A Timely Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this bonnet to a tall case clock. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., or write us at [e-mail]. 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).

[@speedracer2336]

Nice to see Tom’s top assistant in this one! As a dog lover, I looked forward to every episode that had Ella. She is missed!

[@MegaFortinbras]

That's the worst thing about dogs. They don't live long enough.

[@speedracer2336]

@@MegaFortinbras Amen brother!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, she really looks good here too. I will always miss her!

[@johnsonrestoration]

So true

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

As always your incredible Tom! Again thank you for keeping miss Ella with us.. we miss her.. blessings Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Frank! I do miss her!

[@Alachua03]

Just wanted to thank you for introducing me to "Krud Kutter." As part of my art collection I collect antique Corpus Christi sculptures from the 17th - 19th centuries, most of them in ancient woods, both the Christ body and the attached cross. Some are gessoed wood and require delicate handling. After a 100-200 years hanging on some European wall in France, Italy, or Germany the wood becomes a collector of dirt and aerosoled candle wax. With "Krud Kutter" I can now give my restoration projects a good cleaning without having to disturb old finishes. Thanks again!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! But always be very careful, I'm sure you are

[@massoud999]

I am so happy to see sweet lovely Ella. She is very missed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She is!

[@gregoryjasongranado5248]

I look forward to new episodes and with an appearance by your shop helper this one is a special treat!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She looks good in this one!

[@marekpaul6110]

Attention to detail, precise workmanship and a fabulous end result. Again I have learned so much from this video. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

Thanks for taking on this partial restoration because it was fascinating to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@XL-5117]

It’s a bright day when your video lands Tom. You just know how to read wood and just what needs to be done to restore a piece to make it shine. Lovely to see Ella again, thanks to the magic of video 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@davidadams007]

Lovely is it's bonnet; Sitting high up with grace; Framing it's pretty face; Grandfather's own Monet. Lovely work Tomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! That is nice! Thank you

[@lindacarlson8886]

Good to see your old friend, the black Lab, as well as you again. God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ccarmencavallaro46]

Tom you’re a top man and a pleasure to watch and listen to. Best wishes. ❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice. (I like your cat photo with your moniker)

[@LoreleiHome]

You could see how the glue was applied by the maker when the veneer was first put on. Amazing to think you can connect to the original cabinet maker from 200 years ago while you repair the item he built. What a blessing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I am always thinking about that - communicating with the past

[@josephkerley363]

I am constantly amazed at your ability to put new pieces in and when you are done we can't tell. I watch closely every time to learn what I can.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! practice practice practice!

[@haroldchoate7497]

My compliments on this restoration especially re-glazing the glass. I marvel at 2 things you do. 1. Re-glueing veneer and 2. Matching color. Thanks you for very educational, entertaining videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome! I appreciate it!

[@Joe1935429]

Always enjoyable to watch your mastery; Pretty good, indeed! I wish you well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dwel2928]

Mastery is a good word. In Maine perfect is called "pretty good." Tom, your videos are inspiring and soothing to the soul at the same time.

[@lostonwallace1396]

That was a great episode! Those old clocks are beautifully crafted, and I enjoyed seeing you get the bonnet back into shape for this one! I hope you and your family our well, Tom, and look forward to more of your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! We are well, I hope the same for you!

[@martiwilliams8091]

Beautiful work. Love watching your meticulous attention to smallest details. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@iantyler4045]

Lovely work as usual. Nice to see your K9 supervisor again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! yes, I like seeing her!

[@xandraxandra1437]

I like it when you use the normal sound while fast forwarding the video. It doesn't match, but the sound feels right and I appreciate that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, my editor does that for that reason

[@167curly]

A very skillful demonstration of your appreciation of old workmanship and "detective" work to refit saved pieces of veneer, combined with recreation of other pieces. Excellent close-up videography too, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments!

[@mikebarnett9475]

You amaze me in each episode, with your patience and skill. So glad I found your site.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@rudybriskar5267]

You, sir are an artist! That's some real intricate work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you Tom, I hope you and yours are well out there in Maine, stay lucky

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! My same good wishes to you!

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

It must be challenging to repair delicate pieces where someone has attempted to make repairs previously… Especially when unconventional materials and techniques are used. You have an enduring amount of patience and are an inspiration. And I miss Ella, too. 😢

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I miss her so much!

[@rosandy123]

Painstaking work, but worth it. Very nice piece of restoration again. Watching your videos is therapeutic as well as informative.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Many watch these videos as "therapy"

[@shannonvans]

When you remove pieces of veneer that have come all the way off and then scrape down before gluing, you can really see why it is worth it to scrape out the old residue to get a much better bond. I also love seeing the sanding between coats of shellac and then the next coat just makes the wood glow! Sweet Ella, so good to see you again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I like watching it come to life too. She was looking good!

[@andybyerly5629]

"LOOKS PRETTY GOOD" === Looks Fantastic!!! Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@RUCan]

I love you! Youre my uncle! Learnt from you so much! Best wishes for you! ❤❤❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That makes me happy!

[@bfranklin1052]

Beautiful job, Tom. I always marvel that after all these years you can every aspect of what needs to be done and have every tool at your fingertips. Kudos to your videographer, too (an often overlooked key player)--great job! Glad your title cards are bringing in more eyeballs. You deserve every one! I'd love to see a future piece on how to identify the age or period of a piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And yes, the videographer! (that's me). In my next video (soon) I talk about age identification, at least for the particular chest I am currently working on

[@patientorlando1306]

It is so evident Tom that you take as much care with setting up your shots, editing and those really useful and detailed close ups to create these master class videos, as you do with the restoration of the item itself - you are a cut above the rest! Lovely to see the dear Miss Ella too. Thank you for another fantastic restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome! I love seeing her too

[@bobwatson957]

Hi Tom. That is a great job your have done on that casement. The door looks perfect. With a bit of luck they might come back with the whole clock and get that restored as well. I wouldn't mind seeing it. My uncle has one of these grandfather clocks from the 18th century. I remember seeing it as a kid and thinking how impressive it was. He was farmer and it spent decades in the drafty old farmhouse, retired now. It woudn't be suprised it didn't need to restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Maybe you will inherit the clock? I hope so, I think you will appreciate it

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

SUCH PATIENCE AND TALENT, TOM. AS USUAL. MISSING SWEET ELLA, SO NICE SEEING THAT BEAUTIFUL FRIEND!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I miss her so much!

[@jaynegossett6638]

I hope you get as much satisfaction repairing veneer as I do watching you do it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I do! Thanks

[@CrowCaw22]

Seeing your Art and listening to your peaceful voice takes me to a zone. Thank you for a happy place 💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@richardmarino5658]

As per usual nice work. Patience, experience and understanding the project you’re working on. Thank you. Rich in NJ

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@jandavis1523]

Another painstaking and top notch resurrection of the bonnet-with very few new veneer pieces to add. So glad Ella was there supervising your work! Any possibility we could view the entire clock when it is finished? ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I never saw the case of the clock!

[@roberthoyle6442]

Once again I learned some valuable tricks of the trade from your video. I finally summoned enough courage to attempt a veneer repair on a piece. There was a bubble in the center of a footboard of a bed. It is not an antique so I wasn’t sure of what glue to use so I tried hide glue. So far so good! I don’t have a set of spatulas to reach under the veneer like you do, so I took some leaves from a disassembled feeler gauge and used them. I now have an assortment of small spatulas. Thanks to Harbor Freight for $4.99 set of spatulas .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I have often thought of my old feeler gauge and those thin blades. I need to try that too!

[@maddieadams75]

Sweet Ella❤ beautiful restoration. I hope you are all doing well. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You too! I miss her so much

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Beautiful result and always like to see Ella.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like seeing her too, I miss her!

[@PeanutsDadForever]

Thanks for your great videos. 🇦🇺👴🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@allanfields2987]

Thank you for sharing Ella with us again. She is missed by all.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I love seeing her too

[@marien20]

Mr Thomas The Magician ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. Ella sure loves the scent of warm hide glue. Great seeing her again. I know you and your family have many great memories of her. You really have allot of patience. I think the clock bonnet looks pretty good too. Stay warm and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Ron! I will always think of her, she does live on in these videos!

[@whall6101]

Bravo!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom Job well done, it looks beautiful once again. Take care of Yourself 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tim!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I remember this episode from before and enjoyed watching it again as much as I did the first time. best part!? Seeing Ella again. I sure miss not seeing her tagging along behind Tom. great memories thanks for sharing. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I loved seeing her too!

[@raouldontneedthem3416]

Another immense job, Thomas. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@patriciasiefert7140]

You are amazing! Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@SparrowStockwell]

So nice, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@dougjordan1544]

Thanks Tom, another great upload.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@patriciasiefert7140]

It’s more than pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

This was great to watch. To see the way you undid bits that weren’t finished as well as you wanted gives others courage to attempt more difficult tasks. I thought I was hearing clock chimes until I spied the wind chime. Still an appropriate background sound. Love your work. Labradors can’t disguise their attraction to the aroma of all things “dead” 😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Alison! Yes, the obsession with dead things can be very annoying

[@ALPACABOWLCOMPANY]

Good times. Appreciate your sharing of knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@nr3rful]

GENIUS

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@federicoprice2687]

Fantastic! Masterly! 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@slawomirh.3636]

50 % doświadczenia, 50 % wiedzy i mamy 100 % dobrej roboty. Pozdrawiam.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję! Lubię to! Może to być dobre motto dla firmy

[@christelmuller9198]

Hallo Thomas, das war wieder ein interessantes und unterhaltsam Video. Natürlich auch wieder eine Meisterleistung. Schon die Scheibe heil heraus zubekommen ist eine schwere Aktion. 👍👍👏☺️ Ich wünsche dir noch ein schönes Wochenende viele Grüße Christel ☺️🐦

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke Christel! Ja, das Glas war ein angespannter Moment! habe ein schönes Wochenende

[@christelmuller9198]

@@johnsonrestoration 👍🐦

[@bentz98125]

Wanted to applaud when you lifted the glass out. I've lost patience removing panes a lot easier than that! The more frustrating it gets the better a hammer looks. But duplicating the curve on that one might be just as hard as getting it out of the frame.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, not to mention it is the original glass! I was sweating bullets

[@Mike--K]

Beautiful job, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@glenlongstreet7]

Funny story regarding your tap test. My boss, when I was building boats, had a quarter tap test. It sounds so technical, but it just means going around a newly built hull with a quarter tapping it looking for poor lamination. Fabric Reinforced Plastic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks! Turns out it is used in a lot of trades. I was amazed seeing a guy with an iron rod tapping a concrete parking deck, looking for underlying damage. His coworkers told me he travels all over the country doing this!

[@marshallmurrell4583]

Unfortunate that you were not able to restore the entire case. Now the bonnet will sparkle atop a lackluster case. Beautiful work, as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I can only hope that the case was not lackluster, but I never saw it

[@Lightning77305]

Very skillful and great to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@wayneshirey6999]

I remember this one. Nice work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Wayne!

[@gracianaascensionabreugarcia]

Después,de un inmenso trabajo, y su gran pericia, cómo ebanista,ha quedado magnífico.Felicidades👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Gracias Gracianna!

[@kamaa4659]

Beautiful

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@eileennacsin4680]

Meticulous as always Tom! Even though lovely Ella is still missed, any possibility there might be a new 4 legged shop assistant any time soon?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! No, not likely! We are too old!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I agree with you. It looks pretty good. No, wait, I disagree with you. It looks remarkable. And the video recording is superb. Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@MarrockV]

You absolute wizard.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@AnneMLdell]

Anne M. Lindell : Greetings from Finland ... again. Fine job as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hello! Thanks

[@avivat3010]

Beautiful Ella and a gorgeous clock hood! You have the patience of a saint. I'm assuming the chimes at the end are the voice of the clock. I could definitely get used to that! It's delightful. Thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! The chimes were from our patio chimes which were in the shop

[@avivat3010]

@@johnsonrestoration Oh well! 🙂

[@ElmerMiller-fy1bd]

It looks great Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Elmer!

[@gpanizzolo6090]

Hola Thomas, cómo estás? Realmente tus restauraciones son muy buenas. He aprendido mucho mirando tus videos. Gracias por compartir tanta experiencia y maestría con nosotros. Un abrazo! Germán, Lomas de Solymar, Uruguay

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Estamos bien, espero lo mismo para ti!

[@gpanizzolo6090]

@@johnsonrestoration gracias!

[@bobbysmith6967]

Brilliant work, as always. I look forward to each new video, even the new old ones.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that! I like the old ones too!

[@art1muz13]

I am renovating a 250 y.o. ''French Comptoise Grandfather Clock'' 2nd year. No veneer. Weird thing is they used three different types of wood, and the original bevelled glass door is gorgeous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! I'll have to look that up. Good luck with it! These clocks are so detailed

[@johnsonrestoration]

Just looked it up - Wow!

[@jim1407]

You can cut the veneer with sharp medium scissors, it helps with patterns also

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jim! Yes, I have often used scissors

[@_JanetLouise]

Beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@PaulB19677]

I adore Ella, you must miss her greatly.❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yes! I think about her every day. Thanks!

[@MsRazvan29]

❤❤Respekt Meister Thomas 💪👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Razvan!

[@kcrot2566]

Nice to see you again 🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@avianfish8732]

Top job! No flat packs ere!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnkeller9448]

Thanks for another great video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@markgibbins2805]

Love your channel. I’m curious as to why you use hide glue on most of your projects vs other types of glue? I’m new in woodworking and love to learn. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Mark! I always use hide glue with antiques, to make it easier for them to be repaired in the future. For other projects I use TiteBond. Hide glue has a longer set time which I like but it depends on what you're doing. Good luck with all your projects!

[@paulstanding7267]

Looking great sympathetic repair on such an old clock face casing. Did you do anything with the new screw that was protruding on the hinge. 👍😀😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I didn't show that? If I remember I filed it down so it didn't protrude

[@robertbamford8266]

I know this is archival footage, but I can’t help but wonder if the clock owners were able to send you the case - so it could all look pretty good together.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I never saw the case, I don't remember what the situation was, they must have brought the hood from afar

[@ianestevens7888]

I don't want (or mean) to be negative in any way but I want to see new content from TJAFR as I've rewatched a few posts (compilations) and felt disappointed to have already viewed it. I understand the algorithm and all but I'd love to see more development.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I am not producing as many videos these days, as I am "retired", just working on one piece at a time (my own furniture) plus doing a lot of other projects around the house. I have a good one coming up in a few days. I'm going to start videos of some of my other projects

[@lynneforesman1647]

I love your videos! I've used some your ideas. Do you save the old small veneer scraps that you take off to use again?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I do, while that job is on-going. After that no, unless they are large enough

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks Tom fantastic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dr.tomgio6694]

Master Johnson, It is a pity that the rest of the piece was not there to be worked on; I suspect that your work will outshine the rest of the clock. Also, I was wondering about the lack of a finial. Was this an original design feature of that era or was there enough variance where some clocks had them and others didn't depending on where they were constructed. Thank you for the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I don't remember the finial! I suspect the owner must have hung on to it. I think they all had finials of one sort

[@stevenickson75]

Ben watching forever, but this is the first video where you applied "tape" to a glue block. Any special brand or type ?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's plastic packing tape, works great (I try to avoid plastic, but it's too perfect for this job)

[@WINDYJEAN]

Love all your videos. Have you gotten a new assistant of the four legged variety?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! No, and not likely to, I miss her too much and we are getting too old!

[@jonka1]

It turned out well. What happened about that screw in the lower hinge that had gouged out a track in the case? Did you address that and if so how?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I can't believe I didn't show that, but I filed it down flush

[@donloughrey1615]

Pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@paulgartner4619]

Around 13.08, you use a plunger type tool with needle end to apply glue. What are these called? I repair stringed instruments, mostly as a hobby, with a few paying jobs to buy more tools. Furniture and instruments are not as far apart as you might think. Thanks again

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Paul! Yes, I've worked on quite a few instruments over the years and I really like it. Those are syringes, nothing special, google it and many will pop up

[@StNizBeach]

Quite impressive! 👏 What glue are you using? I'm surprised it's not leaving any marks on the veneer 😮

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I use hide glue, specifically "Old Brown Glue" oldbrownglue.com/

[@anthonychavez3742]

Question, like this particular job you’re working on what’s the time limit you give your customers that it’ll be ready? For me sometimes it can be a little difficult life gets in the way Doctor appointments running errands honey do list. Second question how many jobs do you work on at the same time? I have a very small shop I don’t have a lot of room. Sometimes I can get away by working on two projects at the same time, to me it’s very important that the customer picks up their furniture when it’s done or I deliver at times, I’ve had to resort to storing it inside the house. My wife’s not too crazy about that idea. Appreciate your time. Thank you for sharing and have a great day Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I have all the same problems! It is all very difficult when you don't have the space.I am usually working on at least 2 projects, although not lately being "retired"

[@simonbates8795]

I am restoring an old piece called a humidor? (I think) and used something called isinglass. The veneer was cracked and lifted in places. I rubbed the isinglass into the surface and clamped it flat. It worked a treat, the veneer was very smooth. Whats your experience with the product Tom? and have I used it in the right way.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Simon, I have no experience with it, it sounds like what they call "fish glue". I have used hide glue just as you did and it worked great too. I've never known what the difference could be between fish glue and hide glue, in use

[@fatersaadatniaki]

Very delicate veneer work I remember this one …how is that glass putty is made in the old days?!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Fater! I hope all is well! I don't know, I'll have to research that. But It must have been linseed oil in a medium like fine sand or something. I bet there's information on that

[@fatersaadatniaki]

@@johnsonrestoration i heard a news from Em about your retirement plans… 🥹 it feels bitter sweet to the lot of admirers… but I know how hard it can get on us so can’t complain 😑

[@georgepauls4159]

Whiting and Linseed Oil

[@comsigninc]

I love to see Ella Bean.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! She looked good here

[@anonymousonlineuser6543]

That was A LOT of work. A lot. for relatively small piece. Question: Do you use Shellac as grain filler? I m an amateur restorer and my instinct would always be to try to color match my patches before putting any layer of shellac or lacquer. But you do it differently. Does sating penetrates through shellac? Also I have noticed that when I am trying to match mahogany color I often end up oversaturating with stain and then the patch does not take any more and I cannot get it to be dark enough. I am guessing then I have to switch to spray color from the can?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I want to fill the grain before I color it, I don't want stain highlighting the grain, nor do I want to sand through to the stain when I'm trying to level off the grain. I primarily use dye stains, which you can use to make the wood as dark as you want. the spray toners are a necessity!

[@romanb.6528]

Thanks 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Welcome 👍