Repairing an Antique Slant Top Desk - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@OwlingDogDesign]

When Tom Johnson says, "It looks pretty good," you know that means it looks fantastic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gregmarston9782]

Simply, a superb job Tom and thank you for sharing this job with all your fans!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! It means a lot to me

[@gregmarston9782]

I am not even half way through the video and I am singing praises too your work!! !

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are too kind!

[@DrGarri]

I live in Germany, in what used to be the Soviet part. Here most people want to get rid of their old furniture and buy plywood ones! As a hobby, and since I was a kid, I have loved repairing old stuff, especially furniture, so I go around looking for things, and sometimes I have found real treasures stored in a barn, things that the owners didn't even know were there! I love this gentleman's videos, I have learned many things watching them, I wish he could list the materials he uses, since in Germany they normally have very different names (like veneer, in Germany called Fournier). Many thanks for sharing your vast knowledge, from a fan in Leipzig.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And I'm sure you must find fabulous things in Europe!

[@sammyjo8109]

Older furniture in Germany is beautiful. I lived there for three years over 50 years ago. It is wonderful you are giving some old furniture new life. It is the same in the US with people now purchasing "throw away furniture." It is an IKEA world now.

[@DrGarri]

@@sammyjo8109 Yes, and sometimes I've gotten it for free, simply because people don't want to pay for the transport of their grandparent's old furniture to the disposal place! IKEA reigns supreme, my luck!

[@victoriamilonas1942]

The songbirds attracted to your feeders, the llamas and chickens, the dear old dog and I think I saw a cat - all mean we've had a show within the restoration show. What a treat!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We've got to have animals in our lives - keeps us grounded!

[@carriebtc]

Excellent job. The replacement knobs look more appropriate for the original style. Good choice. Thanks for sharing your craft Thom. Cheers

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! they did look good!

[@GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge]

Tom, you did it again...another success story!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@juliachennault7344]

I've seen so many people ask you if you would ever consider opening a school. This IS your school! I learn so much from your artistry! I squeal with joy when a new video is posted and savor it like a delicious meal 😊 it was lovely seeing your daughter! Hugs and many thanks! 😊 -Julia

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And yes, I think this is a better way to learn. That's my part time worker. My daughter's on her own, but not antique restoration. She's a good woodworker, but has to do her own thing!

[@58Kym]

Those brass knobs looks 100% better. I love that desk.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Who knew? The difference blew me away

[@Goku_Just_Sayin]

The Llama running after the Runner at the end is the cherry on top 🏃🏼🦙😅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maggiesue4825]

You know, I have an inkling that if I were to bring you my 1950s-era pine child's rocking chair with a broken rocker, you would treat it exactly as you do all those fine pieces of furniture you restore on your videos. The care and attention you give to EVERY piece is so impressive and beautiful to watch. I'm so glad you share your videos. I swear, if I lived closer to Maine, I'd haul my old upright piano in (and maybe my child's rocker, too!) for some TLC!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are exactly right! I don't judge a piece of furniture, maybe it's only value is sentimental, but it's more important to the owner than an expensive antique.

[@167curly]

You did a great job of fixing that desk, not only from abuse, but also formerly botched repairs with strange adhesives. Love your clever clamp work to fix the legs too.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I love finding ways to clamp things

[@JamesPollMaine59]

The new knobs make all the difference. Great work as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They really did!

[@jerryking7502]

Man, I would have loved to see that desk with it's original dark finish....Another awesome project!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I would have loved to restore the color. But I have to admit - it did look good the way it is!

[@susanvasquez3625]

I love the longer, more complete format... showing all the repairs and refinishing, instead of just concentrating on the feet, or some other individual aspect. Great job, as always... you do such beautiful work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@reginalawson8008]

Mr. Johnson I so enjoy your work! I will not comment on your expertise to which I have none. I'm amazed that many of the pieces that you work on come to you in a very dirty state. I would think that patrons would at least give their prized objects a good wipe down. I do realize that many are damaged because of disasters or have been in storage, but some care seems to be lacking. I personally would be embarrassed. I do so enjoy the nature scenes in your videos. Thanks for sharing!! :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And you are welcome! Well, pieces sit in one place for a long time and get a little dirty. If you take a large piece of furniture that's been in one spot for a long time and turn it over you will be amazed at what's under there!

[@cindystecker2698]

It looks incredibly sturdy now......and I love the use of CLAMPS!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Cindy!

[@debralpateart8862]

My grandfather worked in a Grand Rapids, Michigan furniture manufacturing company and purchased many "seconds" for his family home. I have inherited a few of them and use them in my home. I find it very interesting watching how you repair the old furniture, hopefully mine will be taken good care of long after I'm not around.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s great! I hope so too

[@robertcepelak7687]

Enjoyed watching you solve problems and deal with the issues in this project.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ronbarrie7057]

I always hit “like” before I even watch your videos Because I have never seen you make a bad video. 👍😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lawrencehead3722]

I do too. You beat me on saying it.

[@viscache1]

Another great video! My dad has done a lot of construction and woodwork he fancies himself a master....that white stuff reminds me of that years old white-ish caulking that he swore “All the professionals use!” Nothing I said even after 40+ years of restoration work could change his mind!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I can be stubborn too! If it's been working for 40 years he's not going to change now!

[@lethal0r]

Those handles at the end were absolute perfection

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They did work out really well. I was surprised at what a difference they made

[@msolbakken]

a lot of knowledge, workmanship and attention to detail

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@carolsmith9478]

Very glad you are back!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@timmyers4932]

I've watched a good percentage of your videos with open eyes. Sharing your craft is appreciated greatly; you've created a thorough, permanent library of techniques, approaches and patience. I've successfully attempted many things with the knowledge I've gleaned. This video in particular will be recalled. There's also one about reworking a Butler's Chest that I've viewed several times, as that the one that followed me home needs some serious, but delicate, attention. Best,

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! I'm so glad I have helped in some small way

[@michelleerickson9908]

Looks amazing! Changing out the knobs made a huge difference.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was amazing what a difference those knobs made. I wasn't expecting that!

[@cogidubnus1953]

Thought for a while there that you were going to be responsible for a worldwide clamp shortage...there's surely times your ingenuity knows no bounds! I always look forward to your postings and have never been disappointed... Glad to see the return of the funny looking goats :-) :-) :-) Cheers Dave

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And those are alpacas!

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@johnsonrestoration Well give them back to Al then! :-)

[@adhc8560]

As Norm Abrams on "This Old House" says, "You can never have too many clamps."

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

As always a joy to watch!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jwilhite68]

I love the work you do. You don't too much but just enough. The end result is excellent!! no harm done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Always my goal

[@Jeff-uy8xg]

Because I subscribe and watch these videos repeatedly, KZbin in their infinite wisdom recommends other furniture restoration channels however...these others truly suck in comparison. Tom rocks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I don't get a chance to watch other videos - I'm glad you like mine!

[@Tufrmone]

This is an excellent video. You are obviously a master expert cabinet maker. You have a great communicative ability. Very very useful and informative presentation.It is just amazing what you can learn by listening to these very short presentations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@mikethompson6713]

A year later and I’m watching again, hello Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MoggiesTen]

It looks beautiful with the new knobs! Good job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They made a huge difference!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. That wax flows like solder when you touch the hot knife to the wax and install it in the cracks. The desk looks great. Another very nice job. Y'all take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jaycorwin1625]

This was really interesting, esepcially seeiing that you did research for period handles. Really nice work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@AniaN8286]

I like your video very much. Intro always beautiful screen with wild animals. Inside very calm and thorough and factual explanation. At the end again beautiful view for restored furniture. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! I appreciate you watching!

[@TheThundercool]

That first clamping on the broken leg was a piece of art in itself, kind of amazing how many you fit in there

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@howardschaefer1445]

I've learned so much from you that I no longer fear having someone ask me to repair something. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@andreawalker2535]

Very handsome desk. A shape I really like. As usual, beautiful job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@elizabethbrower640]

That’s a nice desk. I love the dovetailing on the top and what a difference with the brass knobs!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's amazing what the new knobs did! I wasn't expecting that

[@n.rlanos1093]

Watching your videos is like a meditation on craftsmanship and patience. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@imxploring]

Looks BEYOND good Tom! Fantastic job restoring and repairing a beautiful piece that's now ready for another 200 years of service!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@131dyana]

I had no idea what a real restoration was like. It takes hours to do a good job. Thank you for showing this to us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@fiwoodart]

I am a big fan of your work. Never missed a single video of yours. Your meticulous explanations of each step of the process of restoration is really outstanding. Please keep the videos coming Tom. All the best.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I intend to!

[@elainegeiszler9878]

You are a true artist with wood.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@fatersaadatniaki]

Tom have you ever come to a project where you thought oh boy I’m not sure if this could even be fixed?! I personally thought this is way over my head can handle it the side walls were completely smashed.... I cannot admire your patience and perseverance... I wished our generation could learn more from you these videos are character building for me

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Fater! I good example would be the tall clock video I put up a few weeks ago. It looked hopeless.

[@fatersaadatniaki]

@@johnsonrestoration still I consider not reveneering the front case a smart move cuz it was ruining the natural occurrence that was its history to a great extent

[@Dan-jq8se]

Tom, great repair project...thank you for your tutorial on clamping and patience.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Joe1935429]

I love these kinds of projects you do, lots of repairs and do-overs. I love to see those things that have been battered and/or neglected, brought back to life and purpose, with visible scars (life's mile markers). No one does it better, Tom. Hear! Hear!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! I like the phrase "life's mile markers" I'm going to use that!

[@steveherring6660]

very nice thomas. im just amazed what people sell as antiques. i have a friend that lives in a house built around 1805. the first floor has all period correct furniture. she bought a pie safe that was suppose to be from mid 1700. it was in real sad shape. i had to take it down to the frame and put it back together. i put no finish on it at all. i took over 100 20th century nails out of it threw them away. there were only 6 i think period correct nails in it i put them all back in it. it came out very nice.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It sounds like you did a good job!

[@shariarnold9649]

Beautifully restored! I am sure your client will be pleased. The new knobs were perfect too. You are quite the craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@rosecullen1010]

I think I’ve become addicted to you. I look at every piece of furniture differently now. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rgr3427]

I think you used more clamps on that one leg than I have in my shop :) A great video with amazing craftsmanship, as always. Thank you sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I wanted to use more but I couldn't fit them on !

[@coppersundae]

Absolutely love how the animals always factor into the video. Thank you for sharing your masterful skills. I'm addicted.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! I love the animals too!

[@mateuszwojtas87]

I love watching your videos, your vast knowledge and level of skill is amazing to watch. You're an amazing professional, wish you best!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Best to you also!

[@popazz1]

The addition of the correct era handles/knobs instantly sits well with me ...... notwithstanding all the repair and restoration of the framework etc, of course. This is a beautiful desk/bureau, my grandmother inherited hers from her great grandmother. Strangely, after my grandmother's death no-one seems to know what happened to it! I rather suspect my Mother didn't want it in the house so likely 'persuaded' my Father to give it away.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the knobs worked out great! Too bad about your's

[@craigathonian]

Another beautiful job ! It's really a shame for these kinds of pieces that better feet weren't designed & produced. Old casements like this beauty were, not always but most, were made with the "glue blocks" for support, and sadly most the blocks came loose and the owners, not knowing any better, just tossed them...which then stressed and cracked the outer feet....leading to the feet being shortened or entirely replaced. Another detail that cracked me up watching you tackle this carcass, is the sizes of these pieces. They are usually large, but what people forget is how much smaller humans were in the not to far back past. I guess keeping up with the Joneses in appearances' came down to who had the bigger house AND bigger furniture 😲 Thanks Tom for another great educational and enjoyable production. ❣

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good insights - it sounds like you have experience with this type of foot arrangement

[@mrsillywalk]

I love that honey color wood and such a nice sized piece. I have an Irish oak desk on a grand scale, built in Dublin c1730 which was vandalized by a drunk looking for secret compartments [which it has]. It is a very deep black now. I have had it for forty years and now i am too old to get round to a repair. Someone else will have the pleasure, while mine is watching you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, although it has been refinished, it is a beautiful color

[@gayle525]

Excellent repair. You made it look beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LyndsayGibson]

Delighted to have your KZbin channel back!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! me too!

[@taytase]

Somewhere out there is a university that owes you an honorary doctorate in wood-ology. You treat every piece that comes your way like a treasure, and thanks to you, it is again!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@francoisfouche2568]

Pretty good you say, for being just about 200 years old, I'd say it looks fantastic !! Your patience is commendable ! Very neat little blocks with the notches cut out to fit around the outside of the legs during glue up, I'll definitely remember that one. Thanks for the video T!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome!

[@wwjudasdo]

I am with you virtually and as you explain things to me I nod and agree. I say, "Yep, you're probably right".

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Talking to a screen? I love it!

[@eddylonergan142]

Lovely Job and well done. The white stuff is wrigley's spearmint chewing gum. I chewed tons of it as a kid.used to stick it under my school desk till breaktime.

[@johnsonrestoration]

So you're the one!

[@robertbamford8266]

Good for another 200 years. I appreciate the “almost forgot”s!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry I missed your comment!)

[@alanconnors8881]

Your gratification must be the reveal to the customer. Such beautiful work. I'm in my 60s now but worked in my parents antique business as a teen. I really appreciate your restorations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! My customers are the best!

[@happygardener28]

A wonderful job repairing the cracked side, it looked like it had been dropped down steps during a move. Taken from a possible trip to the rubbish heap to a beautiful piece to be cared for and cherished.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@alisonhill2210]

Great job and very well-edited video. Thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Wow! Can't believe its been a year since the last time I viewed this, but as always I come away learning something new each time the more I look the more I learn, but most of all the more I enjoy myself. Thanks again Tom for all that you do. it is appreciated. Regards Ellis

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@geirrosset]

Great job. Love seeing these old items brought back to life!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@olgapaulus7299]

This is one of my many favorites. I get a little sad when the end of the restoration is complete because your videos are so interesting to watch and learn. Thank you Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@donaldswink6259]

Beautiful restoration job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

Great work, as always, Tom! Wonderful choice with the new knobs, they completely change the aesthetic of the piece and make it look much more refined.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was amazed at the difference!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Great job. Thanks!

[@QueenCityHistory]

Larry your channel is fantastic too!! I never miss you or Toms videos!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I agree!

[@ferraridinoman]

Phew! A lot of work! Great work all the same Young Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Sir!

[@mikethompson6713]

209 years old. Awesome repair Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's hard to believe sometimes. If only they could talk

[@thegamerlmao364]

I just discovered your site and love it. I like to find old pieces that most people would just trash and give them new life. Your videos are a great inspiration. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jameskarwacki7092]

Thomas I appreciate the fact that you just do what is necessary to affect a repair rather than major redo. I believe that toouch would alter the value. Just my thought's.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, my goal is to disturb the piece as little as possible

[@kaycox5555]

Your patience and detail is astounding. Well done, again!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LifeSavingDefense]

Thank you for your work and videos. My Mahogany slant top has 2 original clear glass knobs on the only outside drawer and is from the 20-30s best I can figure out. My family who would know have passed away but I do know my grandmother had it when my mom born 1938 was little.There are no names or markings on it except for 398 and 20 pressed into the back of the insert inside the desk and the 2 small drawers which have small round wooden knobs. Research shows the same glass knobs on a Landstrom secretary.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's interesting. I don't see too many pieces with glass knobs. Too bad there's no manufacturers name

[@VintageTexas59]

Excellent work as usual !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@barbaracatalano6299]

Looks fantastic!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MystiqueULH]

Those brass knobs look so much better than the old wooden knobs looks so much more elegant. Unfortunately knobs like that can't be found in the local hardware stores and even if they look like it mostly they are just brass plated or even cheap plastic. You must have a ton of saved stuff that you accumulated over the years. I love that. Personally I am not too crazy about the blond woods I prefer cherry and mahogany with the warm reds. But you made this desk look like showroom new.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, those knobs made a huge difference! They're new, I got them from either Ball & Ball or Horton Brasses

[@davidkelsey2864]

Another great job by the master. So good to see another of your videos of your work,

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rogerscottcathey]

Side glue up was superb.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@robbiterry38]

just wanted to say, you do really good work. i have been woodworking for about 40 years, and love it. love watching your videos, have learned alot from watching. keep up the good work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@shellyweb]

Missed you Tom! Amazing work as usual, what a beauty this piece!Cheers from Singapore

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm trying to put out 2 per month (it's tough though!)

[@tancerkakaskaderka]

great final effect and great closing alpaca :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@TealCheetah]

those new nobs look SO much better!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Don't they? Who knew? Thanks

[@scrapperdscrapperj3948]

Beautiful well done job 👍👍. I think it looks mighty fine 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Siansonea]

Love it. I find myself playing along, trying to anticipate where you're going to use hide glue, epoxy, or wood glue. I love seeing everything brought back to its original glory, and the new knobs on this piece really turn this piece into something special.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! The difference with the brass knobs surprised me too!

[@RichardDKneller]

A master at work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@barrysheridan9186]

More magic Tom. Very good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@lynvoyager5976]

What an amazing lady brought back to her full beauty. Thanks for another riveting video Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@joycecarter4597]

This was a great video. I love the repair work you did, and even the work that was done before and you redid because it wasn't aligned well! I always say it, and will continue to say it. ..I love watching your videos. I think you're the best at what you do! Keep these videos coming! Great job Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I really appreciate you being such a good fan!

[@joycecarter4597]

@@johnsonrestoration You make it very easy sir! You are amazing!

[@wandaarganbright4056]

I inherited many pieces from grandparents. I bless the day I found your channel! I'm working on a pedestal table and a dresser at the moment. I get such great information, techniques and tips from you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thanks for watching! I'm so glad that I can help

[@orangeorchid9067]

I love to hear your thought process when you work. Awesome as always, keep up the good work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@benefitthirteen]

I think one of the things I appreciate when watching you work is your ability to know where to draw the line on repairs. I know I'd have the tendency to want to disassemble everything - leaving me with a heap of miscellaneous pieces strewn about, along with the bewildered look on my face wondering what the heck just happened.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's exactly what happens!

[@aixpert291]

Your work is truly amazing. You make it seem so simple and obvious what to do. What a pleasure to watch and learn! Thank you for doing this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@reiteralbert3118]

Amazing work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cajunfid]

Those new period correct knobs made such an amazing difference.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was surprised too