Is There ANY Hope? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine presents, in full, his restoration of this marquetry box. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, 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).

[@09gearchange]

It always amazes me how you manage to judge the exact level of restoration needed to bring these pieces back to life without losing any of the history they have. Thank you for passing on your skills to us all Tom .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great Seeing Ella again. I miss not seeing her follow you into and around the shop. I love the fact that the builder gave his name, date etc. that is so great to know the history of the piece. Justified as the Luthier's do when they place their name pieces inside the violins they make etc. or when they repair a 200 yr old one etc. I applaud the respect you show the previous builders and repair persons. thanks for sharing and once again excellent video editing.Thanks for sharing this again. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Ellis! I appreciate it!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

I loved the visit with Ella. wonderful to see again Tom. 🧡

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Trena! I know you're an animal lover too. I'll miss her forever

[@1959Berre]

Wow Thomas, it is quite refreshing to hear you talk metric! Greetings from Belgium, Europe.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm trying!

[@annroberts5965]

Mr. Johnson , I can not believe how well the piece turn out. It is a testament of the incredible craftsmanship you always demonstrate. It is indeed a pleasure to watch and learn from your videos . Thank you for sharing. Ann from Va.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@normagrimstad8869]

My grandfather made many pieces of furniture. I would say he was very good, although it was just a hobby for him. He would get his ideas for pieces via magazines. He made stools, end tables, candleholders, cabinets, a desk, a coffee table, and small shelves. I would think if he were alive now he would love to watch someone like you work. I am very interested in refinishing furniture, perhaps something he made, and hope to take a class sometime. Love your channel!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! I'm so glad you have some of those pieces he built. That's priceless

[@joereedsmith1531]

I loved seeing Ella again. Remember she doesnt want you to be miserable, I hope you are ready to saddle up again soon, youve got a lot more love to give.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like seeing her too!

[@dfernetti]

Lovely restoration of the box. And it's always bittersweet to see Ella around.

[@26beegee]

I agree on both counts. ❤️😢

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's tough for me too

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@sylviacortes3251]

👏👏👏👏🥰🥰😊😊

[@wilkodog5252]

Thomas I watch a guy here in the uk restore classic cars and I watch you for your excellent projects. I’m an awful mechanic and a below par woodworker but you are so relaxing to watch, what KZbin was made for😊👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad you like them!

[@danielelse3914]

I do so like the ultra long format. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Well it can be longer! This was a 2 part series where I showed every repair. We edited it down by half to make this video

[@elizabethdepietro6808]

You’re work is amazing. You are certainly a master craftsman. Love seeing Ella, and how she adoringly looks at you. It’s clear she is well loved. She reminds me of my black lab I was blessed to have in my twenty’s, Smokey.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, I miss her so! I like how you still remember your Smokey

[@helenrosetipper3200]

A really beautiful restoration of this family heirloom; the marquetry is gorgeous!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@wgoconnor33]

I enjoyed hearing the chicks in background during another awesome video. Sounds like my backyard, it’s migration season, a lot of birds

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love it too! These were our baby chicks, I couldn't put them in the barn this year so I had to set them up in the shop

[@michaelpage7691]

👏👏👏👏👍🏻🇦🇺😁 what a pain in the butt of a job. Finicky to the nth degree. Beautifully done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is, but for some strange reason I enjoy it!

[@cmmc3400]

Everywhere I have lived, I have planted trees, shrubs and endangered or threatened plants. I have lost count of the trees, but I believe it is over 2500 at this point. For awhile, I was sharing with a Heritage Society and after that I planted only native to the areas I lived in. I have worked at removing non natives plants and trees, and taught locals who want to know about invasive and naturalized species as well. I just now realized that you too must love nature the same way. I never equated the use of wood with my appreciation of growing it. It is amazing how one thing flows into the other in my life and the lives of those I met both in person and online. I met my Canadian husband online, fell in love with his sense of humor the moment we met. I thought chatting was foolish and had only gone online to play games prior to an injury that a friend had suggested I type to exercise the damaged finger. He showed me a site where people wrote a story together as characters. It was rather adult in nature so I need not say anything more about it except it introduced me to the mind of my husband 9 months before I met the man in person. I fell in love with his wit and his mind before I fell for this older man who has loved me like no other. Dad would have approved had he lived. Again, Tom, I appreciate you and what you do and you know why because I am so open about who I am. Next week, if I am up to it, I will send you my fathers Boy Scout project. I only have a few things that were his and I only know him from his things and his photographs. It hurts my mother to talk about him so I stopped asking over the years. My father died when I waa 13 months old. So you can see how much I respect you by sending his small wooden bowl without its lid. A piece of it is missing and I want you to replace it and the lid. I remember the lid, I will draw it for you. He made the bowl when he was 12 as a project while in the Boy Scouts. Dad went on to be a photographer in the Navy on the USS Forrestal. When he left the Navy they released a collection of his photos. I want to put a stack of them in his box. Dad started a studio in 1959 in the Detroit area. He did photography for the local Police and for the local Horse Racing Track. Dad did weddings and portraits in his studio as well. His work was exceptional in my opinion. When he died, my mother was left with two children in diapers but she was a brilliant artist and was able to turn his studio into a one woman show. She went on to earn Master Craftsman status with The Professional Photographers Association, as a woman, she became a leader in her profession and respected around the world. My mothers struggles to raise her children prompted her to create a business model that provided a great income for mothers that allowed them time off for their kids and layoffs that paid unemployment for them during the summers so they could raise their children themselves. Their work was by the piece and their skills dictated their pay. The business only hired women except for a few men in over 50 years of working. It wasn't that she wouldn't hire men, the job needed a woman's delicate touch with a paint brush. You see, she ran a studio for the photographic arts, negative retouching and photographic restoration. At least that was the bulk of her studio. She played with a few other companies as well. I know she did dad proud, his spirit is still with us. Now he watches over her as she fights the hardest battle yet, dying. We had to put her in a home after two strokes, an aneurism and three falls that broke three different bones. I want her to see his box and the photos she cherishes, those he took of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco as well as those he took around the world while in service. I will tell her of my admirations of a stranger I now trust with one of my most treasured belongings. I give you permission to share this post when you get the box and do the work. Will you take on this project Tom?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, amazing story! Email some photos of the box [e-mail]

[@cmmc3400]

Curator quality Tom. As always...🌟

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@damogranheart5521]

A pleasure to see such a marvelous piece restored to its former glory! Great to see the chicks and the chickens. Ella was a good babysitter.

[@johnsonrestoration]

She sure was! Thanks!

[@bethcrane5780]

Beautiful work Tom. Lovely to see Ella.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is!

[@user-jg9ut4bv8s]

Просто восторг! Какое же терпение надо иметь!👍👍👍👍❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Спасибо! Я ценю это

[@lostonwallace1396]

I think I saw this one a while back, but it certainly was worth watching again. Thank you, Tom, for outstanding uploads!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Wallace! Yes, it was a 2 part series, now 1

[@tonywatson987]

Fine bit of restoration, Tom. I work on a lot of boxes this size and I come across the same issues you show here - shrinkage of the substrate is the main culprit. This is the result of modern central heating, drying the boards out, causing shrinkage across the grain. Rather than an Exacto knife, I find that a scalpel works much better when finessing the mitres on veneers, you can get various different disposable blades, like the Exacto selection. And when lifting loose veneer, I like to gently pre-heat the area with a heatgun, which softens the glue and the wood, making it easier to to slip a blade in. I really appreciate how you list all the tools & materials you use at the end - nice touch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tony! Yes, you've been there! I am always afraid to use the heat because I don't want to loosen more veneer. But maybe I should try it. Maybe a heat shield

[@tonywatson987]

@@johnsonrestoration Tom, the heatgun I have has several nozzles with different apertures and shields, but I usually place a piece of scrap wood over the areas I don't want heated.

[@judebrown4103]

Such delicate work, just the right amount of restoration as always, masterful. So lovely to see Ella again, it must be hard re-editing these but what a lovely memory to have of the dear old girl. Thank you Tom I enjoyed seeing that beautiful sewing box again and hearing the quail for background accompaniment. 👍🙏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jude! Yes, it's tough but I enjoy seeing her. Those were our baby chicks in the background!

[@elisapascual1415]

Un placer verle restaurar este costurero y un placer ver a Ella a su lado. Gracias

[@judebrown4103]

@@elisapascual1415 I can't write in Spanish but I think this is a lovely sentiment, that she will always be by Tom's side in all his restorations, forever joined together. Long time since I studied so I hope that's correct. 🙏

[@fjklfdasdf]

Beautiful job, Thomas! It was emotional to see Ella again

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I know, I thought it would be hard for me but I enjoy seeing her. Now I'm getting emotional!

[@sadiemc_63]

Beautiful box, Beautiful work!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pearkore6821]

So nice to hear the chicks in the background as you work, reminds of childhood 🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's great!

[@tinlizzie]

Your infinite patience is what makes you a success at doing these. Glad to see this one again! 😉

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Liz! I'm glad, I was worried it was too soon after the first publication (it was a 2-part)

[@tinlizzie]

@@johnsonrestoration No worries are necessary. I always enjoy rewatching - sometimes I will miss something the first time around.

[@deloreslowndes762]

A very special piece restored with great sensitivity. The Master of the Lightship would have been pleased.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Delores! I like to think so too!

[@markroth9827]

Wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Mark!

[@illergiuliotti1896]

fantastic repair! it's a pleasure to see you at work. and and to see again unforgettable Ella!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is good to see her...

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Tom, this was a fantastic video. The box is gorgeous; your attentional to detail and artistry are unsurpassed; and it was wonderful to see Ella. She was such a great dog🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! She is missed!

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Such a beautiful box. Imagine receiving it as a gift, knowing the time and love that went into every bit of it! And your restoration is done just as lovingly and even more skillfully. How satisfying that must be. Ella was an absolutely delightful companion and anyone can plainly see how special a girl she was. I just found your channel recently so never got to know her, but watching a few older videos and this one, I miss her, too! ♥️🐕‍🦺♥️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is so nice! I will miss her forever...

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@johnsonrestoration I know that particular grief and acute pain myself. (The young gentleman in my profile picture is, however, not among those. He's still very much ruling the roost here!)

[@wilkodog5252]

The man of a thousand clamps😁 great job as always Thomas👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yes! Thanks!

[@rogerdudra178]

Greetings from the BIG SKY. Making old wood new is fun.

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is! Thanks!

[@cliffboulton8763]

I would have loved to have done this work for a living but, once again, you have proved to me that I would never have had the patience nor the skills to do so. Well done to you, I can sit and watch you and other restorers for hours. I also love all your "Livestock". Keep up the good (No, Excellent) work. Cheers from UK.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well when you've got deadlines, somehow you find the patience!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. I know you all miss Ella. That job was like some delicate surgery. Another project from rough to beautiful. Thanks for the video. God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Ron! We sure do miss her!

[@MrJonathanmichelle]

Looks better than pretty good, really came out great Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks William!

[@lynnew5619]

Ah, it was lovely to see Ella again. I miss her! That box is very similar to my Grandmothers box, which I am trying to liberate from my mother, so I can send it to you. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll look forward to it! And yes, my Ella...

[@stephenhenion8304]

I've seen very fancy custom tool boxes in my day. My Grandfather was a German born pattern maker for 70 years. ..... however.... I couldn't miss your utilization of a chest of drawers to organize your tools. Great idea !..thanks for such an enjoyable video. Especially the fills with the animals and your vintage surroundings!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I dream of building a better tool box, but nothing fancy! Do you have your grandfather's tools?

[@gruesometwosome6098]

Hi Tom, Your veneer work is amazing, and your colour matching/ finishing is a joy to watch. I'm a cabinetmaker from the UK and I specialise in veneer work, so watching a craftsmanship like you fills me with joy. I know how restoration can be a pain sometimes 😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! If you have a website, send me a link: [e-mail]

[@gruesometwosome6098]

@Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration Hi Tom, Sorry I've not got a website. I still do restoration of small items in my basement.... I had to come out of work for health reasons....😥

[@iantyler4045]

I think it looks better than "Pretty Good" . Your patience and attention to detail are amazing. Another piece brought back to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mhawley407]

It is such a pleasure to watch you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@andymolly9100]

Bravo sir, i would never have the confidence to tackle a small item like this, youre a master craftsman and more.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@alanconnors8881]

Another patient released front TJ Antique restoration Hosptial. Awesome work once again Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@robertfakler8564]

Such a pleasure watching a master work. I would have thought the box was a goner.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was a lot of work!

[@nathanchambers1006]

Sometimes the small details get missed or ignored. The Beauty of this piece IS the details! Great job on a meticulous piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's all details!

[@kapa464]

Wonderful non invasive work , thank you , my time was spent well with you , thank you , love watching your videos from Athens Greece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: it looks fabulous! Gorgeous sewing box. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Carol!

[@pitsnipe5559]

OK, Thomas, now you’re just showing off. 😊 I am continually amazed at the patience and precision you exhibit with each piece. Recently you restored an old lap desk. It inspired me to make one for my Daughter in Law.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate that. I quit calling them "lap desks", that is a misnomer. They are writing slopes, and actually make a very comfortable writing angle

[@pitsnipe5559]

@@johnsonrestoration Well, I always heard them referred to as portable writing desks, but since my Daughter in Law wanted a lap desk…. well.

[@barbarajohnston5400]

Awesome result 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@peterelement820]

Just feels necessary to credit you on the film making and editing skills on these films Tom. You have a brilliant eye for what the viewer needs and wants to see you doing. And its beautifully done too.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@alangibb3100]

Tom, that really was great work once again you restored someones treasured piece, well done

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@hamishspencer]

Nice to see Ella again, may she rest in peace

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! She is missed...

[@OddJobFix]

Hi, Thomas. Zeke here checking in as always. I never cease to learn another trick Hate to lose a pet but I've never had a shop pet. That's gotta be special and extra tough when their time comes. Best to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Zeke! It is incredibly difficult to go through that. but all the years as a shop dog - it was worth it

[@bethrundle5560]

So beautiful. The family will thrilled to see the restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are!

[@christelmuller9198]

Hallo Thomas, das war wieder eine sehr gute Arbeit. Es hat Spaß gemacht zuzuschauen. Deine Videos sind unterhaltsam und lehrreich. Danke für deine hohe Fachkenntnis, du bist ein genialer Lehrer 👏👏👏 viele Grüße Christel ☺👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke Christel!

[@midcenturyflipper]

Awesome! I recently bought a table from Marketplace that I did refinish and flipped! Love this!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks for watching

[@justplanebob105]

This is very timely for me. I just finished using some of these techniques on a desk letter box for my wife that was a flea market find. Thanks very much. And I finally finished the cane seat I was working on for a friend. What I first thought would be an afternoon's work turned into several months while I figured out each step. But after lots of starts and stops, "it looks pretty good", especially for a first time. It's been nice to get back to wood. 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, caning is interesting, it does take practice to build up some speed

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

Wonderful as always ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Hayley!

[@elisapascual1415]

Un placer verle restaurar este costurero y un placer ver de nuevo a Ella a su lado. Gracias

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡De nada! A mí también me gusta ver a Ella en estos videos antiguos.

[@robertminato2706]

Thomas I have been watching your videos for about 2 years and noticed you use Krud Kutter so I purchased some from Amazon that is the most amazing cleaner ive ever used! i had a spot in my shower stall grout i could never clean with anything. i sprayed Krud Kudder wiped it right off. Amazing. thank you. I will tell eneryone.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, we use it for so many things!

[@maddieadams75]

Very nice restoration ❤ Ella❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Maddie! I miss her so!

[@ginalou5774]

That was a fantastic restoration Thomas. It was a beautiful bonus to see your lovely Ella too

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like seeing her too

[@annebierce5280]

Love these videos. I always chuckle when you say “it looks pretty good”. I will be happy if mine ever remotely turn out as well as yours do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jasonkeyes474]

I wish you could get your hands on the hope chest I gave my spouse. I had no idea what I was doing when I stained it, and so it forever looks terrible to me. Anyway, thank you for sharing another masterful restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Sorry to hear that! Maybe you should refinish it again, without the stain

[@lfuentes4098]

Beautiful work. I’m so amazed at how well he repairs blend in. You are a true artist.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@judithfairchild8620]

That is one excellent restoration. Lovely box now.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Lightning77305]

Excellent resto.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@JMurdochNZ]

A beautiful piece and wonderful restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

I hold my breath while you work your way around this beautiful box, ever so gently, so skillfully, as close to perfection as possible. Your hands are gold, with a matching heart and brain, Tom. Thank you for that precious breathtaking moment.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Sylvie! That's very nice

[@gydaanderson332]

Nice job! New life for a very tired table.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Gord19]

Outstanding yet again ! Thank you so much for sharing .Really helps out a rookie hack here learn a lot.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@alexwoolstencroft1197]

Well done good sir. Simply stunning job you’ve done. Every video is a tutorial in preserving a little bit more of our history. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@TheBlondeSunset]

Famowood for 58 years-good product!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is! I haven't tried any other - I've been using it since 1964 when I started in my Dad's shop!

[@donaldholman9070]

excellent. Thank you 🎉

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lwilton]

Tom, a trick that might be useful for getting glue under raised veneer. Squirt some glue on the surface, and use a small suction cup to work the glue into the cracks and under the veneer. Probably a lot easier than trying to pry up a small spot.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll have to try that. I've always had my doubts

[@marycollins2392]

Literally found myself cheering and saying "Go Thomas" as I watched him work on this delicate 140+ year old damaged inlay. What joy to watch someone who has spent their life honing a craft. It is a thing of beauty. These pieces are so blessed to have found their way to such a skilled craftsman. The person who created the box would be thrilled to know it was so beautifully restored.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, I think a lot about the people who built the pieces I work on - I feel a connection

[@YorkshireLassCrochets]

Hi Tom, what a beautiful box beautifully restored as usual. So lovely to see the gorgeous Ella again. Hope you had a relaxing Easter. All the best from London. Kate. X

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Kate! Easter is pretty low key around here! But we had a good day

[@stephenholmes5362]

Great restoration!! A sweet little sewing box.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It is, I really like it

[@teresaholt5969]

That is fantastic. Your patience is remarkable. The smallest pieces of wood 😮... incredible. Well done 👍🙏❣️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kittonsmitton]

I think there is nothing Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine can't restore, beautiful restoration Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Alistair, I appreciate that!

[@marekpaul6110]

I am in awe of your infinite patience and skill. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@derschwartzadder]

Especially with the glue scraping. I hate scraping

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, I don't mind it - to a point

[@krzysztofccc2705]

Dziękuję Mistrzu Tomaszu. Zdrowia życzę. (Wzruszyłem się, bo ten Pies...)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Nie ma za co! Tak, dla mnie to też jest bardzo emocjonalne

[@kirlygirl7863]

The patience of a saint.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@dougrobison1156]

Sweet! Another masterful repair that, of course, looks way better than "Pretty Good"! As always I am duly impressed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Always a pleasure to see your work, thank you Tom, hope you and yours are well ,cheers ,'till the next one ,take care

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@semper9492]

That box is now beautiful and stable for another 150 years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I hope so! Thanks!

[@megwolff58]

Beautiful result, Tom. Loved the finish achieved with the shellac sticks on that problem area!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You and me both! Thanks!

[@saggioculo5386]

Love this box. Excellent repair, really enjoyed watching.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@the_atomshop]

just a pleasure to watch. Masterful restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lassea.andersson8417]

I admire your knowledge and skill. Greetings from Sweden

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@viscache1]

When i need wood putty I’ve always freeze dried and powder ground the wood type i need and dyed it to match using my own brand of fillers. But i am constantly learning about new products from your videos. Now i have to find that type of putty and try it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, I've never got into making my own products. For 45 years I always had employees and it only made sense to use materials and supplies "off the shelf". I've been liking Elmers Carpenters Wood Putty. It sand easily and takes stain really well. Easy to mix stain in it too

[@lzdmglg202612]

Excellent work and photography!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Scott!

[@joanneshellings5457]

Love it !! Super job Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@flamingoferret]

Such meticulous and detailed work. As always, you did a great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@davidmontgomery1016]

I would make a comment about the wax paper as one of your tools but I was working on a project this afternoon and had to use stretch wrap. I guess you never know where your tools will come from. Very nice repair work. Good for another 100 years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I rarely use wax paper since I discovered packing tape for clamp blocks. We still use wax paper in the kitchen though instead of plastic wrap

[@sylviacortes3251]

Buen día Thomas,que forma más sublime de restaurar quedamos pidiendo más ,muchas gracias por mostrar esta genialidad .Bendiciones👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🥰😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Te lo agradezco!

[@sylviacortes3251]

😍😍👏👏👏👏🥰

[@rosandy123]

Another great, sensitive restoration. Waiting for you to undo all the clamps and packing is like waiting to open a Christmas gift and worth waiting for. It's a very interesting piece and a part of maritime history, so as an ex seafarer I'm pleased to see how well you have preserved the age with no over-restoration. I loved the way you attached the bottom panel, preserving the original writing, instead of using glue. I look forward to the next ones!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You're right, even for me I am so eager to get the clamps off - I had not thought of Christmas morning but it is exactly the same feeling.

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Excellent work again Tom👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much 👍

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom I remember this box from awhile back, it turned out great.😊 Take care of yourself

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tim! Yes, it was a 2 part series, re-edited into one

[@Tim-57]

@@johnsonrestoration Worth the 2nd watch🙂

[@fatersaadatniaki]

Your premises is definitely nothing short of a little museum! I’d definitely consider a tour around your place and all the gems and antiques you’ve collected in the course of years. Of course minding your privacy and as much as you feel comfortable sharing ❤😅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Fater! You are welcome to visit any time! If you haven't been to Maine I think you will find it worthwhile

[@fatersaadatniaki]

@@johnsonrestoration certainly meeting and greeting you is going to be at the top of “to do” list for me visiting US 😁