Repairing an 18th Century Stool - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine turns his attention to this antique stool in need of some repairs. 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).

[@sarahschmidt4177]

Mr. Johnson, you do such patient, methodical, expert craftsmanship. You take something damaged and make it smile again; you are a creator of beauty. Thank you for sharing your impressive skills!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome Sarah! I appreciate it

[@MusicalBox]

In the early 80's, on Friday nights I was excited at the prospect of going out to have a beer with friends and ask girls to dance. On this Friday night of January 2021, I'm all happy to find out Thomas Johnson uploaded a new repair video :D

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's good! That was a long time ago! It's amazing.....

[@lindagates9150]

My Dad was a chair rescuer a poor abandoned chair on the side of the road or in the village dump would be given a new life . Forty years ago my husband bought ten chairs from the Odd Fellows hall when they were updating to plastic and metal chairs Dad thought that they needed his tender loving care, he took years of crusty black off of them to reveal ten wonderful low arm chairs . I have no idea how many he worked on over the years ... all of this just to say I wish that I could share your videos with him he would have loved them, as much as I do perhaps more than that !👍👍👍👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

[@maggiesue4825]

Your memories of your dad are priceless. Thanks for sharing them!!

[@lindagates9150]

@@maggiesue4825 I agree that my memories are priceless I think that this the first time I have shared a story about Dad that caused my eyes to tear up don’t worry I am smiling too. So many good memories of a good man and a good father!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I also would give anything if my Dad could see these videos!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes

[@lindagates9150]

@@johnsonrestoration how lucky we were to have had our Dads in our lives to have felt their love and given them ours there are many people in my heart my parents grandparents aunts and uncles I am thankful for the love that they felt for me and that I gave them my love in return. I think that they would have enjoyed watching the videos and that your dad would take pride in having had a hand in shaping the man who you are today.

[@rleasyjams7743]

I can watch this guy all day long. So relaxing. The Don Williams of furniture restorations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@stephenhenion8304]

A man of "True Character ". Not only does he make mistakes, they're "Classic Mistakes ". Happens to me all the time. That's how U Learn!! Great video, thanks for posting it!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Well said! Thanks."show me a man who's not making mistakes and I'll show you a man who's not doing anything!"

[@goofe.washington953]

This is zen.....like all of his videos, very calming. And the picture of the bird, at the beginning and the end, is fabulous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@chongtak]

I absolutely love this kind of furniture, it's sturdy and rustic. The style I have grown up with.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was unfamiliar with it, but now I love it too. I hope to build a similar piece

[@carlaburdick5288]

I have never seen anything like it.

[@ruthfedrau5546]

Loved that picture of this stool all refurbished in a finished room against the wall. Looks great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jotakresp509]

Your videos are strangely relaxing for me, I'm glad I found you. My respects, Maestro.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@58Kym]

I thought the section showing the stool dressed and in use against a wall really showcased its loveliness!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@moe9265]

You, me, and wine...so relaxing and you are so professional at your craft.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@Tinker1950]

It's good to se these videos both for the pleasure of watching a knowledgeable expert at work and to learn techniques and what finishes to apply.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@geekbruin]

The ghost of some long-dead craftsperson is yelling at their screen, “I made a mistake and no one was supposed to see those extra holes!”

[@TheMorrocus]

Exactly! That was my idea, too )) Fabulous work as always, Maestro!

[@dadams9158]

Or uh oh I took it apart and didn't mark the parts, oh well no one will ever know. 2021...DOH!

[@forestlakedrive]

To your point, I think the person that made this coined “measure twice...”

[@TheLoxxxton]

I was wondering if it was made with wood from another stool or piece of furniture? Kind of ye olde recycling!

[@dadams9158]

Good thinking @@TheLoxxxton

[@conniehusband1365]

Gorham, Maine. Love the flora and the fauna that you so generously share with your viewers. A little bit of Paradise.

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is! We feel very fortunate to live here

[@AnastasiaRomanov-w9x]

It’s beautiful on his little farm. At least from where I sit it is.

[@joycecarter4597]

No matter what you do, you do it with such precision and detail! Professionalism.... this generation will never live up to your standards sir, and that's a shame. From what I see on other channels, and even in my own experiences nobody pays attention and treats your property like Thomas Johnson does! You're awesome! Thank you for being you! Can't wait for the next one! Take care, and God bless. ❤👍😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments! You take care also!

[@keithskowron881]

The Bob Ross of restoration, so ASMR to watch

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@V.Hansen.]

Imagine how happy a piece of furniture is when it’s taken to this shop. In loving and skilled hands. Beautiful piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like to think so too

[@pauladams7828]

I've been working with wood for 70 yrs (started at 10) . It gives me joy to see someone who still uses some of the same tools I have. (not many people use a 6 ft. folding rule any more). Your lathe looks like the one that I learned on in 1950s. Keep up the good work. I've had to downsize because of age and gave up my farm with 30 acres and my shop in a 36' x 36" barn.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Paul! I love the old tools too. I often think about the time when I'll have to give all this up

[@pauladams7828]

@@johnsonrestoration It's not much fun to give up what you love, but I kept some tools so I do get to do some things. Thanks for your videos. I think they look pretty good.

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Am I the only one who is truly impressed at the durability of that piece (oak)...with little to no rot, negligible insect invasiveness, and reasonably moderate wear? I really appreciate the fact that when strengthening the base (legs and cross tenons) you squared it up (adding integrity) and in so doing discovered that the top couldn't abide that....and so, the Thomas Johnson touch of craft to the rescue! Great restoration (and historical context) my friend....best wishes and a big hug for Ella.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Definitely durable! This thing will be around forever! Hug delivered.....

[@chazzyb8660]

I added a comment below, that perhaps it was part of a set of stools, disassembled and then reassembled when transported on a cart (or wagon), or even over the ocean. And, of course, they hadn't marked each piece with a numbered sticker, so that they got mixed up, presumably more than once, hence the multiple holes. . Either way, you did (as ever) a lovely job of putting it together again. Keep well, and have a great 2021. PS. You do have some very beautiful small song(?) birds over there.

[@cogidubnus1953]

Yes I reckon that's a sound enough thought and very likely!

[@alangknowles]

Most likely explanation. Well thought through!

[@inkydoug]

Yeah, my first thought was that some of the pieces were from similar but not identical furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I thought that is a good theory

[@johnsonrestoration]

I agree

[@steverundle8635]

Mrs. Rundle here.2:00 AM,can’t sleep, getting A glass of milk. When what do my wondering eyes appear...... but a beautiful old bench which is coming apart at its seams and the great Thomas in Gotham Maine, ALLELUIA. GOD IS GOOD.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope it put you to sleep!

[@gloriaguzman729]

Amazing job,once again Mr. Johnson!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@yeagerxp]

Awesome!!! Another Tom Johnson video during lock down here in Toronto, Canada. If it wasn't for quality stuff like your videos I would go NUTS. Only leaving house for food and medicine. The definition of going nuts. Awesome 👍👍👍Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! hang in there!

[@tetreaulthank4068]

Thomas, I was thrilled when I saw you were returning those period square riven pegs back in those original “Draw-Bored” Holes and had not re-drilled with a larger drill and sunk dowels into the top as someone who has no clue on how a period joined or Joyned stool was originally made from the green white or red oak tree, plus you also left the original square pegs back in their holes holding the top back on. Well done Thomas ! The holes were as you probably know were sometimes drilled at an angle slanted away from the vertical words the outside to prevent it from pulling loose. Very rare stool Indeed. The owners brought it to the right restorer, You were absolutely correct when you stated those stools were never glued, only draw-bored. Thank you, most would never have an opportunity To see a 16th or 18th joyned stool disassembled !

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I really appreciate it

[@scottgoldsbery3154]

I love seeing you leave all the antique on there 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@robertmccracken72]

17th century up-cycling??? It is a beautiful little stool, and I agree it looks like it may have been put together from used or repurposed parts. The finished product is great, makes a wonderful little table! Thank you so much for sharing,

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@167curly]

What a charming older piece you've restored there, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@barrymartin7085]

As a restorer myself I draw a lot of inspiration from your videos and it's nice to learn new skills from a master craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I really appreciate positive feedback from other tradesmen

[@onesixfive]

My OCD insisted that I would make the boards fit together flush. That’s why you are a renowned restorer and I watch videos on KZbin. I think it looks pretty good! Thank you Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh, I wanted too! But common sense prevailed

[@keithhaycraft3765]

I really enjoy Thomas' videos! He gives very detailed commentary on what he is doing & isn't boastful, usually saying he thinks his ideas will work but doesn't boast that they will. If anyone is seeking tutorial style videos, Thomas supplies those well!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice

[@janetdupree6353]

Another excellent restoration. While that stool was clunky and downright homely, it look rather handsome once restored and cleaned up. Thanks for sharing your remarkable skills on KZbin.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It did come out nice!

[@harrisonandrew]

Outstanding. Watching your videos has educated me in how old furniture should be tastefully restored. Prior to this I would want to sand everything back to bare wood and then refinish it so it would be all smooth and perfect. I now see that’s the last thing one should do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it took a while for me to figure that out too

[@glenw.3813]

Awesome Mr. Tom. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Something to learn each time. Take care!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Always love watching you!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much!

[@stevenpressley5956]

Again, Tom you are the man.. Nice job 👊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pennymoreland836]

I don’t know how I missed this video. I enjoyed watching you take this stool apart and remakes it. Always a joy to watch your craftsmanship. Have a great weekend!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@jenford7078]

I purposefully waited to view this on Sunday morning with my coffee, I knew it would set the tone for a good day.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@anndoig2459]

Thank you Thomas - another interesting masterclass restoration of an object from a lost world

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@rosalindaestrada5314]

Like always Mr. J....it looks pretty good....greetings from Pasadena, Texas.....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@Joe1935429]

They built the daylights out of it originally and well an good they did because it has had a long rough life. Another survivor comes into your hands and it gets added life, beauty, and toughness. Love it that you still speak of mistakes and learning in the course of your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@markduncan6690]

Very soothing for my “ jagged nerves”! One more fine in class session!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@joanneshellings5457]

Again a nice renovation of this beautiful stool with respect for the way it was build originally. Like it!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@AK-Star007]

Sir you always do next level restorations

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@airingcupboard]

Lovely functional piece. Sensitive restoration as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jeanine6492]

It’s nice to know I’m not the only one that might have some ‘secrets’ inside mortise and tenon joints on the odd occasion 😂 thanks for the video, very educational.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the person who built this never dreamed anyone would see their work!

[@randyattwood]

That was quite a challenge. Love watching your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much!

[@deettekearns9092]

As always, it looks great!!! Thanks for the video!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!

[@hawkowldolphin]

Thanks for all the great videos. I am using all the techniques you use in different ways. Aside from being incredibly relaxing, informative and inspiring, they make you want to cut something, chisel something and definitely glue something. I tossed a perfectly good Windsor chair. If I had see your videos could have repaired it easily.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Too bad about the chair - good luck on future projects

[@patjohnson3100]

Meticulous restoration. I'm glad a piece of furniture that old fell into the hands of a professional. I think a novice could have been fooled by what it would take to properly return this furniture to a useful life and still preserve its historical construction and authenticity. After 300 plus years, my joints would be loose, too. Inspiring work. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@philipmarley4302]

always a joy to watch work long may it continue

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so too

[@pgrieco56]

what a beautiful stool. great job tom!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@tintogranreserva]

This is still after years one of my favorit YT channels. Sometimes I find my self with a half face smile fitting some stuff and putting in practice what I learned from you. Thank you Tom!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for being such a loyal fan

[@woodybeck8966]

As always enjoyed your craftsmanship. Showing us your mistake and your recovery was particularly instructive. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@BeauChampion]

Super neat! This is the first time I've seen a piece (originally) assembled without glue or mechanical fasteners disassembled and reassembled. So cool to see how things were built a couple of hundred years ago.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is!

[@conorpodonoghue]

Another excellent video - many thanks for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@swedishchefdave49]

What a wonderful restoration, I wish I had 10 of those around the house

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They would come in handy!

[@MissSassySuzie]

Can you do a house tour of all your personal antiques?!?! I’d love to see!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We've been thinking of making a video of our house. This year the house celebrates it's 250th anniversary

[@figrollin]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@rheffner3]

As usual, looks pretty darn good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jackiebeauty9007]

So happy to see you and nice work🤗💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scrapperdscrapperj3948]

Beautifully done ✅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@glencrandall7051]

Another project brought to a successful conclusion. Great finish. Made it look good without destroying the wear and tear. Thank you for sharing. Have a great 2021 and stay healthy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And the same for you!

[@Richie8a8y]

What a handsome looking stool. You did a nice job sobering the old boy up Tom! Looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@dadams9158]

This one took some major skills and experience to figure out. Imagine running into this one with little experience, oof! That brixwax worked well leaving all the patina. I love the smell of brixwax. Wonderful video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, good stuff!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

You have a few years to go yet Tom! Hang in there! and keep up the great videos! And thanks again for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I will

[@janis6363]

There wasn’t anything wrong with it but you did extend the antique life span of the stool. Old things like that are priceless, I think. Watching you tear it down was an education in eighteenth century carpentry too. That’s very interesting. Well done for me. Thank you for sharing.😊👋🏼

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! It is so interesting to see what others have done

[@SparrowStockwell]

Really good work, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@commonsense2469]

Excellent work as usual! Thank you for the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@angelamoran1479]

Excellent videography, and as usual an amazing transformation. Thank you for continuing to post your videos, many of us look so forward to your posts.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! more to come......

[@christineingram55]

One thing for sure ,none of today’s furniture will last as long as this rather simple yet beautiful piece of furniture.You restored it perfectly .Now with love and care it will live on for many more years 🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@joann5157]

I had to laugh at the "spaces" you left between the boards forming the top of the stool. It reminded me of my childhood and how my family avoided sitting in a certain church pew that we called "the butt pincher." LOL

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks! Well, hopefully it will be used as a table and not a stool!

[@1973thebigd]

proper job mr johnson as always looking forward to the next repair thanks stay safe

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@jeffj2495]

It does look pretty good indeed. That is a nice antique addition to any period house.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@LarryDoolittle]

The top alignment was a challenge but not for the master. I love the photos of the placement in a home when finished.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@byrnejr]

Looks Awesome Tom! Real nice job . Nice to see you Thanks for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@kenc2257]

What an interesting piece. Didn't know the history behind early-American 4-legged stools. Wonderful restoration (and it does make a very nice little table).

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! There doesn't seem to be an American equivalent

[@Cradley684]

Got there in the finish Thomas, great job, You Stay Safe Now !!!.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@kennethleslie9414]

Another great job Tom, your skill makes me very jealous, looking forward to the next one

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thanks

[@georgettedenholm477]

I was only looking for how to remove varnish from Victorian chest of drawers, so I can re-stain to make them as dark as possible. But no, I found you Tom and I've been stuck watching your magic ,why are you not my neighbor ,just WHY. Still no further on with my how to, but what a great find you've been. Also love your wee dog, who seems to just plod about. Well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Sorry to distract you from the project on hand! I will tell my wife how you described Ella as a "wee dog". She'll have something to say about that!

[@donaldholman9070]

What a great old piece

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks!

[@vulgivagu]

I have restored furniture here in England for years and I think you are right about the age. You would be amazed how much a 17th century one in good condition is worth!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I'm learning a lot about these stools!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

Humble pieces have such an appeal. It looks pretty good alright!

[@johnsonrestoration]

It does! Thanks!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Yet again Tom, a Masterclass in sympathetic restoration. It's so relaxing, watching you work, ad of course, the finished item is spectacular ! Thank you for your videos. Take care and stay safe :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! you too!

[@sandrawest4118]

Absolute perfection! It looks so pretty in it's room. The little colorful birds are looking for Spring...we are too. Thank you for another interesting video. Peace💫

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@gianluigimarino8264]

there he is.... Good morning. Thom! Other spectacular work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@marchu50]

Great restoration. Nice video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jamesveach6918]

You are such a professional at restoring furniture i can tell you love your work and it shows.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@mickwilson127]

Wonderful skills Tom 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Well being an old Crusty born, New Englander, from Western Ma. that looked to me like some good old Yankee ingenuity, repurposed to another life. And brought back to life by a Skilled New England Craftsman. Thanks again Tom for another enjoyable, and once again tutorial on how to revive something old and worth dong.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Will I get crusty too?

[@patientorlando1306]

It just goes to show that no matter how humble a piece of furniture - it all gets the same "Thomas treatment" be being treated with care, attention to detail, curiosity, and, above all, respect for the integrity of the piece. Love your work Mr Johnson!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words

[@kayleedavis5832]

Another great video! Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mossmonaco9061]

Beautiful finish. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@josephkerley363]

Another fine job. Easy one this time and it looks great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jimiblue1277]

The maestro at work! Well done as usual!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you kindly!

[@Joannesyoga]

Great stuff, thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@labrat7357]

Thanks for another top video. You have far more self control than I do. With the chance to close those gaps in the top, I could not have contained myself. I would have been working out the smallest acceptable gap that would not be too small. I'm afraid I do not have the soul of a restorer/conservator. All the best.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I know exactly what you mean. But it did look good with the gaps. Notice I did make the gaps nice and straight and even!

[@barneykennett9282]

Very nice Thomas...👍.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@jdhtyler]

Thank you for showing all the problems it makes for better understanding. I am used to working with metal and tighter tolerances, it is hard for me to let go with precision and work with wood it a way that common sense allowing wood to do what it wants to do is MOVE and SHIFT over time. I am sure all the metal work I have done will never last as long as this table-stool. I am learning a lot from you. I found some of my apprenticeship metalwork test pieces you would be surprised at what we were made to do with a chisel and a draw file back in 1979. If you want some pictures let me know. It is not about what I did, it is more about what you can be trained to do. UK engineering EITB training in Hand tools - machining lathe, miller, shaper - electrical - sheet metal etc.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! This sounds interesting! Email: [e-mail]

[@rgr3427]

Love the wooden pegs, almost made it thru without any nails. Love the old world craftsmanship for just a “stool”. Gotta love the hidden pegs and shims, keeps you thinking....Thank you sir for saving this piece of history.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@asmith515151]

Looks like it belongs in the great hall of a castle. Very nice!

[@johnsonrestoration]

It does! Thanks!