Hours Later, It Was Done

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores two clocks. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, call us at [phone], 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).

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

Two lovely pieces beautifully finished. Thank you too for taking the time to film the birds. They are a real bonus. Bella lives on in your videos, great see her again. 😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome! Yes, I like seeing her too

[@gordondidyk366]

76

I’ve said before … your workshop is a peaceful zone for me. I’m going back to watch any videos I missed. I need as much time in the Zone as I can get 💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome, thank you!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Beautiful job my friend!!! Awesome seeing Ella...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Frank! It is good - I miss her!

[@mollynakamori]

My father was given exactly that clock at the end of his long career with AT&T. My brother has it now. You did a lovely job, and it was so sweet to see dear Ella again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Someone mentioned that these were often given as retirement gifts. I'm so glad it;s still in your family

[@nickstevens7931]

Mr. Johnson - patient genius, with skills honed over many years - I could watch these videos all day long and not be bored whilst knowing that I could never achieve these results but still wanting to try. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@bethcrane5780]

beautiful work. Lovely to see Ella again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it’s good to see her. I miss her so much

[@chazzyb8660]

They both look pretty good to me too, Tom. By matching what was there, and cleaning up the dints, they shows their age, but come up shining.

[@plainnpretty]

I agree

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I really like keeping as much as the aging as possible

[@glenw.3813]

Mr Tom, these carriage clocks were popular gifts to employees on work anniversary dates, 20-30 years. I've seen so many in my hobby clock repair work. Glad you worked on one so I have a reference in the future. So glad you turned me on to toner sprays...life savers. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s great! I’m glad it’s helpful

[@ralph0149]

You say that it takes lots of practice and you are right. But there is something to be said about your innate eye for color and texture, which some of us do not have unfortunately. Thank you for these didactic videos. They inspire people to keep trying with the talent they've got.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! I had to look up “didactic”, I like that

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Thanks for sharing your insight about partial refinishing. I have a 50s era bookcase that needs to be refinished but only the shelf surfaces are scarred up. I’m going to try refinishing only those areas. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck!

[@carolusay1011]

I like the clock you have done a wonderful job restoring the clock case. I watch other refinishers and even if they say they have learned from their fathers they do not come close to the level of work that you do. I enjoy watching your repeats ..... I enjoy the short videos of wild life at the start and end of your videos. Thanks for the work that you do on all of your projects. :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@XL-5117]

Nicely done. Just the right amount of restoration work to both these clocks to make them tick again without making them look brand new. I love how you know just what you need to do to get a piece working again, it’s magical! Loved seeing Ella again ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! It is good seeing her, still it makes me a bit sad, a bittersweet feeling

[@petergregory5286]

Tom, that was two lovely pieces of skill. Pleasure watching you. Regards

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@christinemiller7238]

I learn so much about patience and staining! Thank you 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@keithwallington4966]

nice to see you again and your work is very enjoyable to watch

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@brianyoung9014]

Thanks for the tutorials they will improve my attempts to refinish my projects.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! Good luck!

[@mikewallace8087]

The Patient Hands of Thomas Johnson will restore your fond memories.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like that! Thanks!

[@genier7829]

This information was very helpful. I have water rings to remove from a very similar looking commercial finish. Thanks for the Bella flashback, I like to remember my old dogs as well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! I like seeing her too

[@Yachtnurse51]

I’m totally overwhelmed! Just wow! I never knew there were so many types of finishes and then sanded and then another finish 😮 but I’m really fascinated and wanting to learn more and more🤭 Thank you so much

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom I have fallen behind in watching your videos. Sure enjoyed seeing you preserve these clocks. Take care😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tim!

[@Tim-57]

@@johnsonrestoration 😊

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Excellent work once again Tom. Very interesting to see your technique of partial refinishing and toning. 👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@sycyby]

Somehow all my youtube subscriptions got deleted as few weeks ago. I was lost, Still finding "my" spots. I enjoy your videos, Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you’re back!

[@judithdomangue9995]

It’s like stepping back in time to the 1930s to see that clock so beautifully refinished. I loved how both clock cases came out. I love your nature shots, only wish they were a bit longer.😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

I totally agree! Thanks

[@mokimmy6457]

Yay! New from Tom! I hit like before I even watched. Lol! I knew it was going to be great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yay! Thank you!

[@wendyanderson2562]

Excellent work, thanks for teaching us!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re so welcome!

[@judebrown4103]

As always just the perfect amount of work to retain the history and soul of the pieces. Enjoyed the magic pen and brush work Tom, beautiful job, they both look pretty good now. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@georgecunningham9175]

Why oh WHY did I NOT buy stock in 3M before craftsman such as yourself discovered "Painter's Tape"? Judging by this video alone, I would be a wealthy man! What a lovely treat - revisiting these special restorations..............and of course the glimpses of Bella make them all the more special. Thank You!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re so welcome! Why didn’t I buy the stock? Of course there’s a lot of stocks we “shoulda” bought!

[@georgecunningham9175]

@@johnsonrestoration If you promise NOT to tell anyone, and confirm their suspicions that I am an IDIOT, I will admit that as a young'un a relative gave me 40 shares of IBM.......and I sold it immediately, 'cause will a company that makes adding machines and cash registers ever be worth anything??????

[@johnnyo3fan]

Especially liked the desk clock. Sweet.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! I want one

[@moltopericoloso]

Lovely work as always Tom. I've learnt so much about colour and toning from you through these videos. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: both clocks turned out very nice. That Art Deco clock will be smart looking on a desk. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Carol. I really like that clock too

[@virginiatolles1664]

What a beautiful (Seth Thomas?) clock. Well worth the effort you put into it, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don’t remember who the manufacturers were! I should have determined that and shown it

[@gregoryjasongranado5248]

You sir are a color matching master. It is truly a joy to watch you work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@pmichael73]

The old Telechron probably has more depth to the finish now than it did when new. Good to see it still going!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@alangibb3100]

Tom that was some really excellent work there the finishes on the pieces were fantastic well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@jimwiskus8862]

Outstanding as always Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@maddieadams75]

Excellent restoration on both time keepers 🧡🤎❤️💛

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@26beegee]

I especially love the Art Deco clock. What a great era for design! The finish is beautiful. 🤗

[@johnsonrestoration]

I totally agree! I want one!

[@judithfairchild8620]

It looks brand new! Lovely clock

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith!

[@chrissheridan8947]

Always good to learn from a master of his craft 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Lightning77305]

Nicely done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cajunfid]

The art deco one was definitely my favorite.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@user-gw3ef9nn5j]

handsome clock - gorgeous

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@eddiekerbo]

I really appreciate your videos. Thank you so much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@christineclark4469]

Nicely done! I enjoyed seeing that refinishing only part of the piece can work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@kayerin5749]

The clock may not be an antique now, but with this kind of care, it will be a cherished one in about 100 years! Maybe someone later will remove the clock and fix the bolt situation for the handle;) Anyway the clock reminds me of the kind of stuff my parents had (they were married in 1931) Even then, when I was growing up (in the late 40's and 50's) they had a yellowish tone to them. I wonder if this was the style then? I remember a lot of electric clocks and things they had used Bakelite in them, which tended to be yellowish I think. Always nice to see a post from you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think that “blonde” finish was popular, but most finishes will bleach out and yellow over time so it becomes difficult to tell what the original finish was

[@piedmonitor]

Tom you've done it again

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cajsheen2594]

Great job as always! Thankyou XXX

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@dandistefano623]

Another great video, thanks Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@maxgrove1661]

Great job Tom, as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gaelmalloy2021]

Oh goodness, gracious your are a fountain of knowledge, wish I had a fraction of it. Thank you for sharing your encyclopedic experiences

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@time4clocks]

Hi Tom, Telechron made that model "Pharoah" clock from 1934-1942. People may not realize but those clocks are more accurate than the later quartz clocks that put the nail in the coffin for many of those companies. Sadly, the oil in those clocks does gum up over time and needs to be refreshed but they are still great looking clocks, with tons of character. I remember your original video when you refinished it and you did a masterful job. Thank you for sharing your methods so others may learn from you!! 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Interesting information! I want one of those

[@time4clocks]

@@johnsonrestoration I sent you the info for them in the reply to your email Mr. Tom. 😁

[@bobnicholas5994]

Thanks it was peace I needed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s great!

[@mercoid]

This is great Tom. I recently picked up a nice solid maple library stand from a neighbor’s tree lawn on garbage day. Much of the finish is good except for a few very rough areas. This video comes at the right time for me.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Good luck!

[@terryrogers1025]

Thanks for the video, once again I have learned a great deal from you and some how to from watching the video. You have great content in your videos, stay the course, enjoyed it immensely.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@maryhastings635]

I always learn something from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@maryhastings635]

@@johnsonrestoration I have been referencing you to my niece who is just starting her woodworking journey.

[@saggioculo5386]

Great video. Love the carriage clock.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@iakwia]

Great way to start a day!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! First comment! Thank you

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

Another excellent video. My father once told me that his definition of a good day was one where you went to bed a bit smarter than when you woke up. Thank you for making my day. I may now attack the water damage to the top of our old piano.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! I like that! I have the same philosophy

[@sylviekoenig9960]

I love how you treat all objects with the same loving attention, whatever their commercial value might be. Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Sylvie! Yes, I have always been that way, so many pieces are being restored for sentimental reasons - the "market value" doesn't mean anything

[@sylviekoenig9960]

@@johnsonrestoration ♥️

[@marekpaul6110]

Another excellent instructional video. Also you have great taste in Whiskey sir! 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@markduncan6690]

Thank You Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@polinanemtinova1829]

This is a beautiful job. I like it❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like it too!

[@whall6101]

Thank you fir the "timely" tutorials, I have a similar project in mind.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good one! Thanks

[@markwoods1504]

Hi Thomas, Mark from The Wirral UK , my Late was a cabinet maker apprenticed in the 1930's it was a 7/8 yrs apprenticeship back then. This carriage clock you're doing looks like a model of clock which went out of production in the 1930's / 1940's because people wanted smaller mantle clocks like the one made by Gruen and Hamilton as well as the Swiss and British manufacturers at the time.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Interesting! Was this your father who apprenticed? It would be interesting to know what that was like

[@diannesorem6389]

Awesome restorations! Besutiful clocks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@melissataylor5494]

Both clocks were interesting. My favorite was the art deco clock. Great treatment of the battle scars and the repair on the back. Thanks for sharing. I don’t remember you using the black rubbing compound before… I was saying to myself, NOoo but of course you were right on target because it added just enough depth to the finish to make it sing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that compound can work really well certain finishes

[@christelmuller9198]

Hallo Thomas, es waren wieder zwei wunderschöne Arbeiten. Es ist eine Freude dir bei der Arbeit zusehen zu können. Es ist nur schade das ich kein Englisch kann. Deine Erklärungen zu verstehen wäre ein Highlight. Danke fürs Zeigen viele Grüße Christel ☺👍👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Christel! Check settings below the video, you should be able to activate subtitles, that might help a little

[@kittonsmitton]

They look marvelous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@netherwent2725]

Excellent work - and illustrates the time and expertise needed to produce really good results.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you Tom, glad to see you took your "time' with these. Hope you're well, see you on the next one

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good one!

[@iselinmosevoll5097]

Love your work and I love your videos 🤩❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!!

[@jackfntwist]

I find it so interesting the way you pause between Gorham and Maine. Hahaha

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! because for years everyone thought I was saying "gourmet"!

[@jackfntwist]

@@johnsonrestoration Hahaha!

[@jerrycomo2736]

Three years living with Howards Feed and Wax: I used to wax our furniture when it looked like it needed it. Three years ago, I started a discipline. Every July, I wax every piece of wood in the house, whether or not it looked like it needed it. Wow the difference. We have antique Sears Catalog level oak and pine furniture up to Ethan Allan stuff. The furniture developed a deep luster I did not think possible with an inexpensive wax. I'm experimenting with Odie's Oil Wax for outdoor oak and pine pieces. Looks good after six months. Rewaxing is so much easier to apply than oil/varnish exterior pieces that I hope the Odies works out. I don't mind rewaxing. If I had to reoil/varnish everything, I probably wouldn't.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, that’s very interesting! I love polishing my furniture too, I should do it more often

[@marykayryan7891]

I bet that front/top bleaching had to do with angle of sun hitting the clock. As always, so interesting to watch your process. You are such an artist.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, sun damage (bleaching) is often difficult to deal with

[@jasonkeyes474]

Both clocks looked amazing when you finished. I also have a carriage clock, which I just now learned from you! Thank you for showing and telling your craftsmanship!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@raouldontneedthem3416]

If I were a restaurateur I would like to learn from you! Thank you for your always very interesting master classes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@boristheanimal]

Great whiskey! I knew you would have good taste.

[@johnsonrestoration]

The best! Thanks

[@YorkshireLassCrochets]

Beautiful clocks! I especially liked the art deco one and could quite happily live with it in my home. Lovely restoration as always Tom. I hope you're doing okay. Kate 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! We’re fine! I really like that one too

[@melissabarron1574]

Thank you! I always reference a lot of your segments to help with my repairs I come across. 🥰🐝

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! I'm so happy when my videos are helpful

[@Celiamarcal2]

É um relógio muito bonito. Você deu nova vida a ele. parabéns. Você sempre chega na oficina com uma xícara de café, mas tem que tomar antes que fique frio.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Obrigado! O engraçado é que não me importo com o café frio, desde que coloque um pouco de mel nele!

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Nice Clock !! I have a small collection Telechrone clocks that I have restored !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! A collection? Any you want to sell to me? I want one! Or maybe you can help me? email : [e-mail]

[@cduff4505]

You’te experience and eye for color is amazing! Lovely to see the clock come back to life, I can imagine the owners will be thrilled!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! They were!

[@wimtillaart8671]

That laphroaig is a very nice scotch. I saw that you use the box as a dowel storage. I like your videos very much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I will raise a wee dram to you’re health!

[@SouthpawDavey]

It might be an antique one day so originality is still important.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, exactly. I’m glad you got that

[@user-gb6re9eg3i]

Fantastic as usual, Tom. Enjoy your work very much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dan-o9746]

Amazing results!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jimlowndes9980]

Very satisfying to watch, you make it look so easy>:^)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Must be my editor! He does a good job

[@NotJRB]

Tom always illustrates amazing skill and results. These videos are real pleasure to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s very nice

[@carstenaltvater]

Very nice work indeed. Seems we share the same whiskey-taste. Slainte!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Agus beannachd leat a charaid!

[@gracianaascensionabreugarcia]

Quedó, perfecto e ideal.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@alibobo2009]

Awesome.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@parkrantz9515]

Nice dowel holder! 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@susanpaulson9010]

Better than original! Fabulous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kenthesparky178]

Superb.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@fannycraddock99]

Both clocks look beautiful. Excellent work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@slawomirh.3636]

Mistrz Thomas jak zwykle w dobrej formie. Nagrodą za godziny pracy zawsze jest efekt końcowy. Dobra robota. Pozdrawiam

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję!

[@vincentwalker2081]

I always learn something about restoration from you. You are truly a master in resortation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@chrisnicholls6898]

I’m very taken with the 30s clock. Your work on that was very pleasing. I hope you know what a role model you are to so many people around the world. I’m in Bangkok!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I don’t really know that, it seems surreal.

[@johnkelly6942]

It was a fair amount of work but looks really nice

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!