Repairing a Windsor side chair- Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine . Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@anilchak]

One and only Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeffcheshire2554]

You always end your videos with, "I think it looks pretty good" when in fact your work is masterful. I appreciate your humility, Tom!

[@maggiesue4825]

I know, right? He is so humble, yet such a master craftsman!!

[@nashvillain171]

Check out his "I think it looks pretty good" supercut: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3izXnasn9agjqM I think this is hilarious! 😅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm glad Nashvillian shared "Super Cuts"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@rinusmarkusse2499]

I love the beautiful birds that show up at your feeder. They are quite different from the ones we see in Holland.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll have to look that up, I love these birds. Now I'm really curious about European song birds

[@user990077]

What an honest man: "That was two trips to the sander to get it right". Nice work. Looks like a solid repair. Windsor chairs were in use by pioneers where a 300 pounder was rare, unlike today.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's a lot of the problem now.

[@karanaz2008]

Really you're giving a new hope for live for all these ancient/antique furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@RumMonkeyable]

The magic of a simple dowel.....nice! Sure the owner of this Windsor side chair was more than pleased with the results. Solid, level, square, and a simple polish. BRAVO, Mr. Johnson! 👍👏💪❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@shortsweettoo]

I'm sure the owner of the chair was absolutely thrilled as well.... until they realized it looked so nice, they would need to bring in the other 5 chairs to match, lol.

[@gruesometwosome6098]

Hi Tom, Your craftsmanship is second to none, love watching your videos. I'm a cabinetmaker from the UK.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! High praise from a fellow tradesman!

[@barbaraanderson58]

I'm just here to see Ella! LOL. I'm kidding, of course. But the relationship between Tom and Ella is such a great bonus to the Incredible problem solving skills Tom shows on every episode. I especially appreciate his color work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Couldn't do it without her!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Funny, as you were showing us the damage and what was going on, the thought ran through my mind, "Hmm if it were me I'd use Epoxy there instead of hide or yellow glue. lots of gaps there". and before that thought parished in my mind you said " I know what some of you are thinking about using epoxy here" ha ha. see what your teachings have done for me!. I feel really good when I can echo one of your decisions before you make it. tells me you have taught me well. Thanks for a great turorial. and as always great camera angles and shots. it takes as much time for those as it does for the repairs!. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Ellis! It actually takes more time to do the video! But I like doing it

[@ollerpops]

What an artiste you are Tom! So much knowledge and expertise. I adore your old Labrador.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I do too!

[@tavel86]

That leg trick was insane. What a great tip!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it does seem to work

[@speedracer2336]

Really enjoy these old ones with Ella!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too! I miss her

[@judebrown4103]

Thanks once again for a lovely repair, so skillful. Dear Ella was particularly diligent in her observations today. 🤗

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@joann5157]

Masterful repair as always! You ARE the Clampion!! Kisses to Ella and the tuxedo kitty!

[@johnsonrestoration]

😊 thank you! I like that!

[@incognitotorpedo42]

This is Classic Tom Johnson. I hope to see more!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You will!

[@danielelse3914]

For me and my efforts in the shop, the most treasured aspect of these videos is the adaptation-on-the-fly dimension - the constant reassessment of process, materials, tools, and skills needed to arrive at the goal that is edited out of other videos.

[@noremorsewoodworking2258]

I agree, the results are what we admire and aspire to but the process is what we learn from.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! When we started out I was determined to make the videos as short as possible (you know, attention span and all that...) but viewers kept demanding more detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, and it's interesting to make a video about the process

[@danielelse3914]

@@johnsonrestoration Now you know why ... We're cribbing off your expertise!

[@kestrelle5345]

Your dog is like a character actor that comes in and steals the show.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I don't mind! Thanks!

[@charlesmadisonrhea]

Love your honesty. Admire your willingness to do this in real time. You’re the best

[@johnsonrestoration]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@timb.6269]

Repairing damaged leg joints on chairs is no small feat. No fancy horizontal boring machine, a bunch of old tools, jigs from scraps. This is a great demonstration of how fine craftmanship is 95% skill, experience and patience; and only 5% tools and equipment.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that...

[@kathleenmaloney4927]

Great work!!! I truly love to see you puzzle out what needs to be done for each conundrum you come across!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ferraridinoman]

Young Thomas! The man!! 5*****

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Sir!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

This is exactly the video I needed for some chair repairs. The damage on mine is much more extended and I don't have many tools - or I should rather say: there are many tools I don't have - so I will have to spend so much more time and rack my brains. My road will be chaotic but you set me on the right track. Thanks Tom ! Dare I say my friend?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Sylvie! Yes, friends!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

@@johnsonrestoration ♥️

[@almaelyesthergarcia4060]

I want you to know that I'm extremely in love with ur professional ways of how I handle delicate pieces . You are awesome

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@1954JDR]

It is always nice to watch a master at work. Great job. I repaired some dinning chairs for my brother-in-law that had broken stretcher tenons. I made a jig similar to yours to drill holes in the ends of the stretchers and another one to drill holes the same size into the legs. I used epoxy resin to reinforce the remnants of the old tenons in the legs before drilling those holes. 25 years later, the chairs are still strong.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@gloriaguzman729]

Love your job,and your puppie,Mr.Johnson!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@OwlingDogDesign]

Wonderful! I especially love the making of the jigs - so solution-oriented. I wish I could think of such things, but at least I can look back on your solutions.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Maybe because you have an artistic background and I have an engineering background

[@slawomirh.3636]

Panie Johnson, obejrzałem większość filmów i mogę powiedzieć, że dobrze się ogląda mistrza przy pracy. Ręczna dobra robota, która sprawia dużo satysfakcji i zadowolenia. Życzę dużo siły i zdrowia oraz dużo filmów abym miał co oglądać.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję Ci! Doceniam to! Opublikowałem ponad 200 filmów. baw się dobrze!

[@allolebarilliertaxi4304]

Again thank you so much old man

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@dwel2928]

Thanks for showing all the tools you used at the end, Tom. I find I always use a shopfull of tools for even simple jobs. I admire the old time American Indians making a birch-bark canoe with just a crooked knife and an awl. Don't know how they did it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But I bet they wished they had some tools!

[@-Deena.]

Thanks Tom for 22 minutes of peace. Wonderful as ever 🧡

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jeninmontana]

It's beautiful! We used to have chairs like this at our kitchen table & the legs were forever coming apart. Lots of wood glue over the years to keep putting them back together.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, you'd think they would have learned by now!

[@viscache1]

I added a set of these Japanese ‘pull saws’ to my shop back in the ‘70’ and it was utterly transformative to my work! I use my $350 dove joint saws still but everything else, even timber work gets done with those fine surgical tools. On the leg ends I finally broke down and got a Starett machinists centering square for round stock. I’ve made jigs for years with varying degrees of success and it works well enough but the machinists are all over that round stock centering to the 1/1000th inch! Great ‘bread and butter’ project. Nice job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, those saws never cease to amaze. I'm curious as to the reason English saws cut on the push. I'll check out that Starett device. Might be too precise for woodworking

[@dr.tomgio6694]

Master Johnson, this was certainly worth the wait. This was another beautiful repair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@tomdale1313]

the sign of a pro is how they handle obstacles such as off centered dowel, Ella handle being on the table top beautifully...tanks for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Cradley684]

Brilliant job Tom, have a nice day !!!.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@judithfairchild8620]

I like the way you try as much as possible to save the orginal piece. Your Dowling rods worked.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's always my philosophy

[@almaelyesthergarcia4060]

Also I've been watching u ur work for a year. And let me tell u u are on my bucket list o always wanted to go to Maine and catch a nice fish

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! We have lots of fish! Whenever you come, please pay us a visit!

[@kittonsmitton]

Great Job Thomas you are a real craftsman!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@doughill1945]

I think it looks pretty good too !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jonathanking4107]

A joy to watch the master and his canine companion at work. Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@andybyerly5629]

Another GREAT show....Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@MystiqueULH]

That orange beeswax polishing stuff is incredible. A friend of mine gave me a 110 year old hutch well taken care of solid wood and nothing at all wrong with it but because it was sitting in a cellar for many years it was just dirty and dusty looking. So I cleaned it first with murphy's oil let it dry well and then used the orange beeswax stuff on it. Looks like it just came out of a showroom. Love your channel. Keep it coming I am learning so much from you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! I've had the same experience

[@MystiqueULH]

@@johnsonrestoration I would have never known about it had it not been for you. Before that I used lemon oil.

[@larrymoons2258]

A perfect way to start our day!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! Thanks!

[@skyyra3456]

Part of your mastery is in the clamping. I'm always surprised to see how you get the angles you do.

[@Val_Emrys]

This is how he earned The Clampmaster title.

[@VestigialHead]

@@Val_Emrys The Clampion

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you ! Me too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like this!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I'm going to use that!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: the Windsor chair looks great. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Carol!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Nice work Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. The Purple Glackers were chowing down on your bird seed. Y'all take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Ron! Oh yeah!

[@JamesDeese]

Like a master craftsman, you bring all the skills to even the simplest job, making it look not only easy but good! You even repaired the poor workmanship of another tradesman. Truly an artist!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@Tim-57]

Hello Tom Happy weekend to you and yours. Beautiful job. Take care

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, you too!

[@peteb2]

Thank you Tom, you have brought a moment of much quieter reflection upon the things in life that mater more to me than the week of silliness i have been experiencing! Lovely to watch you work & your devoted side kick supervising along the way!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I like that - it's a good feeling

[@sheilamashburn1795]

You sir are an artist of rare and considerable talents!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So nice!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Again, I see the wisdom in your work Mr. Johnson. That chair is so sturdy. Chair in beautiful. I enjoyed your video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you kindly!

[@lois4329]

Hi Thomas, once again your clever tips and tricks come to my aid! I had some 1920ish dining chairs repaired and all the dowels were too short and broke in no time….I am elated that I will now be able to fix the fix myself….thank you for this! 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck!

[@lois4329]

@@johnsonrestoration hi tested on one rung and seems like I can handle it….whoot whoot 😂

[@queenbee3647]

Good job Thom! 👍 Ella is starting to look her age. Hope she is well. 🌹

[@johnsonrestoration]

Aren't we all? But yes, I don't like seeing it! Thanks

[@kenc2257]

That is certainly a very nice chair. Lovely work on the repair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@TealCheetah]

Ella is a good helper as always

[@johnsonrestoration]

Always! Thanks!

[@ginalou5774]

Your supervisor was keeping a close eye on your work there Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Always! Thanks!

[@Teacher2051]

Loved the tricks to get the right angles, distances and also to level the chair. It’s incredible what a good clean can achieve.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Totally agree! Thanks!

[@coreygrua3271]

“That’s a new word for me.” Something about that sentence keys me into why I like these videos and have given them so many hours for so many years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks

[@greendrake8864]

Thank you Sir. Always a learning experience.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@nandi123]

New intro..."I am Tom and this is Ella Bean Johnson from Gorham, Maine." :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

I should! Thanks!

[@davechapman1371]

Subscribed. Great content. I’m a mover so it’s nice to see how all the stuff we break gets repaired.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! So you’re the guy that keeps us so busy!

[@damogranheart5521]

Well the piece looks pretty good and so does Ella and the little candle table and your slate or soap stone hearth!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I like those shots in the house

[@Troot51]

It is my understanding that the line of furniture restoration products from Howard Products has a California connection. The story I’ve always heard was that Mr. Howard (a chemist by trade) was unhappy with the choices he had among various products that were available to restore the finishes on antique furniture. Being a chemist, it wasn’t long before he created a solution that had the desired effect on the surfaces of his antique furniture. I believe this took place in the city of Pasadena, California, although now they are based in Paso Robles, CA. In any event, that was the genesis of a successful business dealing in restoration supplies for restorers of antique furniture. The orange oil/ beeswax Tom uses is one of Howard’s more popular products. When we had our shop, we’d order it in 5 gallon tubs. Good stuff !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hey Dean! I like that story! The only thing we've never liked about the product is it's name! My brother Greg told Howard that and it was not well received. What do we know?

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent restoration 👍👍👍Thank you for sharing. Be safe

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Beautiful job Tom!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@christopherleenknecht920]

Great job Thomas 👍 👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kieran.stafford]

Love that old dog Tom. Hope he has a nice comfy bed in the house with you all. He's old now and deserves a little love.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She does! But a lot of time she likes the concrete floor. It's funny

[@wayneshirey6999]

Nice work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Wayne!

[@agjohnsonandson]

Excellent as always. As you know, I am in the midst of several Windsor chair repairs. It is refreshing to see the same clamping challenges. The doweling jig is brilliant.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Windsors can be quite the challenge!

[@ChipKingsbury]

Another great repair job. Your ability to line things up so all the parts come together correctly is so much fun to watch. Amazing. I also love the rhino mug!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks! I will be thinking of Kenya whenever I'm using it

[@billballeza377]

Learned a lot about this process should it ever be needed. Thank you, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@georgecunningham9175]

My mental collection of jigs and clamp arrangements had to be rearranged to add these genius examples to the cerebral filing cabinet...................you never cease to amaze and enthrall!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice. I like the cerebral filing cabinet

[@steliosstavrinides3502]

What a great thing is to watch master Tom in action, teaching us all his techniques. Those cleverly made center jigs have helped me allot and the first one did not fail the center, just by accident when you where drawing the center find diagonals the ruler slipped and the X was not in center. Love the way you cut those legs half the way each and especially the trick with the tape following the cast iron top... A very big thank you Sir... Happy Easter Holidays

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, the method is not fool proof! But it all worked out. Happy Holidays to you too!

[@richardcary978]

Very nice repair Tom. Looks great! I’ve seen many chairs like that put out at the curb for trash pickup. Not enough people with your experience to tackle the challenge of keeping them in service.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍 True...

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Beautiful job, beautiful chair!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@1Fmarcel]

That is a beautiful chair!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It is!

[@richardroy61]

8:17 ... This is one of those "Why didn't I think of that" moments. A simple and yet not obvious solution that I will take to my shop. Thanks Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It's all about sharing

[@seloss5734]

Well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jaybrown3953]

Amazing work Thomas. Thanks for sharing..

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@theredrover3217]

Love to see your side kick paying close attention. Wishing I had that front row seat. 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She loves it!

[@kcrot2566]

I think it looks amazingly good

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelpage7691]

I have been waiting with anticipation. As you know, I love watching your work. 👍🏻😁🇦🇺

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@robbiemer8178]

And another well done and thoughtful repair. Thank you for sharing this--and all the others--with us! I can't think of the last time I saw a chair with the grain running across the seat, that seems unusual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Not unusual on English Windsors

[@joedominick7517]

Tom, Excellent video instruction!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@allisonhendrix6008]

Thank you sir! I was looking for a way to repair and restore the dining chairs (and table) that my mom and her siblings grew up eating in and around, and then for many years a rotation of 12 grandkids, plus extended family for holidays. No one wanted/needed it after my grandparents died, but I remembered it well, and in fact was in need of a dining table to suit my own growing family. I must have blocked the wobbly chairs from my memory because now I have work to do. I am baffled at how you created the dowels, but I believe that I will be able to figure it out from your video and some additional research. Thanks again!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, go for it! For old windsors, try using "Wonder Loc Em" on loose joints that are too complicated to take apart.

[@trolltaker]

I just want you to know that you add to my life, Tom. I look forward to your videos. Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! That's nice. And the reverse is true! My fans add to mine

[@markjewers8914]

Thank you sir! Another fine video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@conraddelia8573]

From a winsor chairmaker Chester vermont. Good job Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate that coming from a maker!

[@rogermiller2159]

I appreciate when you tell exactly the products and tools you use and how long it takes and when something doesn’t go well. Wax and shellac along with other things have individual characteristics. If I use a different wax or other process and you use “basically “ the same thing the results may be different.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, exactly. Actually I resisted giving the product names for awhile because I didn't want people to get hung up on a particular product, when everything you need is right down at your locally owned hardware store

[@tombarlow6176]

Thomas you are a master artisan

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@cogidubnus1953]

I think it looks pretty amazing...more to the point it'll survive good usage pretty amazing...for years and years!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I hope so! Thanks!

[@bunsoft2]

Really nice job. Thank you for the upload and for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@tonchwho7816]

An entertaining watch, as ever. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@vermilionbaylodge]

Wonderful craftmanship skills, as usual. I'm impressed with the concentration of your 4 legged supervisor. What a good dog.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! Yes, she is!

[@oneshotme]

It looks great and you did an excellent job restoring it!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up for support

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@MarcvanExel]

Marvelous job, it looks as good as new again. Have a great weekend Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Marc! You too!

[@juliettpapa]

How to watch a Thomas Johnson Video: anticipation - click LIKE Button - watch - share and recommend Greetings from Brandenburg/Germany

[@geoffreykeane4072]

Exactly!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@gregmorrical2283]

What a cool jig you made! I’m taking notes…

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! Thanks!

[@stargazer1436]

Love watching you work your presision is enjoyable to watch. spelling wrong oh well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍