Quite a Tale! - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@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?

[@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

[@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!

[@MystiqueULH]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too! I love the animals!

[@ihrescue]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@carstenaltvater]

Always a pleasure to watch and a well of inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@cindystecker2698]

I loved this episode......

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@MrMooseSlayer]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@nancywhitehead6397]

Thomas, I am now 86 yrs old and still active and busy. I began Classic Ballet at age 3 followed by Fine Arts at the Saginaw, Mi Museum of Arts under Julia Rocher a well known international Artist located in Saginaw. Then on to the University of Michigan with Majors in Architecture. Interior Design along with Fine Arts and English Literature plus five minors. I only mention this to show you how deeply my life has been steeped in the vatious Arts. That said, those benches are gorgeous works of Art and so beautifully restored without damaging the integrity of the pieces or finishes. They are a perfect fit for that Art Gallary.. Bravo to you Thomas and the young men who own this gallary and surrounding structures.. Talk about a oerfect fit? You all contributed to the success of this delightful project and unlike many chose to restore the benches. Its all come together so perfectly..Again, Bravo to you all.....And yes, I am still very active in the Arts lol

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Nancy! I consider that a great compliment coming from someone as experienced as you. All my best to you, and I wish for you continued good health in the New Year!

[@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!

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@jsaus21]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@virginiatolles1664]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are very happy!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@167curly]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@chrissheridan8947]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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"

[@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!

[@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?

[@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...

[@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. 👍👍😀

[@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!

[@leeshilling7251]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Lee!

[@NTRprojects]

Great work Thomas, definitely one of my favorites

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Mine too!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@timziegler9358]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Thanks to WorkSharp sharpening systems!

[@sgwsteve1665]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@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!

[@wandaarganbright4056]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@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

[@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!

[@dirkg7062]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@olivernash2240]

Master craftsman at work. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@MegaJohnson12]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@saggioculo5386]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gingercisewski6331]

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

[@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!

[@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...

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@lindamorrow7573]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@chandrasekhargrenze9211]

To watch your videos is always a pleasure! Your dedication to restoring old and used furniture is wonderful. I admire how slow and careful you work. So much so that I nearly cannot stand how rudely others do this kind of work. In my mind I always compare their way of procedure to your way of doing these jobs. There is noone who stands up to you . Already looking forward to your next project (and watching your older videos - again and again - in the meantime)... (sorry for my clumsy English, I'm german)

[@janvafa9959]

You do very well in English! Much better than my one word in German (nein) 😉🤭

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Same here! Oh, also “Gesundheit”

[@pieterbosman6111]

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

[@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!

[@michaelcima5772]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are doing a great job!

[@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

[@ncdave4]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelmaxwell8835]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@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!

[@RichardGoth]

Magnificent job Tom! you made me LOL with “From a time when people took pride in their work.” Reminds me of my house... not one of the door strikers had been properly inletted and for 90 years none of the internal doors could be locked, or even stayed shut when a breeze was blowing

[@dlevi67]

Mind you, compared to the RAAC debacle currently going on in the UK, doors not staying shut is not an issue...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Some things never change!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I haven't heard about this! Oh, I just googled it - I'll read it later - sounds bad

[@marycollins2392]

Great start to the morning. Lovely restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@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!

[@dennishinkle5010]

Those benches certainly have lots of miles or kilometers in this case on them. Well done sir thank you.👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes - which one?

[@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

[@kevinweaver4265]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@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!

[@wendyanderson2562]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@tedthomas2638]

Masterful job as always. The benches look great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sharryjones5200]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@thyandyr7369]

I can understand all the woodwork steps, but when it comes to the layers of treatments, particularly colours, it's like magic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It may seem that way but it's just one logical step after another!

[@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!

[@Green-Drake]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@consideredwhisper]

Gosh, Tom. I think that restoration is my favourite so far (and that’s saying something in your vast array of repairs!) They look superb in the gallery. Beautiful to see, thank you. From a sub in Old England.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! They do look great in the gallery!

[@avianfish8732]

Great job I love the old folk art furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@joedominick7517]

Tom, They look terrific! Nice work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!