One-of-a-Kind Find!

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome piece of furniture. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., 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]

I have heard of a camping holiday but never a clamping holiday. Have a great vacation Tom.

[@patriciamay638]

Mmmmm........I've heard of glamping, not clamping.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MDJeeper]

😂 Good one!!

[@allanfields2987]

Great to see Ella again. She is remembered fondly.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Allan! She surely is…

[@joyg2526]

The bag full of clamps LOL! I like the subtle, dead pan humor in this video😁

[@Brian-Burke]

🤣🤣

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@time4clocks]

Anyone who tries to refinish on their own will instantly appreciate how well Tom's projects turn out and bow to his incredible talents. 😸😸

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My best customers were always people who had refinished pieces themselves...

[@kennethstaszak9990]

I remember this when you first did it. Good to see Ella again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is…

[@zxborg9681]

11:22 I can't believe there's a shot of you coming into the shop in the morning without your usual cup of coffee! Anyways, always enjoy watching your work and learning by osmosis. Cheers!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! How did I miss that!

[@rogerdudra178]

Your attention to detail leads me to surmise that the piece will be better than when it was new.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Roger, it can never be due to that damaged corner.

[@lanecobb4150]

That opening clip of you packing a bag full of clamps looks just like me every time my daughter invites me over for dinner or needs a babysitter. A week ago I went to babysit and she asked me to bring some glue and clamps to fix a dining room chair the back of which had snapped off last Thanksgiving. Fortunately instead of being emasculated by this her husband was delighted it had been removed from his honey do list. 😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s great! Whenever I visit relatives I’ll have a tool box in the car

[@sgtdoug05]

You can never have too many clamps, even while on vacation. I hope it turns out pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

So true! Thanks

[@chicgeekery]

This was fascinating. So beautiful! And in heckofa good shape for 1883 roadside find! Snrk, Momma used to quote the poem 'let me live in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man.' That's updated to 'let me live in a house by the side of the road, and scavenge all the goodies!' Excellent work as always, sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Love that! I actually have an old cross sticth with that saying. I like your version

[@Entrixstormwind]

Some people go glamping on vacation. Tom Johnson goes clamping.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Exactly! Thanks

[@christelmuller9198]

Hallo Thomas, das war ein geniales Intro. Ich habe die Reparatur des Tisches schon mal gesehen und ich war wieder voll begeistert. In deiner Werkstatt fühle ich mich immer wohl, es ist für mich jedesmal ein Abenteuer. Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Urlaub und eine schöne Zeit und bleib gesund 👍🙂🍀🐦

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke Christel! Es freut mich, dass du so denkst! Alles Gute...

[@davidadams007]

TSA Officer: "What's in the bag sir?" Tom: "Clamps." TSA Officer: "Well have a nice vacation sir." Tom: "I think it should be pretty good"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! That made me laugh

[@henrybutchy3242]

When TJ says: "I think it looks pretty good." It's good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Happy vacation. You can never have too many clamps especially on the road. I enjoyed the video and learning about the color work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Katherine!👍

[@mandyleeson1]

You see beauty in things that are trashed and your knowledge and skill reveals that beauty to us. Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Mandy! That is very nice

[@Gord19]

Outstanding work Tom you are a true craftsman! Greetings from Canada. 🇨🇦

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dfernetti]

Scene on a Montecarlo hotel lobby concierge desk. A tall American, wearing a flowery shirt walks in and leaves his heavy bag full of clamps on the mahogany veneered desk carefully, without marring the French polished surface. The Concierge flinches. The American declares: "I'm Tom Johnson, from Gorham, Maine."

[@trustmemysonisadoctor8479]

I'd watch that movie.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

That's Gorham..............Maine😊

[@MarrockV]

"Johnson... Thomas Johnson, from Gorham... Maine" *cue Bond theme music*

[@keh225]

😅

[@paulmaryon9088]

And then he says.. "I think that looks pretty good"

[@calvinboykin4777]

The first question I might ask myself before picking up a damaged piece of furniture from the roadside is “do I have the awesome woodworking skills that Thomas Johnson has “. Since I don’t, the next question would be “ is it an easy fix “. I have learned sooo much from your channel and really appreciate your patience and teaching skills! Thanks!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Calvin! That makes me happy

[@SanGiovannidellaCroce7]

Grazie Maestro per i bellissimi video che ci regali, molto istruttivi. Un abbraccio dall'Italia 🇮🇹

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! A hug back to Italy! We love Italy

[@benscott1872]

Hey Tom. Been subscribed to you for a while now. You may or may not be instantly familiar with my comments. I’m the one who pointed out to you that you are not only a craftsman, but an artist. 😊 you do such a great job with your videos. You are not the same, but definitely give me the same relaxing vibes as Bob Ross. That makes you a legend in my book. Take care. Keep doing what you love. It affects more people than you could ever imagine.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And thank you for your kind words! So much positive reactions and good wishes have been humbling. I love my fans!

[@aalexander928]

Camping holiday - glamping holiday - and now clamping holiday. That campaign table is beautifully restored!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We love it - in constant use

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Once again a nice video, it was well done. and I love being able to see Ella again. she is missed. Tnx for "Re-Sharing" God speed /ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome Ellis! I miss her every day, I love seeing her in the videos too

[@davidc3808]

With that bag of clamps (and all the other items you take) I’m sure the furniture in your hotel room will be in much better condition when you leave. Looking forward to the next project. It goes without saying it will turn out pretty good. Have a great time.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I will!

[@LouJustlou]

The brown paper bag has worked well as a last step for me. Thanks for the tip!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That makes me very happy!

[@thomasbagwell4510]

I haven’t watched yet but I think you’ll think it looks pretty good! I always love and admire your work. Enjoy your vacation!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!!

[@dlevi67]

Hope you enjoyed your 'clamping' holiday, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I did! Actually I’m on it now, I just can’t leave all the comments until I get home. We’re hiking and exploring Hells Canyon, Idaho

[@nzs316]

I nearly bust a gut when you were packing your clamps in your travel duffle bag. I'm taking a 10 day vacation tomorrow and yup, i'm packing my tool bag too! Interesting factoid on the monarch caterpillar. My sister was up last summer here in Canada and she adopted at least 6 pupae Monarchs and brought them back home to Hilton Head Island. Her way of giving them a "lift" South on their journey to Mexico. Thank you as always for your upload.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! That's interesting. I wonder how they did. When I'm driving on vacation I do take a tool box

[@nzs316]

@@johnsonrestoration Shes a professional artist and has co-authored a children's book regarding a turtle that has returned to HHI, SC for many decades. She did the artwork. She is mulling over a storyline for the Monarchs return trip and the perils they face. Look her up "Mira Scott, Picture This Gallery. There are KZbin videos of her presenting a large turtle at the, i think, Savannah Airport. Regards.

[@cindystecker2698]

That intro was HILARIOUS!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Cindy!

[@randykuhns4515]

I finished a book case I built first with cherry stain, but didn't wipe it off, the next day it had dried and looked really good but i wanted more color so i began using mahogany stain over the cherry and because the cherry wasn't wiped the mahogany lightly loosened it and they mixed and was delighted that it became the color I was looking for,

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like that! It’s funny how those things work out sometimes

[@charlenegates1711]

You did an amazing job. That table is gorgeous. I just refinished an oak drop leave table. I knew the legs were not oak but loved the color of them and they were not in bad condition. I clean table with Krud Kutter, top and legs, strip the top but not the legs. I then cleaned legs with alcohol. It took off more grim and some old finish but left my legs the color I wanted. I then matched the top of table by using two stains. The end result is gorgeous. I could not find any markings as to year of table but could tell by solid glass drawer pull, brass wheels and screws that the piece has some age on it. There is so much satisfaction in see in an old piece come back to life.💕💕💕💕💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Charlene, it sounds like you did a great job! And yes, what a great feeling, everytime you look at it

[@InkWellideas]

Vintage vacation wardrobe - dandy!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great!

[@benscott1872]

3:11 Awwww! Ella!!! ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

I miss Ella so much, and I love seeing her in these videos

[@traceyspad01]

I love how you bring these pieces back to life ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tracey! I love doing it!

[@guygleysteen7783]

Top level craftsmanship and now we also find out you are a subtle comedian!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Guy!

[@vickiwood9192]

You have such a dry wit! LOL. I love the campaign table you repaired, and I'm looking forward to watching you repair the piece you purchased from a yard sale. As always, I admire your talent and knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Vicki!

[@johnsrabe]

That’s not a cold open. That’s a dry open. Remind me of the time Norm Abrams opened his closet full of identical flannel shirts, but he made absolutely no comment about it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I wish I had seen that one! Thanks!

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS, TOM!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I am!

[@kittonsmitton]

What a beautiful finish, Tom you are a master at restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@constance4105]

Beautiful campaign table. What a find and you did a great job. Love the Aug. 9 1887 mark. I especially enjoyed seeing how you restored the metal footholders. Many thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johnrayfield11]

Hey Tom, I was having a grotty day, until I watched this video. Your 'holiday' jape cheered me up no end. Of course, the rest of the video was interesting as well !!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks John!

[@64cuspofchange]

What a neat guy ! Gotta respect him 👏👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sarahlogan2075]

Lovely, calm, informative, and interesting video as always. Love all the great comments, too! I imagine that KZbinrs are pleased when the audience gets it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Sarah! At least I know I'm happy when the audience "gets it"

[@federicoprice2687]

Dear Thomas. You've made me late, once again. I was just leaving home when your latest video popped up - and if course, I watched it in full. As ever, I'm glad that I did because I always admire your expert skills and techniques, and of course, the inspirational results. A charming campaign table brought back to life, ready for... the next campaign! Big hug from Devon, England. 😊😊😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Devon!

[@trendtalklive]

Love the caterpillar to butterfly.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Isn’t that amazing? Thanks

[@rustyaxelrod]

I think it’s gonna come out pretty good. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think so too! Thanks Rusty

[@maddieadams75]

Still one of my favorite restorations ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@bevstanton4572]

Wishing you a happy holiday

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@braidwooddesignstudio5536]

I am moving house and realised that my treasures, collected in a lifetime, each carring the memories of acqisition, loving restoration (my husband was really god at it) and being with us for many decades, lose all with the passing of life and time. Thomas, yo are my solace.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you - that's very nice. We're at that age, looking at the past...

[@joann5157]

Great video! Loved the tropical shirt and packing your clamps! The table video was pretty good too! LOL.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Joanne!

[@slawomirh.3636]

Kolejna perfekcyjne wykonana robota. Mistrz Thomas ma zawsze dobre rady i ciekawe pomysły. Pozdrawiam i powodzenia.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję! Doceniam to!

[@fiveheartsrefinishing]

Fantastic little table restoration. I truly enjoy watching your channel and always learn something new, which I then use in my own shop when I work on my own restoration projects. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome, thank you! I like that

[@chgans]

The caterpillar at the beginning is en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_machaon, a beautiful Papillon. If you grow carrots in mid northern hemisphere, you know them.

[@pricklypear7516]

Fun fact: Monarch butterflies are poisonous due to their diet of milkweed in the larval stage. Predators tend to leave them alone. The swallowtails (Papillons among them) evolved to visually mimic the Monarch at the larval stage to reduce predation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I had never tried to identify it

[@mikesides617]

Tom Johnson is to furniture restoration what Jimmy Hendrix was to guitar playing.

[@JanetPattersonRN]

I saw Jimi several times, live, and I concur. Completely different, and yet the appreciation of the work and tools as he's doing the work, using the tools, creates a whole atmosphere. Delightful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Best complement ever! But really...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Janet! I saw him at the Baltimore Civic Center, had to be 1969(? not sure), opening act Spirit

[@elizabethlequay5202]

Beautiful finish! Can’t wait to see the new project you introduced as well!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm working on it!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: Super great restoration. Have a good holiday. Well deserved! Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Carol!

[@michaelpage7691]

Hope you had a great vacation. As for the piece you were going to restore….it will be top grade. Cheers. 😁👍🏻🇦🇺

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Michael!

[@conniehusband1365]

Tender Loving Care....what a beautiful piece!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Connie!

[@annespellberg7173]

That catepillar is eating your beans!!! You know it's going to be good when he starts grabbing all the clamps!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Anne! We've got plenty for the caterpillar!

[@judithfairchild8620]

The table turned out so pretty.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith!

[@marynimocks6791]

Of course, you will say "I think it came out pretty good". Master of understatement. ;-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Mary!

[@andrewtaylor1342]

I think it will look pretty good - still waiting for the branded t-shirt with that phrase on the front 😜

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh, the T shirt thing!

[@jaensara]

¡Really! 😄 ¿De vacaciones con equipaje tan ligero? 😂 Admiro su carácter Mr. Tom, con ese espíritu alegre y optimista. Gracias por sus consejos al adquirir un mueble usado, tiene mucha razón, hay veces que nos entusiasmamos tanto que compramos un mueble pensando haber hecho el negocio del año. Muy interesante esa mesa de campaña el mueble quedó excelente para muchos años más. Que Dios lo bendiga y dé salud para que nos siga regalando nuevos videos y aprovechar de su experiencia. Saludos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! Agradezco sus amables palabras y apoyo.

[@bfranklin1052]

Beautiful job, Tom. Hope I run into such a find and can refinish it so beautifully. Lovely addition to your room.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! keep on the lookout!

[@richardcary978]

Looks great Tom! A wonderful restoration. I imagine that it looks as it did when it was made.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so! That was my goal - I feel like I got it as close as possible

[@alffox9151]

So, to go on holidays, Tom packs a bag full of tools. A busman’s holiday? 😂😂😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Always! A good tradesman always has his tools! Thanks

[@PatriciaCramp]

Sweet. A great restoration of a very well designed antique.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Tim-57]

One word... Beautiful. Take care😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You too!

[@maxwalchli5093]

The table will be perfect I am sure love Christine x

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Christine!

[@deettekearns9092]

The piece, according to you, came out, "Pretty Good." Everyone else believes it will be GORGEOUS!!!! Thanks for the silly intro!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@valerielambert7922]

Have a great holiday, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Valerie!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. I think the vanity will look pretty good after you work your expertise on it. Thank you for the video and I hope you all had a great vacation. Take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Ron!

[@dennishinkle5010]

It turned out fantastic. Well done sir.👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Dennis!

[@EasyThereBigFella]

Pretty good, indeed. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Thomas

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@jesstreloar7706]

I was told by a woodworking friend of mine, as I stared at his wall of clamps, that you can never have enough clamps.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's what they say! I wouldn't know would I!

[@johngrubb1590]

Hope you have a great Vacation Tomas.🌴🚢✈

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 😃 I will try!

[@damogranheart5521]

That is one very pretty yet very handy table!

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is! We use it every day

[@rb962]

I think it’s going to turn out awesome, and you will say, “I think it looks pretty good.”

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think you're right!

[@martinparso2208]

Hi Tom as ever always amazing...marvelous job ...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@martinparso2208]

@@johnsonrestoration 👌👍👍👍

[@patientorlando1306]

Because one can never have too many clamps/cramps.......on holiday😅 Nothing can "cramp" your style Tom, you are one in a million. Have a happy and well earned holiday with the Missus🏖🍹😎

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! This is a trip for guys only! That's why we call it a vacation

[@LB-px9td]

There is no doubt that you will restore this back to its glory days . I have seen your work and you are very accomplished.😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@denisesmith6359]

Have a wonderful vacation Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Denise!

[@richardpippin6159]

Great job! Your editing and fast forward is spot on. I don’t get bored watching. Where was the vacation? We visited Acadia National Park last year, coming from Chesapeake Bay.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I grew up taking all our vacations on the Chesapeake Bay, we lived in DC. I’m hiking Hells Canyon in Idaho right now

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

Love that pretty table!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@heatherwalton9501]

I think it will - as always - turn out pretty good! Happy holidays 🌞

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Heather!

[@MoggiesTen]

I love how you take your beloved clamps on vacation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Doesn't everyone? Thanks

[@johnplourd2551]

Perfect as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lindacsmith13]

such a pretty table, I like the sun ray detail

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! I do too. Thanks!

[@randywright8575]

Mr Johnson oh how I would love to visit your barn! Every project you do comes out beautifully!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@oldTimer-x3r]

A wonderful video how you transformed it into a lovely finished table. Your videos are always so interesting. Take care from me here in England.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You too!

[@kwebst1]

So happy to see your pup again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like it too! Thanks

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks for posting Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@suet8903]

Enjoy your clamping vacay! Looking forward to seeing the yard sale find restored. I know it will come out pretty good. 😅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Stay tuned!

[@shaunhorton5297]

I am loving your videos. I am a late bloomer in wanting to do restoration work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Shaun! Never too late!

[@audreymoussavi862]

Have a great vacation. I’m sure it will turn out ‘pretty good’.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It will!

[@franklynLP]

Wonderful restauration! Looks great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kensmith6859]

Pretty good. Your videos always relax me. Great stuff

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad!

[@judithburke1539]

Your "Pretty good." is stunning 🥰!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith!

[@mpulleyscott]

Loved it. It is fantastic looking.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!