Extreme restoration of an old (and seemingly fine) chair

[@LadyLeigh]

That was a superb restoration with faultless replacements of rotten timber. What a craftsman you are! Spectacular. Totally addicted to your videos!

[@ambrr_lily]

As a jeweler I can relate to the tedious precision required. It is in many ways harder to restore than create new. Your work truly is a labor of love because I'm not sure you can charge the amount of money that reflects your skill and artistry. But I LOVE watching you work!

[@ТатьянаФедотова-ч7в]

КЛАСС 👍👍👍👍👍

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

I agree, as a dress maker it is often far easier to make an item from scratch than it is to alder or repair an older or complete garment.

[@Limogi]

Ask any electrician.

[@alastairmackay4589]

Very reassuring for me, an amateur codger, to see someone with such great skills pulling a ‘why did I become a restorer?’ face at the start of a new project.

[@Corksy]

I watch a lot of restoration videos. But the pinnacle of restoration of anything wood made is this channel. For metal stuff it's "my mechanics". Both channels show a level of perfectionism and skill I have never seen before and should be the North Star for any restoration channel.

[@nancywhitehead6397]

I am sitting here watching you patiently work each section of this chair to perfection and all i can think about is how many. many years it took for you to hone your incredible restoration skills, including upholstery.. Your remarkable skills show us the kind of man you are; and patience leaps out watching each remarkable skill. You must have begun your journey when you were quite young.. Love watching a Master Craftsman tailoring his skills to each new totally different project.. It truly is a labor of love to do what you do.. Once again , BRAVO...

[@Joe1935429]

As you disassembled the chair I thought 'there is no way...' The job you did, both technically and artistically, is just magnificent. I am glad you showed us the tying. I have never seen that detail before. The restoration of classics is indeed a stand-alone art, composed of many skills. Thank you for sharing your passion

[@pteddie6965]

I am right there with you, Joe. This chair looks fantastic! Too bad that some of the wood had to be 'updated', but there was no alternative. My gracious, some of those boards looked like the home of a termite city due to all of the nail and tack holes. Of course, there were cracks all over this chair. This restoration is amazing and the completed piece is as near to original as possible. As to the choice of leather, I'm sure that the owner had logical reason for the choice and if not, the chair belong to the owner. He who pays the bill get to make the choices.

[@Hitrunya]

Это больше похоже на ремонт, чем на реставрацию. Во время разбора стула мастер сломал несколько деталей, он использует современный синтетический клей вместо натурального рыбьего, степлер вместо гвоздей, думаю, что и морилка отличается по составу от оригинальной, и у меня сомнения в отношении кожи, возможно, краситель кожи тоже не соответствует красителю того времени.

[@Joe1935429]

@@Hitrunya Perhaps you misunderstand the effort here. The chair was obviously not in a condition where it could be recreated or brought back to a "good as new" or original status. Damage and neglect had made It clearly beyond that. What could be done, and was done with available current-day materials and skills, was to bring the chair back to a condition where it would be useable as a chair, i.e., functional, and at the same time, have the appearance and beauty of what it once was. And beyond question that was accomplished! While renovation and restoration do not have identical meanings they are closely related.

[@holymoly6829]

I for one am so glad you became a restoration guru 🙏 That was truly magnificent I only hope you are sharing your skills with young carpenters These skills can not be lost for all our sakes 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@debbieday52]

A man of many talents--a sculptor, a wood craftsman, a weaver.

[@selmamachado5728]

What a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful piece! The only drawback was the customer's choice of fabric. Your work, as always Ahti, impeccable! What a privilege to be able to witness your art.

[@stldiva76]

Anyone else watch these as a sort of unintentional ASMR? It's incredibly soothing

[@Why_Brynn]

When you asked yourself “why did I become a restorationist” this is why- great work dude! It’s beautiful

[@Ghostcotton]

G My R I’m n ggvn I’m

[@WideCuriosity]

Makes me wonder why I didn't. But so many interests, can't do/be everything. (These days difficult to find the oomph to do/be anything much.)

[@dorothyprior2615]

Because you’re brilliant at it!

[@minsungkanonjyp]

Уус да киһи,маладьыас👍

[@ineszulian5036]

Magnifico

[@annodnostaw9971]

You became a furniture restorer because you are very good at it. You are a FURNITURE WHISPERER.

[@ATRestoration]

Haha, good one! :)

[@NuLiForm]

Hey!...i thought that too..but said to self..naw..not gonna say it..not yet anyway..LOL!

[@WindQueen12]

He IS !!!

[@JohnnyNowhere]

I've never seen anyone go through this process, so I found it very informative. Tying down the springs is an art in itself, as was sewing the padding. Exceptional job. Killer work. Kudos.

[@giseleafecheoficial]

I think this is one of my lifetime favourites restoration jobs… can’t get over it

[@SimplyReg]

Bloody hell, Ahti! When you started this restoration by seemingly thoroughly smashing this chair to bits I was wincing and cringing and hiding behind the sofa! What a tour-de-force.

[@ЛарисаБровикова-ф1п]

Смотришь, не отрываясь на такую сложную работу, которая, благодаря высокому мастерству маэстро, выполняется быстро, последовательно, смело, аккуратно и со знанием дела высокой квалификации. Не каждому такое по плечу. Это похоже на мастер-класс, на передачу опыта высокого мастерства по реставрации старинных вещей, представляющих художественную ценность. Браво, МАЭСТРО! Спасибо за труд, за возможность наблюдать, как вы работаете! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤔💖💖💖

[@Rev-D1963]

This has to be the finest furniture restoration ever filmed! The skills, attention to detail, and level of patience would almost have to be super-human to achieve these results! I am in complete awe! The owner should be more than proud to display this chair in their home. Accolades brother, it was an absolute pleasure to watch, thank you so very much for sharing it with us (and your other videos as well). God bless. Rev. D.

[@gailgrisham7643]

Agreed.

[@ЕЛЕНАЮРЧЕРКОВА-н7ф]

Добрый вечер!!!! Большое удовольствие смотреть ваши ролики! У Вас просто золотые руки! Браво!!!!! Спасибо!!!!

[@charlesmcmasters]

Every video you make leaves me more stunned then the last. You are truly a master of your craft. Your dry wit adds to the pleasure of watching you work your magic, and watching your technique teaches and expands my knowledge. Thanks again for what you do!

[@LadyLeigh]

I have never seen original old upholstery done B4 and totally enthralled. What a fantastic job you have done. Love your videos.

[@dianed805]

I'm thankful that there still are craftsman of your calibre that still exist. Thank you.

[@ATRestoration]

Nice compliment, thanks!

[@tonywright8294]

Why ?

[@luandahome2428]

Вас смотрят in Kostroma! Не могу оторваться от Вашего канала. Благодарю!

[@natalinka333nata9]

Как красиво и аккуратно Вы работаете! Настоящий Мастер своего дела! Некоторые Ваши видео пересматриваю с огромным удовольствием! Ваша работа (как говорит моя коллега) - "восторг души". Спасибо большое! Процветания Вам и вашему каналу, а также интересных предметов для реставрации! 🙂

[@marionphillips5485]

My mom used to replace the seats on chairs like this. She reused the stuffing got new fabric and fixed the seat. Never realized until today how talented she was.

[@rachealsmith5138]

Wow! So beautifully done! You pay so much attention to the details. Thank you for sharing your talents!😊❤

[@edyharyanto2615]

I really salute those who really appreciate the historical value of an item, so they are willing to carry out a restoration as complex and detailed as that, with techniques and some using new materials to make the appearance more aesthetic without losing the antiquity of the item, great job 👍👍👍

[@Wguy56]

And with more cost than the chair is worth...monetarily, not sentimentally.

[@Надежда-д3ц1й]

А я прото радуюсь тому, кто поднял искусство реставрации так высоко. Спасибо вам, МАСТЕР.

[@channelsixtysix066]

Because you always love the final result of your work. 03:17 Turning little more than firewood, back into fine furniture. What a beautiful restoration by a master Artisan. Cheers

[@joeluis9011]

I am just an amateur, but you are right, people often bring you rubble thinking are treasures. Thanks God there are still artist like you capable of doing miracles. Regards from Spain.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Rubble can be treasures too. They may not hold the highest of values but for sentimental reasons they may have a big value to the owner. I’ve inherited an oakchair from my grandfather - propably not worth a penny - but it’s an extremely valuable furniture to me.

[@joeluis9011]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 You are right Kasper, keep this chair close to you always.

[@bluedragonfly5]

All i can say is 'WOW'. Unbelievable workmanship.

[@conniegray3272]

Now that's determination! This video is a bonus to owner of this chair. Gorgeous & a top notch restoration!

[@dochubbell]

You sir are a genuine craftsman. THAT was painstaking, (as in painful), work in all the repairs and restoring you had to do to make this chair a heck of a lot better than it was to start with. Bravo! you displayed skills that are sadly disappearing.

[@kathyohara6658]

Wow! This restoration is a work of art. So satisfying to see history and craftsmanship preserved.

[@167curly]

I really admire how you added new pieces of wood and carved them to fit into the existing elaborate places. The glue and fine sawdust filler is a good trick for filling multiple holes and non-structural cracks which I have used in the past. Your re-upholstering, using the old springs and new webbing was fascinating to watch. Congratulations.

[@savagelobster]

Once did a job in a kitchen. Added some cabinets and a bit of detail work. One of the customers friends, upon seeing it, said "you can't tell what's new". I looked at the customer, he grinned and said, "exactly". This chair is an exceptionally well done job. Thank you for sharing this, pleasure to see work being done right.

[@kaetiall]

I really appreciate this king of manufacturing. The restoration is a big challenge, but full of satisfaction.

[@tjlabbee7856]

As a journeyman carpenter, I thank you for showing the world what is involved in 'a bit of woodworking' lol beautiful work! In glue and dust, we put our trust! love from Canada brother 🍁✌️

[@D_e_n_i_s_e_B]

Very nice! It is good to see people restoring old furniture instead of throwing them away. Thanks for sharing

[@Rwsegee]

I repair old wooden furniture and I run into some pretty rough stuff at times. When I watched your video, it put a big smile on my face. That is truly a job well done.

[@irenebecker4815]

This chair went from kindling to kingly! Your work is so impressive.

[@vinceianni4026]

Good job mister beautifully restored

[@ЛарисаБровикова-ф1п]

Обновлённый стул, после сложной работы по восстановлению предстал перед нами, словно перешагнув границу времени, из прошлого или позапрошлого века. Изначально над его красотой поработал художник-краснодеревщик, оставив после себя уникальную работу по дереву - точёные ножки, фигурную спинку с художественной резьбой и мАковками наверху. Что-то из деталей требовало замены, зачистки, шлифовки, полного обновления и замещения. И в ходе реставрации это было сделано нашим маэстро. Спасибо за возвращение шедевра к новой жизни. Новых вам свершений, мастер "золотые руки"!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍💖

[@dawnchattin5935]

Thank you for this great restoration, keeping the old techniques fresh and relevant! As a seamstress, I have made alterations to couture garments, and the clients cannot detect the work. In the same way, I cannot detect where the repairs were made either! Well done!

[@cashh_a]

Потрясающе👏👏 никогда не думала, что кому-то под силу реставрировать такие сложные стулья😶

[@МадамБрошкина-ц4р]

Да, стул достоин того, чтобы стоять в музее. Красота!

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Here I am, two years ago, a newbie to the channel, marvelling at the many incredible skills of this prolific artist!

[@GeorginaRankin]

You are a true craftsman, and I love watching you take an old piece and make it look new again

[@lourdesSant]

Came across this video quite by accident and I was blown away! You sir are a master craftsman. Looking at the condition of the chair I thought there is no way that can be restored but wow what an outstanding job of restoration. Beautiful work and beautiful chair.

[@TheJcs555]

You are truly an artist with wood and tools!! I enjoy watching you bring these tired and sad furniture pieces back into their glory days! Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@charltonwang]

Not much an antique furniture guy and have no knowledge of restoration work but this was an entertaining video to watch. The stain matching job was great and I had no idea so much went into upholstering a chair. You're definitely an artisan to my untrained eye. Thanks for taking us along the journey.

[@selmamachado5728]

You became a restorer because you have unparalleled talent. I am your fan.

[@annettemalaski1967]

These other people said what my poor words cannot. Your various different skills used to repair even the tiny problems are incredible!

[@peckinpahlady]

Fascinating work. You brought it back from the dead, well done.

[@simonmuschamp4582]

Fantastic job. You really blended the old and new wood seamlessly. Brilliant craftsmanship. Very enjoyable video.

[@kwaminax]

This blew my mind. You saved so much. Very glad I found your channel.

[@susiepattinson3031]

Thankyou for restoring this beautiful chair. Others would have given up, but not you!! and beautiful work as always.

[@leighedwards2539]

I can’t stop watching you work. Your videos are addictive!

[@julieduchek2969]

This project is fascinating to watch. I didn’t realize that springs and padding are in a chair like that. Watching him patch and glue the broken and chipped wood was incredible. The result is beautiful.

[@tricosteryl]

I appreciate the great respect you had for this quite nice piece of furniture. So many people just make it cosmetic and use modern material beneath, ugly modern glueing, even screws and so on... Great job !

[@dittohead7044]

That would be me. Probably with paint. Hideous choice obviously this however is a masterpiece

[@GustafB]

The repair at 10:46 looked great! And the upholstery work was really impressive and educating!

[@fredrobinson6990]

The renovation was intense and turned out beautiful.

[@drdeb9561]

Fascinating process of re-doing the straps, springs, padding, and upholstery. Thanks for sharing this!

[@19Bmiller]

You may wonder why you went into furniture restoration but we don't, you're amazingly good at it.

[@jonesmetsasta226]

It's 3.05 am, I don't know why I'm here, but every man has to know how to restore a chair.

[@thersten]

You're addicted to your phone. So am I. Solution: Get a flip phone.

[@randallsmith7885]

It appears that the only technique people know is to drive a few extra nails into the joint…

Same. And you’re right!

[@heidizysk2321]

3:50 am here, lol

[@edieparastatides9403]

Beautiful restoration! Your knowledge and ability is phenomenal!!

[@jennyschwartz2554]

I can’t stop watching your work. Thanks!

[@texanasimmons1761]

WOW!! This chair is GORGEOUS!! You did a phenominal job restoring this chair!🪑❤

[@montana5398]

“There are many tying techniques. This is the simplest one” Wow! If that’s simple I’d love to see something you considered intricate. Awesome work!

[@annw1395]

That's exactly what I was thinking!

[@НаталияКрысова]

Золотые руки у мастера, восхищение.

[@tatyanarusakova8428]

Вы - Большой Молодец!!... Вами можно гордиться, это точно!!... 🥰

[@Dawghome]

I was almost crying at the end, I was so impressed! All I heard in my head was wow! Wow! Wow!

[@seldamirgi2390]

me too ..especially the horse hair took me from me ! good job..love job..!

[@paulorth2251]

As I watched this video, I realized that I do not have the patience for this kind of work. I will have to be satisfied with watching this man bring these beautiful pieces of furniture back to life. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your channel 😃

[@faithgirton9388]

What do you mean fix,! You mean actually rebuild a whole chair ,you are fantastic!

[@yolandacuevas751]

As usual, very impressive I can’t believe the transformation and jet remains the original look. Amazing. And I love seeing a little sense of humor. A+ 😊

[@esthercutts4318]

What a great video of yet another amazing restoration......My Initial reaction was IMPOSSIBLE.....but no- you did a wonderful job! I love this channel!!!

[@KarlBunker]

Great work restoring a chair that was almost too far gone to save. And what a great idea to use compressed air to force glue into a narrow crack! Why haven't I seen that before and why haven't I thought of it myself? 🧐

[@megaraitei]

Was that normal wood glue? Is normal wood glue strong enough to piece together a backrest?

Normal (modern) wood glue actually is stronger than the wood it holds. (edit: when applied to long grain, as is done here)

[@megaraitei]

@ 👍👍 I did not know that. Thankx 😁

[@julie6092]

I also did not know that about the glue. Thank you 😊 I had a thought while he was gluing. Could you use a hypodermic needle? There are several large gauges, like 14-18. Would that work to apply glue into the cracks? 🤔 Just wondering...

[@itsaneel]

@@julie6092 Yeah, I've done that in the past with an 18G and it works just fine

[@НаталияЛ-р9й]

Это не стул,а королевский трон! Браво Мастеру!❤❤❤❤

[@martiwilliams8091]

Why are you a restorer…… because you are an outstanding artisan! This restoration is a “WOW”. Thank you.

[@ЕкатеринаФедотова-и3д]

Ювелирная работа, браво мастер!👏❤

[@matthewfriend8448]

It is so wonderful that the dedication you have for restoring these things comes through your fantastic handywork. Such precision!! Am in awe!!

[@babbetto1]

That was a joy to watch that chair come back to life.

[@FredCastle-q9o]

You are a great craftsman... Great gob!!!

[@KristiJolley]

You have awesome skills!! So fun to watch

[@elenamiragoli2470]

È affascinante vedere come , pezzo per pezzo, rinasce questo pezzo antico. Ammiro la professionalità di questo restauratore e la maestria nell’utilizzo di ogni attrezzo. Anche mio padre lavorava e restaurava mobili antichi. Un’arte bellissima che non deve perdersi. Complimenti!! Saluti dall’ Italia🇮🇹

[@nicolewiles6509]

You are a true artist. It is a pleasure to watch you work. Thank you for sharing.🥰

[@ThorfinNjal]

Awesome! From trash to treasure! Greatings vom Germany

[@jsblake199]

Can I picture hundreds of chairs? Fascinating!

[@JanetCaterina]

Good thing he filmed it, nobody would believe what he had to do to refinish it

[@roybailey9554]

This is just craftsmanship at a completely different level, I have been doing carpentry since I was 6 years old so 55 years and I am a fully qualified professional Carpenter, but I am absolutely amazed at your level of talent , magnificent 👏

[@AncientApparatus]

Вот это да what an amazing job, you are a true artisan!!!

[@AncientApparatus]

BTW: I don't speak Russian & Googled that phrase. ;) I did it because I wanted to connect with the author of this video in a special way.

[@razorkane5011]

Have to admire your patience and perseverance....wow

[@norreangoal5895]

Such a blessing to be so engrossed in a project for you Sir and for the World. Beautifully done!

[@s.h.3829]

Eine der besten Restaurierungsarbeiten, die ich jemals gesehen habe! Da können Sie stolz auf sich sein! Ein absolutes Schmuckstück geworden. Ein Liebhaber bezahlt jeden Preis dafür.

[@MrYulcha]

Soo here i am, random viewer, Who is far from all this, randomly watching restoration of an old chair And i am enjoing it fully!!

[@ЕленаСирота-щ1и]

Возрождать к жизни старину-это прекрасно. Большое уважение мастеру.

[@GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge]

That wasn't a challenge, it was a nightmare. Great job!

[@cherylporter1056]

Absolutely amazing! Looks incredible a

[@Piccolacleudia10]

You became a restorer because you are Excellent on it!!, and thanks to you a lot of old furniture have a second chance in this world!!! I don't know you but I feel happy watching you working!! So thank you for that!!

[@ladytron1724]

I’m absolutley amazed .You have fantastic skills.

[@griseldis]

"Why did I became a restorer?" Because these beauties of the past need you.

[@holly5791]

Beautiful job! Love the color of that leather. It looks so regal. You are a restorer because you are good at it and, I may be wrong, but I believe you have the passion for it. If you didn't, that chair would have ended up being firewood! Keep up the good work. 👍

[@Nanna-hpi]

This is absolutely magnificent! The client was sooooo right in choosing this natural leather. It really suits this splendid piece of furniture. It gives it a feeling of opulence and it will be long lasting too. Congratulations on this exceptional restoration.

[@barbarakeyser1221]

Another great job 👍👍👍👍👍