Quite a Tale! - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@lightsoutgallery]

Thank you so much for restoring these benches for us! our gallery guest have loved them. They are the perfect benches to have a conversation on, or sit and ponder art. Looking forward to your interview 🙂

[@kennethellison9713]

What a nice review from the owner.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you LightsOut team! We love what you are doing, and hope to help out more in the future

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes it is! Thanks

[@dscdrkel5546]

Those seats look to fragile to use.*** DR KEL

[@yeeeehaaawbuddy]

Over the last 12 years, he's put out 268 videos, 145 THOUSAND subscribers and not one mention of politics or anything negative. Such a beautiful display of craftsmanship and integrity at the same time.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Wow - some statistics! I made a political statement in this video - apparently no one picked up on it!

[@mariaelenamoris1566]

Excelente job !! Congratulaciones !!

[@yeeeehaaawbuddy]

@@johnsonrestoration No, I didn't pick that up in this video. What're you trying to get me to re-watch it? Ok fine I did. Was it the "I guess we get to choose our own history" comment?

[@SuzanaBehmer]

👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@desertmulehunter]

​@@johnsonrestoration You mean the reference to make your own history?

[@MystiqueULH]

I love how you always start your videos with flowers and animals.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too! I love the animals!

[@AndrewCello]

“From a time when people took pride in their work.” I actually laughed out loud. This is easily one of my favorite restorations that you’ve done, and I think I’ve watched them all. Bravo!

[@OnkelPeters]

Beautiful sarcasm!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ElizabethGreene]

Right now, in a graveyard far from here, Bjorn's ghost is telling Fjorn's ghost "SEE!! I TOLD YOU THEY'D SEE IT."

[@DouglasLambert]

that was so funny!

[@RobMods]

29:00 Now you... your experience, your passion, your hard work, are part of their history too. A good thing for sure.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@ihrescue]

On gum "I guess we get to chews our own history." Nice job on this preservation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@corvus1238]

'From a time when people took pride in their work' absolutely cracked me up. Lovely job Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad people got that!

[@bethcrane5780]

Wow Tom! That's quite a tale! They look so beautiful and what a gift to the community for generations to come. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lelandallen]

You have so many gifts, but perhaps the most important is your humility. No piece that you ever touch ever says "Tom Johnson was here." Instead, you always seem to find a way for a piece to end up looking like the best version of the original craftsman's vision for what the piece should look like at this age. It's a remarkable talent and remarkable restraint on your part.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is very nice and well said. I appreciate it

[@MrMooseSlayer]

Tom, you amaze me every time with your color matching skills. Truly remarkable!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@carstenaltvater]

Always a pleasure to watch and a well of inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cindystecker2698]

I loved this episode......

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@EdwinNikkels]

What a treat this week: a Baumgartner ánd a Johnson-restoration. Amazing as always. Thanks from Amsterdam!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'll check out Julian's latest

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

I call my viewing, “going to restore antique furniture school”!!! Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@jo-annegreen3173]

I love Thomas Johnson’s videos. He’s a brilliant restorer and woodworker. I just don’t understand why he doesn’t have more followers. What does it take?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good question! The popular videos are those where they take a piece of furniture, sand the daylights out of it and make it look brand new. I do the opposite!

[@rosemary6907]

All it took for me was one program that randomly came up and I immediately Subscribed, addicted for years. So calming, sweet respite❣

[@BrouBrouZebra]

45:53 woah I don't think I ever saw a youtuber lay down and knoll all their tools like that after a video. I loved seeing them all laid out next to each other. Please keep doing that :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's a good feature

[@jsaus21]

Thanks Tom for using and mention "titanium white"! good job, beautiful benches!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

WOW Tom, those benches look FABULOUS ! All the historic stories they hold, and will go on holding for ever. Their new life will add to their history, and you will be a major part of it. Well done and thanks for sharing. Take care 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Well said!

[@tedschmaltz4346]

Only 30 hours? I thought it would have been quite a bit more. Another great rescue.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I try to keep an accurate idea of the time

[@joanold4035]

What a wonderful job you have done. I love how you have preserved the history of these old pieces. Well done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@virginiatolles1664]

Beautiful! I'm sure Lights Out were delighted to have their benches restored for their grand opening.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are very happy!

[@rustyaxelrod]

I really like the benches, great, simple design and built for a purpose, and their history adds to the mystique. They looked right at home in their new setting. Nice work on the repairs in both the quality and the level of refinishing. Your knowledge of just how far to go and make them look the part is something that only comes with experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Well said!

[@chrissheridan8947]

Another excellent piece of craftsmanship, with a lesson in how to retain the patina without destroying it. Thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@philsmith6165]

Great job as ever, Tom. As well as your skill, I think patience is one of your biggest assets. To keep going back over the smallest detail until you get it right is why you achieve such excellent results.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! If at first you don't succeed...

[@markjames8664]

As a resident of the town of Norway it is exciting to see all this history preserved and re-used!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's great! Be sure to sign up for LightsOut emails for coming events. I really want them to succeed!

[@rjc305]

They look perfect, especially when placed in the Lights Out Gallery. Excellent work repairing them while still maintaining their original look!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@laraynekayfes5329]

Thirty hours! The benches are beautiful and will last at least another 80 years! I like this man’s work and his integrity! He reminds me of my Grandad Moon, a farmer & carpenter.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Lara! I like the sound of that - "Grandad Moon"

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

TOM, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE WATCHING A MASTER CRAFTSMAN WORK MAGIC ON A PIECE. TRULY AMAZING STUFF!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

These are two lovely pieces. What a sterling job you’ve done on them and they look so nice in the space.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much 😊

[@furtim1]

By the limited view we have of the space, it looks to me like his work on them would impress me more than anything else in there. Amazing job of patience and care to keep such a thin coat of paint intact.

[@carljames9351]

Hi Tom This is your best one yet. I wish I could hijack you for two days in my work shop here in Scotland. Thanks

[@carljames9351]

On a different subject, I have an ercol dresser to to refinish. Sand out a hot cup ring and generally smooth off. I want to use oil rather than varnish or stain. Any advice please?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'd love to go to Scotland! It might be our next trip.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think any of the products out there are good. Watco is our old standby, but I did our dining room table with pure tung oil and it came out great - and very durable

[@carljames9351]

@@johnsonrestoration you are welcome to visit us in SW Scotland.... Dumfries and Galloway

[@UptownMovies]

Boy oh boy, every week is a new task. After all the videos of clocks, tables and chests, this one is a new challenge. Never a dull moment! It's always a pleasure to spend an hour in your shop.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@timziegler9358]

I am always amazed at your chisel work. Well done! Best wishes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Thanks to WorkSharp sharpening systems!

[@brianmros4844]

Hi Tom, glad to see you back with a new video. These benches look great after your usual handy work. You are a true wood genius.Thank you for sharing Tom, and take care.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sgwsteve1665]

Your attention to detail is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@graemetimoney7002]

Tom, your restorations are always done with care and a great sense of consideration for the history and eventual placing of the pieces. All I can say is another job well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that - well said!

[@yuppietrash]

What a great repair! I love how you were able to keep that original thin paint!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes - lucked out with that one!

[@167curly]

The two benches now have their simple elegance restored by your multiple skills,Tom. Great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@melissagagnon1213]

Lights Out seems like a wonderful thing. I wish there was one in every town! There are so many talented people who simply have no venue to display or work on their crafts.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Exactly! We want them to succeed!

[@paulstanding7267]

At the end the benches looked amazing nice finish to them. The looked good against the white walls 😀😀👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They did look good!

[@paulstanding7267]

@@johnsonrestoration would it be possible to do a video of where they are situated and how they are used when it opens to the public. It would be nice for those who don’t live nearby or like me over the water. 👍👍😀

[@jlander9940]

Those are beautiful benches. What a fine example of sympathetic restoration. Great work once again, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@furtim1]

Perhaps the gum and scum water should have been put in a framed enclosure next to them with a placard. "History removed, residual scotched. Original restored, left white washed."

[@RMBman]

Tom, I'm a woodworker and I always admire your woodworking skills and how you approach repairs. I learn from you and admire your patience and diligence. And thank you for highlighting your woodlathe. It reminds me of my own which is an old Walker-Turner unit my dad and I resurrected over 50 years ago. I think Walker-Turner was acquired by Delta. In any case despite no bells or whistles, they're quality pieces and obviously still work well today.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I wonder if it's the same design and castings?

[@MystiqueULH]

All I can say is WOW great job. Those benches will be good for another 100-200 years

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! I believe so! Thanks

[@cs3742]

I really enjoyed the history of these benches and the trip to Norway Maine. I would love to hear backgrounds on more of your projects.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! There is usually not that much!

[@olivernash2240]

Master craftsman at work. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@aok2727]

I appreciate that you repaired and tidied the piece to reflect its history. Maybe one day when you aren’t able to do this work, your equipment will go to this maker space.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing

[@NTRprojects]

Great work Thomas, definitely one of my favorites

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Mine too!

[@rirkc]

These two benches were so lucky to find you. A truly honest restoration, loyal to the original intent. Very nicely done, Mr. J. Thanks so much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@wandaarganbright4056]

Such beautiful benches! Love the fact you always keep the character of the pieces you restore. Looks pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@saggioculo5386]

This is an amazing video. Ansolutely loved hearing the history and seeing them in their new home. Awesome!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@TerryGoetz-js8ht]

Lights Out should host a show of your work, with Before and During pictures. Restoration is an art form!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That would be great!

[@josephkerley363]

Those benches look like they are art works themselves! They are a perfect fit for the gallery! New old stuff ... outstanding job Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

They are! Thanks!

[@dirkg7062]

You've done a good job on the benches Tom. Many more years of use.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mightyporky]

To me this is one of your better efforts, I really appreciate the final glow. Although you do things so differently than I, I still like to watch. I am 80 now and having to slow down, seldom have a workshop visitor but I go there just the same.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I try to emphasize that what I do is only my way - there are many paths that could lead to the same conclusion

[@HS-yk9he]

Tom, I love your videos. Thank you for using metric measurement as well. Love from Laguna Beach CA.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching. I love Laguna Beach!

[@VeretenoVids]

That space sounds so cool! Thank you for showing us a little piece of it coming to life!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's great to be a part of it - a small part but...

[@jreese8284]

I actually cheered when you got the first crest rail off; found myself applauding when the three of you reattached it. Broad smiles throughout. You are a treasure, Mr. Johnson! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us all.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! That's great!

[@gingercisewski6331]

Beauyiful benches! Watching you restore old pieces is truly a pleasure!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jesseburch7063]

I've said it many times before, Mr. Johnson, but you are a true artist. Profoundly enjoyed this video, especially having seen the benches beforehand. You did an incredible job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jesse! That's right! I had forgotten that you had seen them!

[@robinredman5192]

Thomas, you literally provided us with a Benchmark for restoration, while leaving Bench Marks in regards to keeping the history of the pieces. And, you didn't Gum Up the process nor the history when you removed the old gum 😁. Thank you sir for what you do and may you continue to be abundantly blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you John! That made me laugh!

[@MegaJohnson12]

Good morning Mr. Johnson. A nice video to go with the morning coffee. Always a pleasure.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@melindamosbey8257]

Oh my goodness Once AGAIN....a masterpiece of workmanship! Oh that I could sit on those LOVELY benches!! THANK YOU for sharing all your good work

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@marycollins2392]

Great start to the morning. Lovely restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@vickygoodwin9771]

Again , you have worked hard and competently to restore and prepare these benches for extended use. You take great pride in what you do! Thank you, good show!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@lindamorrow7573]

Wow Thomas.....pnce again you nailed it!! A perfect restauration😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelpage7691]

G’day mate from down under. Another great restoration. Trying and achieving the original patina is a great lesson. Thank you.👏👏🇦🇺😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ncdave4]

Always love to see a master craftsman at work.. another great job Tom....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@OddJobFix]

I've watched the majority of your videos and rank this one high on the list. You did a great service for Lights Out!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@pieterbosman6111]

What delightful pieces! The owners can really be most satisfied with an excellent job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelmaxwell8835]

Your work is fantastic. I have watched a lot of your back shows. Very Beautiful.👵🇺🇸😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinweaver4265]

Another outstanding , masterfully executed restoration. Well done Thomas! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@the_atomshop]

I really enjoyed that. A lovely pair of benches and a fabulous repair . Many thanks for posting. I look forward to more :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@avianfish8732]

Great job I love the old folk art furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@randyattwood]

Fantastic project. I so enjoyed watching this episode. You are truly one of Maine's great living treasurers!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's so nice!

[@drmkiwi]

Nice work. It amazes me how the added pieces of new wood look so well matched (and camouflaged) with the old. Thanks for the video. Cheers, David

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@leeshilling7251]

Restoring these benches whilst still keeping the aged look. Absolute class

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Lee!

[@OwlingDogDesign]

Amazing job! The look wonderful without taking away their long history - so honorable, Tom. Completely lovely work, as always and love the details~ 😀😀😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Cat! I saw your response to one of Emily's post - that was cool! Thanks for following her

[@judebrown4103]

What a lovely buttery finish yet retaining their original charm. I wondered as you were disassembling it how on earth you'd manage to put it back together, must have been nice for the chaps to be part of the work. Great job Tom. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh yes! definitely not a job for one person!

[@Green-Drake]

The benches turned out awesome. Thank you Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Jeff-uy8xg]

These videos are a wonderful treat, they are entertaining and exemplify superb craftsmanship! I wish I had a piece of old furniture that I could abuse as an excuse to have you restore it 🙂

[@janvafa9959]

I have an old dresser that was I think my paternal grand parents that desperately needs restoration… unfortunately I’m on the wrong coast!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! There has to be some one just as good out there!

[@wendyanderson2562]

Always enjoy watching you take such care with each piece. The benches look amazing !!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cherylporter1056]

Amazing you were able to fo all the cleaning and repairs AND keep the painted surface!. I'm impressed

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It helps that the paint is very durable

[@tedthomas2638]

Masterful job as always. The benches look great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jaensara]

¡Excellent! No cabe duda que nos deja asombrado con la restauración de muebles. No en vano la experiencia de los años lo hacen un experto. Esas bancas ahora tendrán muchos años más para albergar a tantas personas a sentarse a conversar, a descansar o simplemente sentarse a masticar un chicle para luego pegarlo bajo la banca 😊 si esas bancas pudieran hablar ¡cuánta historia nos contaría de las personas! ¡Felicitaciones! Saludos y bendiciones.

[@kayerin5749]

Sí, es deber de la próxima generación "o simplemente sentarse a masticar un chicle para luego pegarlo bajo la banca" ¡Bien dicho!😇

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Será mejor que no!

[@dawnchattin5935]

This was so outstanding. You showed so much respect for a utilitarian piece of furniture probably created by Grange members themselves, which was created to preserve their agricultural way of life in the face of the modern age, around 1870. The Grange in New England was an integral part of rural society, and communities were brought together through all the activities, dances, exhibits, meetings, just really wholesome and wonderful celebrations of humble unassuming but solid citizens. My dad would be grateful you preserved their 150 years of history in these very modest benches.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, that's all true! The Gallery hopes to become a community gathering place also, so those benches are very appropriate

[@sharryjones5200]

A wonderful job of maintaining the integrity of the pieces while making them functional for future generations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@melodysimonson1510]

These are a beautiful set of benches! I am always amazed by your craftsmanship and concern for keeping the heritage in the furniture you restore. I agree with you about these beong from a time people took pride in their work. It is a blessing to have people such as yourself still take pride in their craftsmanship and work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is very nice! I appreciate it

[@michaelcima5772]

I think it is great that you gave LightsOut a plug. Also like the benches.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are doing a great job!

[@vickiwood9192]

Love the benches. Look the story about their past and their future. Watching in the early evening. Your videos are a great way to relax and unwind. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm so glad!

[@ferraridinoman]

Fantastic work and dedication to your work Young Thomas! Phew! xx

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Sir!

[@jeanine6492]

Amazing restoration as always. Great craftsmanship and art work really.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@samslaughter90]

These turned out SO well! It's very interesting to see how you tackle unusual problems such as preserving the worn paint.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@joedominick7517]

Tom, They look terrific! Nice work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Hi Tom, thank you for yet another great video, I remember some years back restoring a teak topped table, adding some 4inches to the legs, the underside was covered in chewing gum! Pretty grim task removing it! Hope you are well, keep 'em coming, and thanks again

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It is indeed kind of gross!

[@josephmccann4143]

Great job. Learning something new every time I watch your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I learn something new every time I make a video!

[@daisybarreto900]

I love watching your masterful work. Every video is interesting. A week ago I watched the video you dedicated to your beloved dog Ella: my condolences on her passing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I miss her every day!

[@megwolff58]

What an interesting project for you, and by the sounds of it, 30 hours of hard work! Still the result is fabulous. I have never seen wood painted that colour but it is actually a great idea. Once cleaned the paint gave an even, attractive effect.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I had never seen that color on an antique, blended in perfectly with the natural wood where the paint had worn off

[@diannesorem6389]

I just love watching you refurbish preces of art. They chose the right man for this job, taking such h tender and precise care to the benches. Thanks for sharing this history project with us.!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@ronmack1767]

What a neat project Tom, and for another life given to those benches. Interesting pictures and history behind the building. That was a big glue up and was nice to have two more pairs of hands to tackle the job. Allot of history on those benches.They really look great. Thanks for the road trip. Take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It was fun!

[@lessnyder6245]

Outstanding job Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@hijmestoffels5171]

You did cut a lot of crud from these benches! Without them looking too clean. Beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, and I don't think they were ever going to be "too clean"!