Restoring a Masterpiece - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this iconic Mid Century masterpiece, a Hans Wegner chair of teak... or is it? 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).

[@RumMonkeyable]

From Empire to Danish Modern, Mr. Johnson can restore them all! Great restoration! Matching the existing finish is one of your remarkable skills! 💪👍👏✨❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sistermarysusanne7679]

Every time you walk into your workshop alone I miss your dog. He was so sweet.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! At first I didn't want to do it. Thanks

[@Just2dreamsaway]

@sistermarysusanne7679 She; her name was Ella😁

[@marekpaul6110]

The master of his craft demonstrating his skill and attention to detail. As always a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@danthefurniturerepairman9411]

Dan the Furniture Repair Man there are how to videos that will help you. Dan has 2 restoration shops in southern California and posts ‘How To’ videos on You Tube to share his knowledge. KZbin Channel kzbin.info/door/b6kJCXoWz-4QIrCYnLfD_A

[@jaycorwin1625]

I enjoyed this. I don't think I could watch for a while because, goofy as it sounds, I missed your co-star. Dogs have always had a huge place in my heart.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jay. It is very difficult for me to do shots like when I come in in the morning. I miss her all the time

[@jaycorwin1625]

​@@johnsonrestoration I don't know if there is a special term to describe pet widowhood but there should be because it is a particular type of deep mourning.

[@jpjpvds]

When I see you working with wood I think of my relationship with my wife. I mean, after 25 years you know eachother so well that sometimes you finish the others thoughts and sentences. You know what the wood needs and wants before it even knows itself!! Beautiful restauration once again!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's a good analogy!

[@sixxx1]

Love when he says, "i think it looks pretty good" Leaves the piece looking mint 👌🏽 for it's age...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope we all look good "for our age"!

[@ronjones9373]

"I think I'll quit while I'm ahead ", reminds me of the times I have said ,"I should have quit while I was ahead"😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's what I used to do!

[@LucyGirlCavapoo]

Good morning ☀️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good morning! First commenter!

[@coreygrua3271]

No Festool, DeWalt, or SawStop. Just brains and practicality mixed with old-fashioned Yankee values. With retirement inching ever nearer, I savor these views more and more each time. For me, this has been KZbin’s BEST gift; Tom, Ella, birds, llamas, and genius mixed with wood!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good point! At what point do you call it "hand made" or "machine made"? Most people are in the middle somewhere

[@coreygrua3271]

My point here was a feeling I got watching an old Jorgensen Pony clamp being applied that I have watched on this channel a few dozen times over the years. That contrasted with so many very fine woodworking KZbin videos that feature the latest and greatest clamps such as Bessey or Woodcraft. Here is Tom Johnson using some of his father’s tools to the same effect. There is a certain comfort in that approach for an old woodworker like me who still uses many of my own ancestral tools, showing their design genius and utility decades or centuries later. The noble effort to improve something doesn’t always improve it.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I agree with everyone else - your Maine "I think it looks pretty good" is like everyone else's "Wow! That's spectacular!!" 😂 You restored that lovely piece of history back to a beautiful, usable chair. It's lovely and so are you for helping it live on. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (again!)

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I understand why you made a new piece, but someone else might be asking."Why not just use the same piece you glued back together? the joint should be strong enough right? " I have also used "spreader clamps" they work great. thanks for another great video Tom and once again fantastic video editing. as always. thanks for sharing. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Ellis! This one had already been glued, and also another one I repaired by gluing failed also, so I just had to make a new one

[@gaelmalloy2021]

"I think it looks pretty good" an understatement for sure. It looks perfect!👏👏👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@richardgreen629]

Learn something every time I watch u thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jesseburch7063]

Man, if there's anybody better at this stuff than Thomas Johnson, I don't know 'em. Amazing work, Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jesse! Keep me posted!

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Tom, this is just fantastic craftsmanship. Really well done. And all within 8 hours? I can only aspire to be that good one day..!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You'll get there!

[@paulmlemay]

Mr. Johnson, I am in total admiration for your quality, your patience and your video production. Totally addicting

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@bethcrane5780]

I so enjoy seeing you mend broken objects and restoring their beauty. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@scottgoldsberry2730]

I'm going to have some advice for you one day, but it looks like it's going to have to be something other than woodworking 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That made me laugh

[@sigrid129]

I remember my grandma having this chairs in her summerhouse, when you sat on them with bare legs, you got a funny pattern on the back of your legs. We called it the rippled effect.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I've seen that with caned chairs to, where you have the whole pattern on your legs

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

I’m in awe of your ingenuity and I’m only a few minutes in.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Alison! That's nice

[@nancyclark3049]

What a beautiful chair! Thank goodness you were able to save it! (as if there was ever any doubt!) Thanks Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@maxkuykendall5866]

It is so great to watch a true artist at work. Skills, tools and techniques can be taught, but what sets you so far beyond most who do this is the knowledge that can only be achieved by doing, i.e. experience. Not unlike a body man who repairs damaged panels on vehicles. The best in their field leave no evidence of their work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

So true! Thanks! Often the same is said of my work, but yes, body work has to be perfect!

[@1mmickk]

9:27 the sound of those two parts fitting together was epic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was very satisfying

[@nhschreiner]

Beautiful repair. Several years ago I salvaged a similar reproduction (Yugoslavian reproduction) of very good quality and gave it to my daughter.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's great

[@iantyler4045]

No one would know that a major repair had been done to that chair. The match is perfect. So enjoyable to watch your attention to detail and patience.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@chrisfrench8323]

Love the way you traced that spreader with a router. I learn so much by watching you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It worked out well!

[@lisawallace3124]

As always, your "pretyy good" is everyone else's perfection!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Obviously your restorations are outstanding, so I'll comment how much I always enjoy the openings scenes of animal life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too...

[@09gearchange]

Amazing job as always Tom. Every time I watch your videos I learn something new. I now know how to soften an overpowering wood grain to match an existing piece. Masterclass.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Couldn't do it without the toners

[@167curly]

Great restoration of the Danish modern folding chair after seventy plus years of hard service. It does look "pretty good", Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Phil! And yes, it has seen some "hard service"!

[@SugarCreekWoodwright]

The more I watch you the more I learn so much. I hope one day to even come within a stones throw of your skills.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You will!

[@YouT-DJ]

Nice job with the router duplication that part. I supposed the break repair would not have been strong enough even with strong glue.

[@frankvucolo6249]

I thought so too about the previous stretcher not being strong enough with the grain orientation and the fact that it had previously been repaired and failed again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Frank Vucolo is correct

[@johnsonrestoration]

Exactly! Thanks

[@jasonanderson1154]

Great restoration. An element of your videos that I don't believe is mentioned enough is the quality of the camera work. Always the right angle and lighting for the best visibility. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate that!

[@andrewwebb1911]

So interesting, thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Flippingdrawers]

That’s a beautiful chair 🤩 great job 👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Dgreencouch29]

It's so nice to see your process of decisions to arrive at the stain/finish solution. It is helpful to see the art and science of the process.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's my goal!

[@T.v.d.V]

A band of elastic material swung a little stretched over the glueing parts give clamping, can bring pull force onto a piece and give extra friction surface for woodclamps. I tried surrounding glued parts with lots of elastic bands. Worked very well. I learn so much more from this channel.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That sounds like a good idea!

[@exileinderby51]

What a lovely old chair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is! Thanks

[@lorenzobeckmann3736]

superb color. I just made myself a router table today and used it to cut picture frame rabbiting!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! You can do so much with that

[@michaelcima5772]

Looks great. You are a master of color.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeanhawken4482]

The usual care and skill with a bit of love for the artistry of the job

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sheilablackburn183]

Such a lovely chair, saved by your good self Tom, great job x

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@graemetimoney7002]

Tom you did a really excellent job with this chair. The shaping and toning of the new piece are perfect. Well done

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@danthefurniturerepairman9411]

Dan the Furniture Repair Man there are how to videos that will help you. Dan has 2 restoration shops in southern California and posts ‘How To’ videos on You Tube to share his knowledge. KZbin Channel kzbin.info/door/b6kJCXoWz-4QIrCYnLfD_A

[@wollaminfaetter]

This is just such a nice work. I really admire your way of staining, toning.... colormatching... finishing. That is the difference between a pro and an amateur.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: I love watching you work at your craft. Beautifully done. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Carol!

[@benefitthirteen]

Incredibly rewarding to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Joe1935429]

A simple, elegant design, beautiful and comfortable. You gave it all it needed to be fullly restored and no more

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@alastairmackay4589]

More lovely work. Was quite enjoying reading the newspaper during glue-up too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That sound nice

[@shannonvans]

I just loved seeing the steps and hearing you think through the color choices to match the original stain. It looks way better than "pretty good"!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@melaniewestberg2886]

Very well done! Nice finish match, superior technique choices. I"d call this an economic repair!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like that!

[@stephenswirles8555]

ACE JOB THOMAS, A SMOOTH JOB. A GIN AND TONIC MAYBE.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I was thinking more of an Old Fashioned

[@kevinsimpson7114]

The great work just keeps on coming. Wonderful to see so many things repaired/restored in our throw away society.👍🏻👏🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I feel the same way!

[@therealDRMort]

Another excellent repair from the Master.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lindagates9150]

As per usual your pretty good is extremely good. My son is making furniture for his family I will remind him to check out where to learn more about how to make his work achieve excellence I am positive he will be pretty good before he gets to extremely good. 😅❤🎉❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's great!

[@paulstanding7267]

Never seen a chair like that before very unique great repairs especially since it has been broken before colour looks perfect. 😀👍👍

[@alibobo2009]

Marilyn Monroe had similar chairs that she picked up in Mexico. I had a pair, too, like hers, and I gave them away. Fun to think about.

[@lb003g0676]

I guess not everyone is as much of a chair nerd as me (especially with your surname!) but these are so widely copied I can't believe you've not seen one before. They're in every magazine!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are great chairs!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That is interesting!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hadn't realized that

[@dennishinkle5010]

That was an amazing match of color. Looks original. Thank you sir.👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@dawnnburwell3491]

Once again…beautiful!❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Brian-Burke]

Incredible! That was a tough color match and you really nailed it. I'm impressed as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@danthefurniturerepairman9411]

Dan the Furniture Repair Man there are how to videos that will help you. Dan has 2 restoration shops in southern California and posts ‘How To’ videos on You Tube to share his knowledge. KZbin Channel kzbin.info/door/b6kJCXoWz-4QIrCYnLfD_A

[@donelmore2540]

That’s a beautiful chair! I just looked the maker up. He also made “peacock” chairs. A few years ago I bought an Amish Peacock chair that I love. When we disposed of my aunt’s estate years ago, my sister-in-law bought a couple of her chairs that I LOVED and they look like some of the chairs that Johanne Hansen made. I’m going to have her check to see if the chairs are marked.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Such fun! Have a good time researching them!

[@annespellberg7173]

Nice, nice chair! Amazing work, as always. But those, are they llamas? Such cute little faces! And that fantastic guy at the end with the red swoosh. Another beauty all the way around.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Those are alpacas - smaller and nicer than llamas! We were boarding them, we don't have them any longer

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. It is amazing to me watching you match the stain color on projects. I was cringing when you were using the spreader clamp to reinstall the repaired piece. Thanks for the video. You all take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Believe me, I was sweating bullets!

[@zestoslife]

Really amazing eye for color and color matching. I am so impressed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@elizamccarthy9876]

I enjoyed the dry brush technique. So helpful. I wish I done done an apprenticeship with someone like you. “Looks pretty good” 💙💙💙

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well now you have the videos!

[@interact48]

Beautiful work Thomas as always, greetings from Lincoln England UK

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@_JanetLouise]

gorgeous

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@pablocruzgilmour]

Masterful router work, truly an inspiration. I could tell you were enjoying the fight with colour matching and grain fill. Your patience really is unparalleled. Thanks to you, I now always remember the fastest way to do something is to take your time. And you know what, I enjoy it more too. Thanks again Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it is so much more satisfying!

[@angieharbison5264]

Amazing that you did such a wonderful restoration in only 8 hours! It’s beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@t.j.m3987]

Lovely

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@aaqilian5.085]

Very nice work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@NeluMuncitoru]

Absolutely Wonderful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@OddJobFix]

Never seen a dowel jig for round stock. I must live under a rock. Gotta go find one. Thanks as usual!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's an old Stanley 59. Of course it has difficulty with round stock too but I managed on this one. There are so many dowelling jigs these days! I should take a look at them

[@ddblairco]

thank you, well done

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jazziered142]

That chair is beautiful....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is!

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks Tom. Excellent

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@bluesfanchad]

Super job,Tom. Mohawk toner is super glossy. I always have to top with sealer and flat lacquer every time.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I misted this on so light that it needed up looking perfect. I usually top coat it too, I wish the Mohawk flat was actually flat!

[@andybyerly5629]

GREAT JOB! The tools you "used summary" is a GREAT add"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Andy! I like it too

[@christurley391]

Thanks for the video

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jimwiskus8862]

Astounding as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@brettyoung8328]

That looks great, the replacement piece looks like the original.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I was very happy with it

[@OwlingDogDesign]

Gorgeous work - I've learned a whole lot from you and my Colin. Thanks for the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Cat!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

lovely repair. your new piece was perfect

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Trena! I had repaired one of these type chairs before by gluing the broken stretcher and it failed. So this time I knew I had to make a new one, and as usual it wasn't nearly as difficult as I imagined!

[@susannebiberstine3866]

Excellent! Enjoy watching your work. Good work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnellis3244]

Simply genius

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@barbarafling3790]

Perfect as usual!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@byrnejr]

Nice job Thomas! Nice to see you my friend

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Hi Tom, yet another masterpiece ! You never ceasee to amaze us with your skills. Thanks for sharing. Take care 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@forrestheaney9059]

Great video thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@tinlizzie]

Amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Liz!

[@astrik5236]

I think it looks very good, danish design is 👍🏻 - it’s really worth taking good care of.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I agree...

[@dionetaylor931]

Well done Thomas

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeanine6492]

Another fantastic restoration. You had me scared when that clamp slipped at the end; I thought it was the chair breaking for a sec! I love learning about the process of matching wood colours, thank you very much for al, your work on these videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, that was scary!

[@randyattwood]

Superb color matching!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Mike--K]

Wonderful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@happysalesguy]

Wow, that was amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom It looks like it was put there when the chair was built. Very nicely done 😊 Take care

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tim

[@vickiephelps5169]

I bet Mr. Johnson could build this chair from scratch in less than 8 hours! That could be a whole new series that I would love to see!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Chairs are difficult! There are videos of people making chairs though

[@timmaggard8862]

Outstanding job sir! Looks beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Tim!

[@maddieadams75]

Beautiful restoration,❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@RickNelsonMn]

Beautiful work. 👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@markduncan6690]

Nice Work Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!