as the water is to hot! Move to Maine!
What an inspiration you are to me!
Thank you! That's nice!
Grandma would be delighted. So am I. 😊
Thanks!
I'm a Grandma, and I approve of this beautiful work. It's a rare woodworker who spends his days with the chicks like you do- much nicer than most background music, for sure.
Thanks! Yes, Grandma approves! The chicks will soon be in the coop
I love your approach to restoration opposed to refinishing…probably because I’ve been an old soul since birth and my Grandma & Grandpa were my best friends! I grew up surrounded by their wonderful furniture each time I visited and was blessed to receive it upon their passing far too soon for my heart. I’ve left every scratch and stain but watching how beautifully you restore these pieces makes me think twice. Thank you so much for sharing videos of your talent with us!
You're very welcome Karen! You are so fortunate to have had such a close relationship with your grandparents (and to have the furniture!)
I love that you appreciate the sentimental value of a piece over the monetary value. I have several pieces that have very little monetary value, but "that chair belonged to my great-great grandmother." It is invaluable.
Thank you Maryann! Yes! It's all about sentimental value
I have one of those folding utility knives at the 4 minute mark which I just love very handy tool. Love your videos!
Thanks! They are incredible, so useful, such an improvement over the old type utility knives!
Every piece I've watched you work on has your professional touch, and your love for the pieces shows!
Thank you Maggie!
Excellent work, as always. Those burn-in knives you use remind me of ones my father had. He too was a furniture repairman.
That's great! Thanks
Thanks Thomas! Another good job on a piece begging for your attention. As always many useful tips, techniques and supply references for us wannabes. Keep these videos coming please, they provide not only information but satisfying entertainment on a very hot and humid Saturday morning.
You're so welcome!
Tom your restoration of this vanity is so beautifully done. I so enjoy watching you work
Thank you Denise!
I love the birdsong accompanying your restoration. Very cheerful.
Thanks! It's amazing how the camera picks that up - I don't even notice it!
I always enjoy watching someone who is a master of their craft !
Your attention to detail and slow and relaxing approach is a pleasure to watch .
Thank you!
Thank you. There was a lot of wisdom to soak up! Ths vanity looks very pretty once again.
Thanks Kathy!
Great job Tom, your work is always a joy to watch!
Thanks! I'll have to check out your videos. It's funny - I never have the time to watch other restorers, too busy with my own videos!
@@johnsonrestoration I feel you! for me I still have lots to learn, so I always make sure to get my dose of learning from your videos haha looking forward to the next! - Jamie
Beautiful work there.
Thanks Roger!
As usual Tom, a thourally enjoyable project! Antique or not, a lovely piece of furniture with gorgeous grain and color, You never mentioned what you paid for it at the yard sale 🙂
Thanks! I did in the intro in my previous video, $25
@@johnsonrestoration Perfect!
"I love the smell of workshop coffee in the morning. It smells like... victory" - Thomas Johnson, probably :-) Great work, turned out really nicely. Always impessed with how well your attention to detail and precision is rewarded in the final result.
Good Joke! 1000 Percent better than Napalm!
Thanks! I like that!
Definitely!
Hi Mr. Johnson, hope all is well with you and yours and as always I’m looking forward to this current video of yours so thank you in advance for sharing 🌹
Thanks!
I wish Tom was my age so I could watch his videos for the rest of my life. Great work once again!
Thanks! Well, I have over 300 videos up so far - that should last awhile!
It takes a lifetime of gathering skills to make it look so easy, and often that is only because of the final edit. You know when to sand, add another coat and maybe more importantly, when to stop before patina and memory are worked away. That takes a Master. Thanks for sharing your lifetime of knowledge with us - ohmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Thank you Ross! Yes: ohmmmm...
How nice to see the right tools for the job!
Absolutely! Thanks Carol!
Gorgeous!~ You saved it and made it beautiful again.
Thanks Kay!
I absolutely agree, restoration of existing finishes is my favourite way to bring a piece back. although i do a lot of full refinishing whenever possible, i love it when my customers agree to a gentler approach, it just has more character and age but still so beautiful and functional. Looks great Tom!
Thank you Trena! I hope things continue to go well for you - I did see your video about the new shop planned
Thank you for allowing the vanity to maintain her graceful age, character and beauty. She looks just lovely! ❤❤❤😊
Thanks!
It might be a reproduction but sentimental value is priceless. I think Grandma would be very happy that her vanity and her memory is held in such regard.
Yes, thanks! It's all about sentiment
Thanks so much. I learn something from you each video.
Glad to hear it! You're so welcome!
Grandma would shed a tear and give you a huge hug for restoring her dressing table (ok, vanity!) so sensitively. Bravo Tom, again! 😊😊😊
Thanks! I think she would!
I love how you treat each piece of furniture with love and respect. I think grandma would be very chuffed to see her vanity in this beautiful condition and to the sound of lovely tweety birds 😂❤
Thank you! I think so too!
There’s something very relaxing about watching Tom glue edge veneer. Thanks Tom
That's great! Thanks Dave!
Were you using wackywood or kerfed pieces for clamping? What I most enjoy about Tom's videos, is that there are never new fancy tools, gadgets or gizmos. Just skill and ability to use the normal tools properly. An artist and tradesman! Bravo Tom.
Thank you Ronald! Yes, I'm too old to buy new tools! And the old ones are just right
That looks stunning. Your patience and expertise is a pleasure to watch. Another nice piece rescued from landfill.
Thanks Ian!
I must agree with Angela I watch several restoration videos and your skill and respect for these pieces is unmatched. You sir are amazing! 😊
Thank you Marilyn! That's very nice
Gosh...I would love to have this vanity piece somewhere in my house, and restored with so much care, it is a joy to watch :)
Thanks!
I know exactly the smell you were talking about Tom...as soon as you mentioned it I thought of my Nona's dressing table and remembered her applying her makeup there🥰 I think grandma would definitely approve🤗
Thanks! It is amazing isn't it! Smells can be a powerful trigger
A pleasure to watch as always, Tom. Beautiful work 👍🏾🌈
Thank you so much 😀
I 100% agree with all of your points about why not stripping off all the finish and re-doing it. Old furniture has a story that gives it a soul of its own and that should be kept if possible. Looks pretty good indeed! Thanks a lot for sharing this with us!
Well said! Thank you for understanding
Mr Johnson you are most definitely the master of furniture work. Grandma (someone's grandma 😊) would be very pleased with how beautiful the dressing table is now. I love that you try to keep the original look. Personally I think like you about that! Your videos are amazing as your work is! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! Fabulous job!😊❤
You're very welcome Pam! I appreciate it!
I've been watching your channel for about three years. EVERY piece of furniture that you have restored has turned out awesome. I love your videos. I would have to call you the KING of furniture restoration. Antique or otherwise. Great work and great videos. Thank you for bringing to us.
You're very welcome Jeff!
Another fine restoration done by a master of his trade! Always an excellent video to watch. Never disappoints!
Thank you Viki!
Thomas, you are the Sultan of Scraping, the Viceroy of Veneering and the Duke of Drawer Repair!
I like that! Thanks Randall
Totally agree with your philosophy on refinishing. i heard so many stories of truly valuable antiques, as well as just beautiful younger pieces being strip bathed for a 2 - 3 inch stain on the top that made my heart drop ! This here vanity is a great example of just softly given "touch ups" to give the overall look, one of refreshness & renewal. Another beautiful job ❣
Thanks! Yes, we were all in that mind set at one time
Yet another understated, beautiful restoration from a true master of his craft.
"I think it looks quite good,too" .
Thanks Victor!
Thomas, it is always such a pleasure to see you, a Master Craftsman at your work. Thank you for taking us along and showing us just how a tattered piece of furniture can be restored and how beautiful it can be once again. May you continue to be abundantly blessed my friend. John here, photographing the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee, y'all. I wish you the very best.
Thanks John! I appreciate that!
Great well done work Tom!!! Looks like it should for its age!!! Grandma would be very happy !!!😃
Thanks! She would be!
It is always a pleasure to watch you bring a piece back from the brink but keeping the illusion that nothing was really done to it other than a quick dusting. Marvelous.
Thank you! Always my goal!
Hope you had a good holiday Tom. Another great piece of work. Thanks.
I did! You're welcome!
Wow Tom that looks great, shows what a master craftsman can achieve using simple tools and tried and true methods.
Thanks! 👍
I always enjoy watching your restorations. This one was no exception.
Thank you very much!
Along with many other commenters here, I want to fully agree with your Grandma's vanity discussion. Very well said. Thank you again for another outstanding video.
You're very welcome!
Thomas: I agree with you whole heartily. Grandma would be excited about her restored vanity. And so am I. Carol from California
Thanks Carol! I can always count on you!
I just love those clamps. Fascinating.
Thanks Carla! Me too!
Always enjoy seeing a piece returned to itself. Pretty piece.
Surprised that your bird is in the shop.
Thanks! I moved them out during the finishing. They'll be out in the coop soon, as soon as they grow some feathers!
Nicely done Thomas. Grandma would be pretty happy with this sympathetic restoration. Looks great.
Thanks David!