Upholstery with a Master

[@averyportinari841]

This is my family’s business, very proud to see this shown to the world ❤

[@EpicWoodworking]

Oh that’s awesome, I’m so glad you got to see it…and I’m very proud to know him! 👍😎

[@cbrady126]

Thanks to Joseph for the lesson, narration and stories!

[@ToriBreeAvery]

Is Joe still with us? I just watched today, and was inspired! 🥰

[@amandacarmel6084]

That’s so cool! Do you upholster as well?

[@kmcclarney]

You should be proud I got into the upholstery business a while back for medical furniture. I was contracting it out and one day the older couple that was doing it for me looked at me and said why don't you learn to do it? They explained to me none of the younger people wanted to learn and I could tell they were desperate to leave their years of knowledge behind to someone else. Long story short and many sessions with them I'm still doing ot today 8 years strong. I'm sad to say the man has passed and his wife has retired. I've unfortunately lost track of where she went. I think of them every day as I put a staple or stitch into some material

[@QueenBee-ed2vt]

People underestimate how valuable this skill is. The cheap imports of today do not compare to the quality furniture of the past. I love to re-upholster old pieces. Love watching a master at work. God bless him.

[@kyrellosekladious9828]

This old man deserves an Oscar for life time achievements 👏

[@arlenem9697]

There is nothing more wonderful than watching an old master craftsman at work. This is handmade workmanship, which you don't learn in school these days. The manufacturers these days don't put the quality in the products they sell; sadly, it's all about money. Beautiful God-given talent.

[@martywhiskersdoggity9392]

My father was a Danish trained Apprentice Upholsterer... His certificate of completion is in Danish, French, German and English. When my folks immigrated in 1948 to Washington State ( where we had relatives)... he was able to quickly get hired into a shop.... later in life he ran a very successful Shop of his own.... ( for 15 years)...

[@EpicWoodworking]

That’s so interesting, one of my favorite Danish designers and makers worked during that time, Hans Wegner. In fact I recently made a “round chair” inspired by his design. They did some beautiful upholstery using what is now commonly called “Danish cord.” I wonder if it’s something your Dad was familiar with given it’s a kind of woven seat covering and may not be considered “upholstery” Thanks for sharing and watching! 👍😎

[@cathyb2204]

I would watch a channel of his religiously. Nothing like seeing a skilled professional at work.

[@lmac36]

I learned so much in 16 minutes! Wow! Such a joy to watch him work away at this. His corners were absolute perfection!! ❤️

[@EpicWoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it! He definitely knows the craft…and this was a very simple job to him. 👍😎

[@fdort3971]

I'm just learning to refurbish items...now I won't struggle with the corners!

[@boblasley5640]

What a joy to watch Joe ply his craft and make it look so easy. IF I live to be 82, I hope I get around half as well as Joe does!

[@EpicWoodworking]

I know what you mean Bob, thanks for watching! 👍

[@tmataya]

Nothing like watching a true craftsman running his hands over the work for the true test as he works the product.

[@EnochPage-y7w]

Nothing so pleasing as to watch a master craftman do his thing! Bravo!!!

[@elbrown1011]

I watch nothing on network TV--I could binge on this all day. The finger strength of this man is amazing. Tell crafty young people that to go into this line of work. You will be honored and revered. I drive 60 miles to a small town to meet my upholsterer who is getting old and doesn't have a son or daughter who has learned the skill. Hopefully KZbins like this will inspire a whole new generation of skilled and appreciated craftsmen and women.

[@paulgerber6723]

Just the way he touches the peace as he works on it shows you the love of craft.

[@edday2636]

As an upholsterer, I like that he showed us that gun from 1974. I have one that I bought in 1977. It's a Senco and parts are no longer available, I have it now sitting on my desk as a keepsake. My current favorite is a Porter Cable. BTW, I'm 76 and still doing upholstery on a part time basis.

[@xpkareem]

I love watching old timers do the craft they've been doing forever. You can learn so much. They do things by instinct they've been doing it so long. Yea he does make it look easy.

[@flowrider5082]

There is o thing better than watching a master work his magic! Thanks for sharing !

[@joycethorn2313]

Wow, this man knows his work. Beautiful to watch

[@rickh9507]

This is awesome. I love working with old timers. They are like gold in their industry and their experience is worth it

[@jumperstartful]

no price for their experience!

[@tamicowilliams1423]

The pride in his workmanship is fabulous. I really enjoyed watching

[@leonardfischbach9217]

I love learning a bit by watching a master craftsman work his or her magic. Thanks for highlighting Joe's fabulous work.

[@stargate2002]

Joe's matter-of-fact-ness of his mastery is legendary. Thank you both on an awesome show of skill.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it, and I agree with you about Joe, thanks! 👍😎

[@konkandesi]

Not only informative, soothing to see a master craftsman at work!

[@CelestialPopCollectiveOfficial]

Awww Joe. He did such an amazing job and his mastery and skills do make it look simple but you know darn well, years of feeling his fabrics, his fingers have more knowledge than his eyes.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Without a doubt, no substitute for experience like that! Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@michaelshikle5336]

That old man is absolutely a true master!!!!

[@n40tom]

I used to do this . As you can tell a lot of what you do you go by feel also. You let the material talk to you. Thanks for the video and it has been so many years since I seen a tack hammer and the one he has is at least from the 1960s I would say. Take care and be safe

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks, I had wanted to do a video for quite a while with Joe. I’m so happy for him how well he was received. And I love those old tools too! 😎👍

[@glotrim]

I sell an innovative lighting product to high end upholstery shops and I’m blessed to have met the crazy talented individuals masters of the trade learn so much all the time

[@usagi32211]

Watching this made me nostalgic for weekends with my dad when we'd watch This Old House and New Yankee Workshop. There's something about listening to good people who mastered their crafts and loved sharing the information that's so beautiful.

[@richardkatzman1215]

It’s nice to see there are still craftsmen applying their trade. What’s even nicer is that it’s done in the USA. Beautiful work!

[@tonycruz2302]

What a pleasure to watch. When old Joe is gone, don't forget to turn out the lights and close the door.

[@tracystinson4986]

I could sit and watch you work all day long sir! It is so effortless as he works every step to completion. The stories and projects you have done over the years would be so fascinating to listen to. I am truly grateful that you have shared this project with the whole world and it's an honor to have watched your expertise at work. Thank you and God bless Joe.

[@SJustice]

I've never wanted to apprentice before, but I'd sign up in a heartbeat to work with Joe! So much knowledge and life experience to learn from - and he's so charming! 😍

[@AnotherScreenname]

Love seeing a craftsman at work!

[@DucTran-ce6mg]

What a masterwork! He truly is a classic American craft master. Thanks for the great video.

[@EpicWoodworking]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! 👍

[@DennisMathias]

I hope he gets to see this and know the thousands of people that appreciated him doing it!

[@Indyjojo627]

I would love to see more videos with this gentleman! I love the stories he tells about days (tools) gone by, he’s clearly a great craftsman and enjoyable all around!

[@victoria86nj]

This was fascinating to watch. The seat turned out beautiful. I love the red colour!

[@Pmoney44]

I’m so proud of people that take pride in their work.

[@EpicWoodworking]

We all should be proud of something 😎

[@alexgehales]

Something wonderful to see a skilled craftsman a work

[@peggrimes7404]

Wonderful to see a master craftsperson at work!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Agreed, thanks Pat! 😎

[@anakonda3035]

A master is right!

[@YolandaMartinez-bc6kk]

He's awesome 💯😎, WE need more like you sir, whatever will we do!

[@User__Not__Found]

This is genuinely beautiful. Once I get the chance to move, I think I want to start trying this. Keep doing what you're doing sir, your attention to detail and dedication to your craft is inspiring.

[@JMACIEL20120620]

BLESSINGS UPON THOSE HANDS WHOSE ART SPREADS THROUGHOUT ONES EYES AND HEART.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Beautiful saying, worth meditating deeply over. Thank you. Is this yours or an aged quotation? I may put that on my wall to see and read often as a regular reminder of the rich value of this work and sharing it with others. 👍😎

[@JMACIEL20120620]

IT'S MINE. BELIEVE. I JUST DID IT DUE TO WHAT I WATCHED. YOU ARE PART OF THAT. USE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS. ALL THE WAY FROM BRASIL.@@EpicWoodworking

[@tjtampa214]

That is a thing of beauty. Excellent work, sir. A labor of love, as they call it.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I’d have to agree. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@grahamh6201]

Wow....i have no connection to the industry...but to watch this young man at work, was so awesome. Reminds me of my dad..GRHS..worked till 82...and another observation.. no APP..no AI..no hi tech used to complete the task.. absolute pleasure to watch a craftsperson at work. thank you for sharing..wishing you years of great health..

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I’m sure Joe appreciates your observations and kind words! 👍😎

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Beautiful, meticulous work!!❤ Thank you, Joe, for showing and sharing your work!

[@ce8084]

So cool! I’m in my late 60’s and love to see things well made. I pray for this to touch the youth and revive quality workmanship! Thank you for sharing.

[@johnrizzato9192]

I like how you throw your tools down when you’re finished using them. I do the same thing. 😊

[@scenicnomad8744]

It's a thing of beauty to watch someone who has mastered their craft go through the motions and make it look effortless. Guaranteed if I tried to do this it would be a hot mess 😂

[@bigred4379]

❤what a joy to watch! I’m a tradesman myself. I love to hear about the proper tools and techniques from a master, and the stories , too!😀 For a lot of us, teaching is all we have left at the end of a career,and if we don’t teach, the trade will disappear. So many have nearly been eliminated . Thank you so much for taking the time to share your work, and joes, too!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, I agree it’s my pleasure and I think Joe would say the same. Something about getting older comes the natural desire to open the doors and pass it on. I appreciate it, and thanks for watching! 👍😎

[@caringdrug8497]

I would want to watch more videos from him. He would be a great teacher.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I thought the same thing after shooting this one. I asked Joe and he said he would be open. He was a little embarrassed that the project was such an easy and basic one. He will be shocked to learn his simple project video is up around 25K views! Thanks for watching 👍😎

[@caringdrug8497]

@@EpicWoodworking Not many people know how to do those corners correctly and he made it look easy. Does he mainly work with leather or does he do a wide verity of fabrics too?

[@kmcclarney]

He is a master. I reupholster furniture for hospitals for a living and still learned a thing or two from this video

[@linhdasagen6498]

Wow!! He is such a gem. Expert!! He is national treasure!

[@JustinMay74]

That air stapler brings me back to my furniture repair days….. I keep thinking of picking it back up.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Might be a sign…😎👍

[@jodilea144]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you for taking the time to document Joe’s craftsmanship. 😊

[@danielpreilly77]

This guy is certainly a pro, strong hands and swift craftsmanship

[@colette2851]

Fantastic. What a beautiful job, by a great man. Love how every detail was considered and done.

[@silvestrepanzer5265]

I love the shop...I want one just like it!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I love walking in there every time! 👍😎

[@woodworker288]

Enjoyable to watch. That’s the difference between store bought junk. And we’ll made piece. Thank you for the video.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Steve, it was fun to see it come together firsthand. And Joe told me later that was among the simplest example for an upholstery demo. 😎

[@studioquintaloficial7435]

Sou profissional há 30 anos e posso dizer que esse senhor realmente é um profissional , não pela dificuldade do trabalho , mesmo com a dificuldade da idade se percebe a forma como manuseia os materiais e ferramentas , parabéns.

[@amelfarhatamel]

I am a rooky when it comes to reupholstering, I wish we could see the reference for tools and fabrics used in that video.. beautiful to watch

[@WatersandWilderness]

Joe's got it going on! I enjoy watching a master at work.

[@inspectr1949]

Thank you Tom, a trip down memory lane for me; I grew up in Gloversville NY which for decades was the leather, upholstery , glove capital of the world even spent a couple of summers as a kid some 60 years ago working in the leather shops but as Joe pointed out the trade was a guarded secret, sadly that industry there has all but gone away. Even my dad who was a carpenter didn't teach me his trade because he knew of the pit falls and a college education was the way to avoid them.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Pretty interesting Michael, I love hearing those kinds of memories! 👍

[@MakenzieHallie]

I could watch this all day. What a skilled craftsman!

[@poppamichael2197]

Another treasure, in so many ways, from Epic Woodworking. Like you Tom, Joe is a master of his craft. with skilled hands applying just the amount of tension or pressure as he shoots in each staple. Joe's work reminded me of a day more than 70 years ago when I watched in awe as an uncle, who was a professional upholsterer, rebuild an old overstuffed easy chair. He used similar webbing, and a short (approximately 8") webbing stretcher to tension each strip before spitting an upholstery tack from his mouth to the back of an upholstery hammer (like the one Joe used), and then whacking it home. But even though I had seen it done, years later when I had the occasion to make my own benches, I went to a local upholstery shop to have the seats made professionally. Sincere thanks to Joe Portinari for an excellent demonstration.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Poppa, I share your sentiments with that kind of experience. I always love to watch a master at work. I’ve enjoyed quite a few furniture upholstery projects with Joe. Wish I had videos of some of those to share! 😎

[@liannelewis3622]

What a lovely man.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Agreed! 👍

[@andiswathomo6982]

Binginging from Soith Africa! Love your work Sir, learning a lot!

[@sallyradcliffe-hh6ud]

What an absolute pleasure watching him work.

[@davidmatke248]

That was terrific. He made it look so easy.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks David, I’m glad you enjoyed it! The seasoned pros always make it look easier than it is! 😎

[@rudolfknauf7725]

Vielen Dank für die genaue Beschreibung von Ihrer Arbeit

[@kevinalmeyda]

That was a wonderful video. I appreciate everyone’s skills to make that piece such a work of art.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Kevin! 👍

[@marcoramirez2895]

Amazing craftsmanship! Joe would be a Great Mentor. Needs a young apprentice to soak up all that knowledge and expert techniques.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Lawry579]

A joy to watch such a skilled craftsman at work. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@boyelroy3626]

Thank you, joe for sharing your mastery in upholstery

[@EpicWoodworking]

Joe’s the best! 👍😎

[@JenniferPChung]

He made that look so easy. The corners are top notch!

[@erics7712]

Love it. What a terrific guy. Shop is spotless. That’s a skill as well. I always use tacks on reproductions, they didn’t have staples in 1760. Lol

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I’m sure Joe shares your wisdom and insight on that one! 👍😎

[@bradleykostewicz7053]

Shop being clean is so essential to the customer eye

[@fdort3971]

You can see the years of experience in every move...turned out great

[@yellowbird08]

Whisper those corners in. Magical skills. 💛

[@kevinglennon2770]

God bless a New England craftsman! I loved this video - thanks Tom. Now I want to drive up to New Hampshire to meet Joe!

[@elvis1736]

That cotton stuff he uses does miracles. I used it over sew foam and sewed 1” pleats for my hot rod and wow it really made them tight. I’m new to this love these videos

[@parva135]

Joe is inspiring in multiple layers! Look at those skilled precious hands when working! Reminded me of my hardworking father. Thank you!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Well said! 😎

[@averymaples8472]

His hands are so beautiful!!! There is such value in quality work and those who do it. Fabulous job Joe.😊

[@sazennonumber]

Wow, that is gorgeous! He truly is a master. So peaceful and fun, a very lovely man.

[@scottyhughes9179]

This is beautiful work. I studied furniture design and traditional upholstery in college back in the mid-1970's. We learned to 'spit tacks', no air tools were used when doing upholstery in school. The furniture I upholstered 50 years ago is still in use today, my teacher was a master. I'm just now starting to get back into this with an Arts & Crafts rocker I just recently restored, and ready for seat upholstery. Your video has been inspirational. Thank you.

[@knopeace]

This was a lovely video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and letting us have the privilege of meeting Joe 😊

[@shcodry]

Thank you for showing how Master is working. Very helpful video.

[@Thumpiez]

I wish this was a world of masters some times you want to fly with the eagles but you cant when thier is only turkeys around. Today its hard to find a real master these days but thier is a lot of pretenders its so satisfying to see soothing skills some people listen to music and some to the nature channel but for me pure skill is soothing to my soul!!!!! nice work.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, Joe is certainly a master! 👍😎

[@patricksalter5412]

Thanks Tom. Nice to see finishing touches.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Pat, always feels good to see something come together with the help of a gifted seasoned artisan like Joe! 👍😎

[@anicedoak5816]

Thanks for bringing Tom Portinari's work to our attention. So straightforward. I love his use of modern foam, dacron etc to produce a great seat that takes nothing away from the design of a traditional "small bench" footstool. Now, for the chair in my basement!

[@geraldanania8081]

Great video. That gentleman was so interesting and made everything look easy. At 82 with finger strength to stretch that leather. I use to watch a show I believe on PBS where 2 fairly young guys rebuilt and reupholstered furniture. Fullsize chairs, couches, sofas,etc. Never been able to find it online anywhere.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I was struck by the strength and character in his hands as he pulled and formed those corners. His hands show he is the real deal! 😎

[@Ree11Ree]

Awesome video, I’ve had an old footstool for years that I wanted to reupholster but didn’t know how to go about it. After watching this video, I believe I can do it. Thanks

[@Alice-xb1nk]

watching this brought me so much joy

[@Greg-fs8np]

What an great artist! This video was very informative.

[@chriskeeble]

Awesome. Thank you for showing us this.

[@chrisp.76]

Thanks for showing this. Very interesting!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Chris! 😎

[@estherfrost4006]

Thank you for sharing this video! I was hunting for something to give me the confidence to take on a project, and I stopped right here! It’s refreshing and educational to see a true master ply his craft vs. an imitation (a DIY influencer) try to pass for the real thing. Plus, his stories were soo much fun to listen to!! So much better than the prattling on and on in other videos! I’m taking on re-upholstering our dining room chairs, and I’ve just been watching Joe on repeat, working and telling his stories. If I manage to accomplish even a fraction of the quality he’s putting out, this will be an unparalleled success! And all thanks to you for sharing him with us!

[@sarawelder1]

What a pleasure to watch such a master!

[@WoodworkingEducation2022]

It is always great to see a master at work. It must be great learning from Joe!

[@lauren.jburkett4334]

❤

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

This reminds me a lot of Bedo's shoe repair. Simple work, strong hands making gorgeous, functional objects to use every day.

[@travellingwithpidgypudgy7741]

New subscriber. Loved this video. Memories of my grand dad

[@terrysknary]

Thank you tom & kris for bringing this & just for being great people !

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Terry, ❤️ back at you! 😎

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Congratulations dear old man! You have it down to a fine art! I sure hope you have some good apprentices to follow in your footsteps! We need more men like YOU to keep the good stuff coming! Loved watching a master at work!❤️🪑