Is this Table Beyond Repair?

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this gorgeous antique pier table, even through a power outage! 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).

[@marykayryan7891]

I had an oversized door on my 120 year old house. (Door was old, but probably not original.) Someone had striped off the veneer on the outside surface and replaced it with fake grained Masonite (horribly ugly). Inner window had a plastic insert. Knob and lock was so trashed it was a struggle to open and close the door. Because of you, Tom, I decided this door could be saved. I replaced Masonite with an oak veneer skin, cut out old lock section and put in a 3/4" patch about 4" x 6" and new antique door knobs and lock and got rid of plastic and resized window to fit a leaded glass one. Looks pretty darn good for an amateur (not even close to your level but...) I owe even thinking I could do it to you, Tom. Thanks. ( I did a LOT of color matching on that patch and it is pretty darn good. Again, thanks to watching you work again and again.)

[@eddygonzalez6018]

I've realized that he's raised the bar on how I look at furniture and wood. I find myself being more critical and noticing things I hadn't, otherwise. Now I'm a pain in the butt😅

[@Paul-if1dr]

Good on you for taking on that project

[@chrisocallaghan7006]

A beautiful result… again

[@marykayryan7891]

Surely not. merely a perfectionist, which in this kind of endeavor is a good thing.@@eddygonzalez6018

[@johnsrabe]

And every time you use that door, it’ll make you happy.

[@RobertSababady]

What a positive attitude you have Sir! Now for plan b. We just need to figure out what plan b is!! No words of despair. No signs of frustration....just a clear focus on figuring out how to get the job done!. Love it! ❤❤❤❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ritaroach3491]

I got a laugh out of that.

[@iakwia]

I have enjoyed each and every one of your videos, Tom, but this one is truly a master class. Watching you take the time to select just the right veneer through meticulously fitting it into the top of the table - it was a beautiful thing to watch. Then the color match? Amazing. But finishing it off during a power outage was an added bonus ... For us. Thank you for this Christmas gift.

[@sofiavalenzuela9782]

I follow many restoration channels and NO ONE has ever done (at least on YT) the salvage of a veneer with this level of technical precision and artistry, we have truly had a masterclass.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Thank you for teaching us! ❤ happy new year! 🎆

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I'm Gwen, from Manchester NH!

[@vickiwood9192]

I am not furniture restorer, but I am very glad that furniture restorers have an opportunity to learn from you. As always, I am in awe of your patience and precision. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gwenwells2286]

The figuring in that veneer all over that table is INCREDIBLE! What a beautiful piece of art. Thank you for saving it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! At first, I didn't realize what an outstanding veneer that was. I was so happy to save it

[@TheScottishIsle]

I learned a lot when starting out in restoration from you, Tom. In our fledgling business, we had the opportunity to buy the broken leftover stock from a retiring antiques dealer - a once in a lifetime opportunity! We filled our barn with furniture and slowly but surely restored every piece. Katie 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Sounds enticing!

[@user-yq2rn2hy8p]

That's wonderful katie!!

[@stephenburns3678]

I applaud your approach to preserving the history of the piece. Merry Christmas to your family.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@franceshamilton1500]

PRETTY GOOD?!? It’s a masterpiece!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cybermanne]

That top is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't believe you could make that patch work with all those crazy grain patterns, but it of course ended up nearly flawless. Really impressive stuff.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@lynschultz513]

You did a great job repairing the veneer on the top, Thomas. I always love to watch you problem solve in these situations and come up with a good solution without replacing vast areas of the piece. I know that this is one of the parts of restoration you really enjoy which is one reason you are so good at it! Thank you for taking the time to film your work and share it with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@FluffyTheGryphon]

Most weekend DIYer people would have looked at that piece, peeled the loose veneer, Bondoed the piece smooth and painted it. Thanks goodness people like you exist.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I’m trying to show people that you can repair veneer. A lot of these DIY’s just don’t know what to do

[@krisaaron5771]

You gave this lovely old piece the respect it AND its history deserve! A very big thanks to you for showing us what a master of the craft is capable of and explaining why all-new veneer was not acceptable.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! I hope people are learning not to be afraid to repair veneer

[@shirleypedersen7406]

Pretty good. Are you kidding me! That repair was “FANTASTIC “ once again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@franceshamilton1500]

😂😂😂 that’s exactly what I thought! If that is “Pretty good”, I can’t begin to imagine what a “fine job” would be!!

[@johnwilliams1091]

I literally laughed out loud when you said flying moose!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@patriciamay638]

Just before you mentioned flying moose, I was thinking amoeba. Another lovely video.

[@dlevi67]

Amooba?

[@patriciamay638]

@@dlevi67 yep. Blob like single cell organism

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I guess just about anything could look like an amoeba! I didn't think of that

[@greyterry994]

Once again , your repair and restoration talents are exceeded only by your historic sensibility in preserving and protecting the wonderful old relics you save. Thanks for both!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome! I appreciate it

[@annpotter5366]

What a totally amazing repair, Thomas!! You are THE BEST!! I will never complain again about how hard it is putting a jigsaw puzzle together!! LOL

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thanks! You can still complain about jigsaw puzzles - they're a pain

[@queenbee3647]

Merry Christmas Thom. Hope you and your family are all happy and healthy. Loved every video you made. Thank you for all you taught us. 🎄

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@zerrodolbi6367]

Merry Christmas from England

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulgerber6723]

Thomas, you are a sorcerer. I remember watching my wifes daytime talk show where they had a famous make-up artist on. He said the true make-up artist will finish, and it should look like no work has been done. That the natural beauty is highlighted and imperfections blended in. You are an artist. Have a great holiday and fortuitous new year.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I saw something like that years ago and it always stuck with me, he said it takes 13 steps to make it look natural!

[@user-cv1ih8ew7g]

Watching your videos inspired me to attempt a veneer repair on an old marquetry sewing box with damage. And do you know....i think it looked pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! Good to hear!

[@elmerkilred159]

Your matching and patching of the veneer is pure artistry. I'm always blown away at the things you pull off in your workshop!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@rirkc]

I've been watching Mr. Johnson for years and knowing what I know about his ability and talent, this episode title is simply click bait. We all KNOW in our heart of hearts that you will, in fact repair this table and it will look as good as the day it was made. And we all can't wait to watch you do it! Thanks so much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, unfortunately we have to do "click bait!" It's how the game is played

[@roderickfemm8799]

"All right, let's do it again; let's do it better this time." Meticulously organic, words to work by. Note to new viewers: be sure to stay to the end. That patch that seems to be glaringly obvious for so long almost disappears. I want to say that I knew it would, I just didn't see how he could do it. Of course he did.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes! Stay to the end!

[@anthonychavez3742]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Johnson

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! First comment!

[@richardhutchinson4016]

Wow , another amazing job, I thought I was a patient man, but you teach me what true patience looks like! Last time I worked on crotch veneer repair, I started by stripping the finish and using a glycerin based veneer softener. Then clamped the whole thing flat. I think it helped make the veneer less delicate (some).

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That sounds interesting, I could have tried that with this top. I will try that in the future

[@margeryk000]

"I think I see a flying moose." nearly made me spit out my coffee I laughed so hard. Thanks for another great video, Tom. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's good! I wish the same for you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I think that's exactly right

[@rhetorical1488]

In a disposable culture restoration is a type of magic. Enchanting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that!

[@saggioculo5386]

Wow. Nothing less then amazing. I've never seen grain like that. It seems like matching the colors can only be done after years of experience. Really enjoyed this video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@davidadams007]

The end result of this restoration is amazing Tom. The top is so beautiful and was worth every bit of your effort and care. I'm glad you took a bit of time to pay attention to your cat as well, that always brings good mojo. Happy Holidays!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@caroleboeder6169]

I went to High School in Australia in the 60's. Girls did sewing and cookery. Boys, woodwork. To this day I do not even sew on buttons and I loathe being in the kitchen. I would have done woodwork in a heartbeat. Watching your videos makes my heart sing. To watch you do your amazing work, taking pieces that sometimes appear beyond repair and making them beautiful and alive again. Your skill and patience appears endless and watching your videos is truly a pleasure. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome! Thank goodness they don’t exclude girls anymore! When my daughter went to middle school they had “tech ed” instead of “shop”, and included woodworking. Because my daughter had experience, working with me, she was put in charge of supervising the other kids on the bandsaw. We were very proud of her!

[@sciangear4782]

When I started high school in New Zealand in 1980, girls weren't even allowed to do tech drawing, much less woodwork or metal work. Except one girl in my year who was really good at art and was given special permission to do tech drawing. She was top of the class; beat all the boys hollow. Now, the head of engineering at my son's old school is a woman. I'm so glad times have changed!

[@jerryhilditch5991]

The veneer is beautiful. Definitely the correct decision to save it. It looks like a forest in the setting sun.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's a nice image to think of

[@shootNbreezeIRL]

Thomas I always enjoy watching you create your magic with furniture restoration. Brilliant result.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@felimuller909]

I really appreciate you showing and explaining the origin if the piece and what its intended use was. I'm from Europe, so you often work on pieces in styles that I am not familiar with, and it's a great learning experience. The work on the top of this piece looks incredible! I really like your approach to doing as little work to a piece as possible to preserve the history of the furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@Megahieron]

You are truly a master of your craft. Great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@user-yq2rn2hy8p]

I really enjoy watching the meticulous techniques you use to maintain the integrity of each piece. You're a true restoration craftsman. My dad was kind of like you in his shop. But he called it " Just puttering. "😊😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, pretty soon they'll be saying the same thing about me!

[@henrikalfred8440]

Merry Christmas 🎄 and thanks for all your wonderful videos. You’re a great inspiration for me and my small workshop. All the best to you and your family Henrik from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Henrik! And the best New Year wishes for you and yours!

[@bethcrane5780]

It's a joy to spend time with you Tom in your shop on a Saturday morning. What a gorgeous outcome for this pier table. thanks for bringing us along.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@user-xw4gr9kn8n]

I wish I was your neighbor. I've helped a friend of mine repair chairs and tables off and on over the years and I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time. Your pool of repairable furniture is incredible. Thank you for sharing your skills and techniques with us all.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I can only think of Mr. Rogers "hello Neighbor"

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

You are such an artist, Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s nice

[@LouJustlou]

Amazing as always! I'm glad to see you take time to care for your shop cat! Echo, my shop cat will often provide me with a "cat scan" of my projects to make sure I don't miss anything. 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love that

[@RumMonkeyable]

Veneer repair requires the patience of Job! You are a master at patience and ALWAYS have a Plan B and the necessary tools and materials to do the repairs! Amazing! Great job, Mr. Johnson! Wishing you and Mrs. Johnson a happy holiday season from the beautiful Texas Hill Country. 🎄🎁🌟✨👏👍❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And my best to you and your family as well!

[@user-hi8oi4cp6c]

Not only a superior job, but great heart: "That took me about one hour, and that includes a little time for petting the cat." (21:30) Love it!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! All part of a work day!

[@harlanbarnhart4656]

There is a real joy in seeing that veneer flame back to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh it was! Thanks!

[@crisholmurb007]

Lovely to see your craftsmanship and skills again Tom - Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@bobbysmith6967]

Gorgeous work as always. The time and care you take to get every bit just right, never taking shortcuts or the easy way out, are an inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cathuggerniowacity]

Thomas, “Looks pretty good.” ???????? I am in AWE!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@DaRkHoRsE-_-]

Thomas takes what many would toss and makes it glitter like gold. That spot in the middle would chase many away screaming but you just tenderly coaxed it right back into glory❤❤❤❤❤❤job well done sir!🎉🎉

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That made me smile! I'm very glad I was able to save that top

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

I'm thrilled that you could use a scrap just the right size and orientation for the patch. So satisfying to be able to use a smaller piece without cutting a hole in a new one. This is a lovely restoration. Such a joy to see and be included in your projects. Thank you so much for all the extra effort involved in making it possible. Have a blessed Christmas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Alison! Yes, I did not want to cut a big piece, but I would have if I had too

[@solinvictus39]

I've learned so much from this video- thank you! Veneer repair is always tricky and I'm still a novice at it, but your methods and abilities here are masterful and highly instructive.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It takes experience so keep at it!

[@lisadurban3525]

Merry snowy Christmas 🎄🎁 to you. Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well, that didn't happen. Happy New Year!

[@PattyPaints]

Thank you for explaining why you chose to patch, glue, and repair the old veneer rather than replace it. I'm always fascinated by your fussy work. Merry Christmas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@noregrets7469]

Hello Mr. Johnson, I just wanted to say that I enjoy your channel with its easy going flow that transports me from my every day cares to a peaceful oasis of furniture restoration. I love the work that goes into every piece you do and know that it’s not only a skilled profession but also a highly prized craft. Merry Christmas to you and yours and a marvelous New Year🌹

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is so nice

[@PSG159er]

Wow this is one (in my opinion) of your best I’ve seen so far Tom. Absolutely gorgeous job on blending in that new patch. Wow!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@VeretenoVids]

Oh heck yeah, that veneer was totally worth saving!! Glad to hear you made it through the storm OK. I have a colleague in Maine who got a good walloping. I love that you take petting breaks! 😃

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Got to have the petting breaks!

[@johnnyo3fan]

It's like restoring a Rembrandt. That wood is gorgeous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mrstandfast2212]

Superb job, with perfect and sympathetic preservation work. There was also a bit of clamp action near the end, without which, it wouldn't be a proper Tom Johnson posting. Thank you for all your postings throughout this last year. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year. I shall look forward to your future presentations in 2024.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@judebrown4103]

My goodness I bet the owners were amazed with the transformation! It looked like you actually felt at one with the original artisans who had to work without electricity when the power was out. What a lovely table and so lovely to watch you work your magic patching and colouring. Thank you for taking us with you. A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family Tom. 🙏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome! And the same wishes for you and your family!

[@jameshyslop3328]

I like how you work alone and with no background music and stay focused. With the occasional glimpse of boots in the doorway or under a desk you obviously work alone. Behind every good man there is a good woman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Absolutely! None of this would be possible without Jane. Thanks!

[@Scratiznutz]

There's nothing better than watching a master craftsman refinishing a piece of furniture in this manner. I have a sideboard with dried, cracked and lifted vaneers on the doors, and watching your endeavour in these videos gives me great confidence and inspiration to attempt to tackle a situation i before thought would be far beyond my own abilities. Thank you so much for your content and congratulations on a fantastic finish to this beautiful piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, that worked out amazingly well! The "Old Brown Glue" is great stuff

[@Scratiznutz]

​@@johnsonrestoration That's another bonus, a showing of the tools you used and the recommendation of materials to best effect. I'm currently in the process of moving house, and I know my sideboard will be challenging but, one of two outcomes will be realised. It'll either work or it won't. Either way, I'm eager to get started and everyone who knows me knows I'm all about the detail and a bit of a perfectionist. Thank you again 😁

[@goofe.washington953]

The veneer patch is extraordinary. Not to be too hyperbolic, but it’s amazing what you do. Best of the holidays to you and yours. From down here on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! My best to you!

[@melissataylor5494]

Thank you for a great year of woodworking classes. I so appreciate all your lessons. Happy holiday to you and your family. I’m sure this video series is a family effort!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, it could never happen without the support of my wife, Jane

[@melindamosbey8257]

Incredible as ALWAYS MERRY CHRISTMAS to you & your family

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And my best to you!

[@markaubuchon2227]

Always amazed at how you can bring back a disaster to a beautiful piece again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks

[@bobwhelk2115]

Impressive once again! There’s just no other restoration channel like yours! Have a great holiday season! Ps - loved the natural light shots

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like those too!

[@paulhodgson4790]

Yet another masterclass. Even the lighting during they outage fitted!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it worked out

[@zxborg9681]

That turned out beautifully. One thing I'm really learning from you, after watching your videos for quite a while, is what it looks like to have patience and take the time to do a job right, being careful and tuning in the final result a bit at a time. That's a skill I never had but now in my fifties it's turning out to be really helpful the woodworking and home projects I've been taking on. Many thanks from a lifelong learner in Toronto.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! Yes, you have to sneak up on the color!

[@selketskiss56]

The patch you did on this tabletop is amazing. You are truly the best at your craft.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you, that's nice

[@antiquesocietylab9535]

Hermoso trabajo Mr. Johnson, fue una restauración difícil de hacer. Una hermosa mesa antigua que va a tener muchos mas años de vida gracias a usted. Gracias por compartir su arte, feliz navidad!

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡De nada! ¡Y los mejores deseos navideños para ti también!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Another beautiful job Tom!!! Patch work is incredible!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@bentz98125]

Wow, what a performance! Thanks so much. Absolutely the right thing to not replace that gorgeous original veneer. That patch is so good I prefer its history, personality, and character more than if it were brand new! What an inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm so glad people understand what I'm trying to do

[@jasonkeyes474]

"...Plan 'B', which is figuring out what Plan 'B' is." You have a subtle with that I appreciate; this is also a good descriptor for life in general! Thank you for showing your master craft!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@josephschwarz3578]

Wow! Looks awesome, Tom! I really love how you preserve the historicity of the original wood in your restoration projects :D

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! I love that word "historicity"!

[@user-gb6re9eg3i]

TOM, I LOOKED IT UP AND SCREWS HAD BLUNT ENDS UNTIL ABOUT 1859, DEPENDING ON YOUR SOURCE OF RESEARCH. SO, NO AMERICAN EMPIRE PIECE WITH ORIGINAL SCREWS SHOULD HAVE POINTED ENDS, WHICH HELPS IN DATING THE PIECE. FASCINATING HOW A PRO DOES NOT HESITATE TO TAKE FURNITURE APART! THE AVERAGE HACK LIKE ME, FORGET IT! ANOTHER AMAZING JOB BY YOU. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU, SIR TOM!

[@lauralake7430]

Thats interesting!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Good info on the screws

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Been watching now for better than four years at least, and never come away less than in Awe of your craftsmanship. your skills and ability's shine thru each time thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your Family. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Ellis! I appreciate it!

[@christinemiller7238]

What fantastic coloring in the wood! Such intricate cutting on this one. Great job!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Christen!

[@marekpaul6110]

What a wonderful Christmas present. Another amazing restoration from which I, and I am sure so many others, have learned so much. It is very clear that the clamps you use are not the newest models and I would say they are much better for it. Modern clamps are so expensive and nowhere near as sturdy or well made as some the ones you use. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Although these clamps were given to me because they did distort under pressure, but the work fine for me

[@bluecurlygirl]

I love how it turned out. Always a joy to watch. Merry Christmas Tom to you and all your family with lots of love from Ireland.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And my best to you and yours as well!

[@davefitzgerald7284]

"OK, on to Plan B. We just need to figure out what Plan B will be." That about sums things up, doesn't it? Merry Christmas Tom!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! Thanks!

[@Joe1935429]

The gild on the wealth of our experience is made up of the collection of patiently, perhaps repeatedly, correcting our well-intentioned mistakes, or judgemental errors in our work. We learn much from your work ethic, Tom. THANKS!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well said! I like that

[@chandrasekhargrenze9211]

Your videos are always a prime time event. I waited to watch this one until I knew I had the time to watch it closely and with real attention. My heart warms up with love and joy, watching you work on all these wonderful furniture pieces. You, Thomas Johnson, are such a gift in my daily life, recovering from a horrible year. I really appreciate and love your work and your way of working and wish you all the best for the year to come! Thank you so much! Warmhearted greetings from Germany

[@dlevi67]

Interesting astrophysical username... hope your 2024 is much better than your 2023!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Chandra! You warm my heart! And let me join dlevi67 in wishing you a happy 2024!

[@nancyjm79]

Outstanding job, Tom. Belongs in a museum.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! maybe, but it sure looks good in our dining room!

[@johnpurnell5276]

Brilliant. Your thoroughness and patience is once again outstanding

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@annw1395]

Unbelievable. You resurrected that veneer on practically a microscopic level! I never thought that veneer could be saved. Your camera work and angles are fantastic, BUT I want to see more of the reveal. I've just watched 3 of your videos, and they all have shown the pieces from a distance in a dark living room, which doesn't show us the beautiful wood grain. It's good to see the pieces in a destination setting, but first show us many close-ups from various angles in a well-lit room with light shining on the pieces. That's the only way we can see the rich glow of the gorgeous wood grain, and the finished angles of these amazing restorations you do. You are a master!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! We're aware of that and we are working on it. We are really lacking enough room and light

[@thierrytalon8600]

You are a brave man yet again!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Brave or foolish? I had nothing to lose. Thanks!

[@thistlenstar]

Wow that table is a gem! I'm a big fan of American Empire. As it happens, I'm working on a similar problem right now. I don't have a prayer of matching the veneer, or your skill, but, the original mahogany burl is just too beautiful to lose, even with the damage. Thank you for the inspiration and Merry Christmas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I agree! There's a lot of veneer out there. I've never seen Mahogany burl

[@mizsherm4352]

I just held my breath through that patching process, its a magnificent piece of furniture,really impressive.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I was holding my breath too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was holding my breath too!

[@paulamorris4727]

I do love to watch you work magic when color matching and matching veneer figuring. It does my conservationist heart good to see you hang on to old tools and bits and pieces of veneers, hardware, and other supplies until you’ve used them up. Wish many more folks had the same mindset!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, everybody has a different way of doing things...

[@the-chillian]

My great grandfather was a cabinet maker from Scotland who immigrated in the 1880s, and settled near Brockton. He must have worked without electricity for all, or nearly all, his entire life since that's just about when households were beginning to be electrified. Amazing to think how much has changed in just a few lifetimes. I hope you have a merry Christmas!

[@dlevi67]

Even within a lifetime: think of this video and this conversation... not possible 25 years ago.

[@the-chillian]

@dlevi67 Yes they were, although I take your point. You just didn't go back far enough.

[@dlevi67]

@@the-chillian I take your point, but I _did_ go far enough. Widespread means of posting high-resolution videos and commenting on them on a publicly-accessible website were not available 25 years ago. You could have taken a VHS tape (at a lower equivalent resolution), and then distributed it physically to all your friends; good luck reaching audiences of several thousands, never mind millions, without serious commercial backing. Blockbuster was still going very strong in 1998. JPEG and MPEG first versions were published in their entirety between 1991 and 1993; there was nothing available _to consumers_ in 1998 that would have produced this video in a digital format. Even if you could, you'd have a few issues in making the content available to the public at large (never mind dial up at 14,400 bps - which in 1998 was the norm; I remember having trouble finding modems that could reliably support 19,200 - even with 2-channel domestic ISDN at 128kbps you'd wait a couple of days to download 50 minutes of hi-res content). As to comments or conversations, the first "properly interactive" commercial websites date to the early 2000s - KZbin specifically, to 2005. Yes, you could post "live" comments using BBS software in the mid-1980s, but they weren't usable in the same way as YT comments (crappy as they are). 😉

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes,it's all so quick. Both my and my wife's mothers grew up on farms in the 1920's, we are just 1 generation into it

[@johnsonrestoration]

Interesting! What will it be 25 years from now!

[@26beegee]

The flame pattern is so interesting. So glad you you work like Julian, respecting and preserving every bit of the original as possible. No need to over-paint and no need to over-veneer. Love watching artisans at work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It is very flattering to be compared to Julian!

[@johnmcglynn4102]

Thank you Tom. What dramatic results - a total transformation and salvation at the same time. The top is especially beautiful, but when the columns were cleaned and waxed, they add so much to the piece. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@robertgriffin7569]

Glad that you chose to repair the existing veneer, splendid result as well, looks authentic and original. Great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@idontthinkso666]

You have the patience of a SAINT! I wish I could be as detail focused as you. There are monks that use your videos to teach apprentices how to be calm and find inner peace.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes Grasshopper

[@maxwalchli5093]

wonderful to watch a craftman working and so nice that Tom is very calm with no terrible loud music playing in the background it so nice to watch Tom working love Christine xx

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Christine!

[@margaretmarks6685]

Thomas! You are an artist! Fascinating! Beautiful result! 👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@roliekennelley5589]

Tom, I cannot believe you have ONLY 30 hours in this job. It took an hour just to fabricate that patch! Absolutely outstanding work. I'm not sure which was more inspiring your patience or the attention to details. Once again your "pretty good" is someone else's perfection.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! very nice

[@michaelclennan8425]

A true craftsman from New England and the 1800s.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is high praise!

[@susanackerman217]

Masterful, as always! ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rogerdudra178]

Every word you spoke about preserving the piece is very pleasant to hear.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Roger!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

What a patch?!? Completely disappear!! Absolutely amazing!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I lucked out! Thanks!