Refinishing a Compass Inlay Table Top - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine refinishes an antique oak dressing table of the Queen Anne period, with a decorative compass inlay. Keep a lookout for a special appearance by a Stanley No. 80 scraper! 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).

[@gwenwells2286]

It is such a pleasure to watch someone who respects the history of a piece repair and restore that piece. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@robynwilliams8110]

What a beautiful little table - and the final finish was just glowing. Really gorgeous!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@BRYNWON]

I'm binge watching too. I love your work Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome! Thank you! But go for a walk!

[@MHow-qc3ns]

Mr. Tom: I have watched in awe many of your restorations. The more I watch the more I learn. This restoration was by far the most amazing. Your eye for color is amazing and the way you used all these different products to not only restore but to greatly improve this cabinet has left me speechless. The final application of dark paste wax was the icing on the cabinet! BRAVO!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Smedleydog1]

I have been binge watching this channel. It is becoming my go to, to help me unwind and I've learned a lot about wood finishing. Thanks for sharing your years of knowledge with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! That's nice!

[@TheAbbybwood]

It does not just look “pretty good” Tom! It looks fantastic! What an inspiration you are!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice!

[@fatersaadatniaki]

Thomas! You are a carpenter mystic! Visiting your page is like pilgrimage and watching the videos is like meditating just as much as it is informative it is enlightening... I send my warmest regards and best wishes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate it!

[@sillybeeful]

I’m mesmerised by these videos.... I think they’re “pretty good” 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@derekdiab1348]

What i love about your videos is the intro with birds,butterflies and other beautiful animals. Keep amazing us with your ability. God bless Regards from Italy

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you, I will! And Hello to Italy!

[@MaryCateOMalley]

What rare artistry. Your work is amazing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Just answered your email!

[@davefoster6156]

Looks awesome, especially the compass inlay. I was surprised that you left the old repairs alone, but in the end they didn’t even matter, the top came out so nice. Great job, looks excellent.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yeah, you can't redo everything, and they are still part of the history

[@haroldadelman1130]

Love that compass inlay. Nice job, beautiful results!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@shawneeheltsley8534]

Tom you are a joy to watch. Did you start out as an apprentice when you were young? You have an attention to detail which is awesome and thats why your pieces turn out so beautiful! Keep those videos coming!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My father was a professional restorer and my brothers all started when we were 13

[@167curly]

A very lovely piece, Tom. Congratulations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@stevencurran2869]

Wow, my wife and I have just started doing this furniture restoration thing and I am learning a tremendous amount from your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and tips. We will be able to do a much higher quality restoration thanks to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That is awesome! I appreciate it! Good luck!

[@bubba8]

Great color match and such thorough inlay protection.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Gorgeous table! Great job!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Elizabeth-yg2mg]

Gorgeous! Started refinishing furniture a few years ago and still have a lot to learn--your videos are much appreciated.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jakibros]

That was amazing. I never realized how those inlays were made and put into the wood. Your videos are a real education into woodworking.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lindathompson3982]

Lovely work, beautiful result. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Always .... a great job!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@peterolsen6454]

Congratulations on the masking of the star, it was proof of your quality as a refinished.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Another very valuable lesson in "finishing" and "patience". Best wishes Tom and a big hug for the black Lab.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And I will!

[@joycemiller4716]

Nice deep reach clamps good stuff as always love from England

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And Hello to England! And yes, no substitute for those clamps!

[@lb003g0676]

Thanks again Thomas! Made my Friday evening even better seeing this pop up. I have to confess after a long day there's nothing I'd rather watch. Your refinishing process has taught me so much so far, I love watching and learning. Kyle

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@springcreekfarmer]

I really enjoy watching any and all of your videos. They are at such a relaxed pace and very informative and interesting. If I had more heated space, I could see myself getting into this as a ( another ) hobby. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! never too late!

[@QueenCityHistory]

fantastic as always Tom. loving the longer videos...wish you had your own show!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But isn't this my show? Maybe if I could release them on a more regular basis it would seem like a show

[@BarryFelicecapehandyman]

I always learn something new watching Tom. Excellent source. Old world craftsman. A+++++++++++

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@billfromelma]

Hey Thomas, really came out beautiful. A piece well worth saving. When I look at older pieces like this one, or older and see the wood ( especially the oak , because it's so slow growing ) I like to try and figure out when that tree was a seedling. Hundreds of years ago.Kinda lends a new respect for the piece. Great job on this one Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's good, I often think about when a piece was built, and who built it, but to go back further to the life of the tree! What a journey

[@victoriahanke6297]

Well, this is just breathtaking! What incredible skill set, and such patience! You are a true craftsman and a Blessing. I’m just amazed each time I watch you save these beautiful pieces. Thank you for hours of a positive trip for me. I love this! ♥️🕊🙏💫

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching!

[@carolynreynolds5011]

It’s nice to see that other women watch Tom’s videos and enjoy and learn from them too.

[@victoriahanke6297]

Carolyn Reynolds I know right? I love to see him repurpose this beautiful furniture! I love the patience he seems to have. I think he just loves what he does and it shows! When I was younger I often purchased old pieces from garage sales. People throw out the Stuff that has value. He certainly has learned his skill! Also I think he is a great teacher. He is so clear and precise! Have a beautiful day. ♥️🙏🕊

[@paulgartner4619]

Love the variety of clamps

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I have accumulated a lot over the years!

[@MissMaggie246]

Beautiful job! I bet your home is filled with your work! Take Care...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it is!

[@Tufrmone]

This is an excellent explanation for the restoration. Very impressive and informative. And it is obvious that you have at minimum a quasi-engineering background - drafting and so on. Very very good.Thank you for posting this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That’s funny, yes, I worked as a draftsman in the early 70’s

[@dougguest6454]

Thanks Tom ... another great video. You are a talented craftsman but I think your biggest virtue is your patience. I always learn from your commentary and appreciate the time you put into this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for being patient enough to watch them!

[@erics7712]

Hey Tom. Great work once again. I really like your process and methods. You’re a real pro. I’ve had great success with old village gel varnish. It’s hand applied with a rag and really sets up nicely. And for an oil base it dries pretty quickly. But the best part is it’s sold as a gel and I tint it to my liking. I’ve never had the issues with dust nibs. Cheers.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm familiar with it, I should use it more often

[@meanders9221]

I'd rather make furniture than repair it, but in reality I get almost as many repair/restoration jobs as commissions, and I'm gradually coming to enjoy them more, especially as you reveal both techniques and attitudes; e.g., "this tabletop isn't flat and I don't want it to be flat". The work encourages me to rely more and more on hand tools such as the No. 80 cabinet scraper you used and on pre-modern finishing methods so that I "first, do no harm". I've been researching and learning to use the mordants, dyes, stains, and early varnishes (most of which seem to be "spirit" varnishes). Thank you for sharing your experience in these videos, and your calm methodical approach. It's helping me a lot!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I would really like to build more, things for myself, but I do enjoy the restoration work, and can really affect the way you might decide to build something

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

Your attention to detail is remarkable

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Wow! You're making your way through my videos! I appreciate it

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

It's hard not to 😀

[@andyhastings5950]

Great work I may put a compass rose on my next hope chest top. This will be to show my great niece her way in life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! That would be really nice. Lucky kid!

[@andyhastings5950]

@@johnsonrestoration I've built three so far. Each is in a distinct style. One is Farm House, one is based on Stickey and the last was in a mid-modern style. I've built a few other pieces in the G&G school and will probably continue to do so.

[@thedieiscast9729]

Another nice job, the compass looks absolutely great. the whole top just glows.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@marchu50]

Great restoration!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@wileycayote23]

Always a great day when one of your videos is released. The wifebeater shirts deserve their own highlight reel...hey, looks pretty good.😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@heatherschmidt639]

Turned out just beautiful. You really took your time and you couldn't have done a better job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@careymitchell4731]

Most epoxies can be thinned with a little (very little) denatured alcohol, so it would likely work with the epoxy putty. It would make it easier to force into cracks. Hide glue can also be softened with a few drops of vinegar if you don't want to use heat. Ahhhh, the #80. I used mine today, as well as the #82 and #12. Love the old tools. I think you and I could spend a few hours talking. Today, I spent 4 hours getting varnish on some maple stringing and fans on a federal style cellarette to prevent the grain filler and stain from obscuring it. That included the times I just had to walk away. sometimes I wonder.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like the old tools too, I definitely feel a connection with whoever might have used them before. If you're ever in Maine, stop by for a coffee! (or a Manhatten)

[@marcmoquin3735]

Wonderful job. Looks great. Love watching you work. As a furniture maker I continue to learn from masters like you. Always look forward to a new video from you. I rewatch your videos as well, sometimes just to help me relax. Thanks Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@scotth4760]

Excellent tutorial on what it takes to breathe life back in to old furniture

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kennethellison9713]

It made me smile to see that we share the same way of tearing and folding sandpaper for hand sanding: tearing a sheet into thirds and folding those pieces in thirds. I learned the painting trade on the East Coast in New Hampshire and Maine. Perhaps that's where I learned it. Good job refinishing. I probably wouldn't have put a varnish on the wood until the color was right, as I don't like to add color over varnish, but the end product looks great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I wonder about the sandpaper. A lot of times you have to get a coat down to see your color, and I've never had a problem adding stain to top coats

[@eisbaerbel]

Great as always, thanks for that. Really love seeing the whole bunch of animals, obvisiously living at your place, at the beginning of each video. You have awesome skills !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@markduncan6690]

Your attention to detail is stellar!! I will watch and learn!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tommymorin7779]

I watch your videos religiously and my favourite part is when you apply the tung oil, the piece really comes to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's my favorite part too!

[@johnnyo3fan]

Nice to see that wood come back to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MTN-AV8TR]

keep up the good work thomas, there is not alot of us doing this type of work with your skill level left today. i enjoy your videos ,thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rosamartin8169]

Love to see the lovely restoration of the Butler's Chest. I own a table like that but it has marble on top, and the mahogany has gotten very dark, thanks to you I realize it needs a good cleaning.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, always start with a good cleaning, and then a wax polish

[@dannylowe8932]

Another great job it came out looking just super, I love watching you work I learn something every time I watch your videos. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@joeliwest]

Great stuff, nice to see a new addition to your catalog. Thanks for bringing such vicarious pleasure for me

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sooth15]

I'm always so thrilled to see new videos from you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ronmack1767]

I think it looks real good. That was real tough finishing around the compass. Course all I've been watching you do is tough. That razor blade technique was neat. Thank you for taking the time to produce the videos. Take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@lindacarlson8886]

*Lovely* work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@drmkiwi]

Interesting how you came to the conclusion not to remove the top and just reinforce it with strips underneath - that wouldn't have been my initial thinking but it was definitely the right decision. Then just put a lot of time and effort into the finishing. Probably the best take away is learning to be patient! Thanks, good video. Cheers, David.

[@macfisher4004]

That was my thinking as well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! and that top would have been damaged had I tried to remove it - it was solidly nailed down

[@MissyKrystal]

I have watched a bunch of your video's. I have a 1890-1900 Singer Sewing machine wooden cabinet. It came to me with a warped veneer top. Its thick veneer about 1/8th of an inch thick the first layer.. or top layer has lifted and buckled about 1/5th of the top. This section of the top flips backwards extending the open top of the Sewing machine. The varnish has weathered some allowing moisture to get in between the layers. After I repair the top I am going to restore the finish. How do I go about leveling that veneer? or can I just glue it down? It is all complete and the Singer machine is operational and is in pretty good shape.

[@pjd417]

Thank you for your reply because that was irritating the hell out of me just do it right take the top off repair it and then reassemble the table

[@agneshardcore1515]

Marvelous job :D As always :D

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@adhc8560]

Watching you do this was a real pleasure. Table looks amazing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Toshiro7777]

I always really enjoy your videos. Thanks for making them!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@JoeGassen]

Great to see yet another outstanding video!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@fouroakfarm]

Always pleased to see new videos! Thank you! Table cleaned up great Waterlox is one of my favorite finishes but good god is it pricey. Last quart I bought was $40

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, but it really goes a long ways. I can do a lot of tops with that quart! Use Bloxygen on the open cans, it really works and I hate to see a can harden

[@gary24752]

Think I would have used one of Tried and True finishes rather than Waterlox.

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

VERY GUTSY TOM, PLANING THAT. WOW! JUST BEAUTIFUL.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It is nice!

[@Saucyakld]

Bet the client was thrilled! I would be too! Outstanding job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! The client is very happy with it!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Looks awsome!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again! I appreciate it

[@rayjasonrodriguez1268]

You are an artist

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I know real artists, and I am not one! But I appreciate the complement

[@richardmarino5658]

Success again ! Tom you really are an inspiration and educator. Thank you so much. Rich M

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@timmynormand8082]

I subbed you channel a few days ago an watched maybe 20 of your projects. Really cool an nice work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! and welcome!

[@gentlerowdy]

amazing attentiona paid to details- love that work you did over this inlay table

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ferris5150]

brilliant as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@snotelekss]

So glad I found this channel

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@Artexmadera]

Thank you Thomas, excellent video, always learning a lot from them

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lynvoyager5976]

Originally thought this was a POS but you turned it back into a beautiful piece and it's future proofed with the supports underneath as well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But I never thought that!

[@dajohnnyboy]

Love your videos Tom, you're a magician

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tinadowden6866]

I don't refinish furniture but your videos are comforting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks

[@TheLeadEagle]

We need this. You have a skill set that is honorable. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ThePoolSharkWizard]

Wow, you are really skilled, Amazing Result, a true artisan thank you and great video! :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@harveypost7799]

Great job top looks original..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@repairrestoreresell2026]

Great job as always!! Thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ahmedh.mohamed5242]

Love to see ur videos!! Thank u so much for sharing,, really enjoy them, "but" I'm greedy to see more! Plz make them longer and upload more frequently,, God bless..

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, I will be trying to get back to a 2 week schedule

[@parkeranderson7086]

The mother of all clamps!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michaelb.5345]

Amazing work as usual...Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@userunavailable3095]

Beautifully done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@vickystevenson1338]

Great job well done 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@StonyRC]

As usual, my heart's in my mouth during your videos ... it always looks worse before it looks better (nd scraping the high board back to level was scary indeed) ... but it all comes together at the end. What a truly great job you made of this table.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@vigragg8387]

Tom I wish I lived in Maine I would work for you, for no pay. I have been doing wood work for several years, and learn something new with every video I watch. Thanks keep up the amazing work you do. Jerry G.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kellerrobert80]

Great job, as always, Tom. I counted about 12 coats of stain and finish. Tons of patience and attention to detail.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I lost count!

[@casiemichaelfariello6545]

Bravo ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are an inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jessefoulk]

I love that table

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too! There aren't too many pieces that I wish were mine but this is one!

[@alandickson3545]

Very enjoyable video. Your decision not to remove the top made sense. I noted the top was relatively thin, so trying to pry the top off I guess would have split the top along any weak grain. Thanks for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome. Yes, that top was nailed down pretty well, I could only see bad things happening if I tried to remove it.

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

You are a magician, I wish I had your confidence just to go for it. Love this channel please keep um coming.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@misterosc]

Amazing work, absolutely in ove with your videos

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pilotusaero9383]

Very nice work sir a true craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tonymathesonxvs11001]

Very interesting and informative video, thanks for posting Tom. Regards and best wishes, Tony.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@veill21m]

Thanks for the video. Great as always :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@kinkjarfold3816]

I've watched a few of your videos and figured it was about time I subscribed. What patience you have.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@PFWoodturning]

Just found your channel! Another Maine-ah! Yay~ (I'm in Scarborough, FYI)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! ay-yu

[@jaydeanda7327]

this was beautifully done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Cards36555]

These videos are fantastic thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!