Restoring an American Empire Footstool - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this antique rosewood footstool from the Empire moment in nineteenth-century America. 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).

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Very nice. Incredible to think the original maker had the luxury of using Rosewood as the base material. How times have changed. Well done sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was interesting, and still unusual, even for an antique

[@markharris5771]

Today has been a rough day at work dealing with a couple of traumatic cases. As usual I came straight to bed because of my own disabilities and being in too much pain and too fatigued to carry on. I went straight on to KZbin and there’s a Thomas Johnson video I haven’t seen. Suddenly everything was at peace with the world, I am taken to a place occupied by one skilful true gentleman and beautiful furniture of a bygone age. As I watch Thomas the stresses of the day disappear and my only thoughts are my admiration of a true craftsman. I’m sure I’m not the only person who finds these videos a beautiful escape from the trials and tribulations of daily life. I’m not sure if Thomas is aware of the impact his videos have, but I’m truly appreciative thank you. The piece of furniture was especially beautiful, I love aged rosewood and your repairs were excellent as usual. I often find these small understated pieces of antiquity especially beautiful. I’ve started using hid glue over the last few months and I'm starting getting better at judging the right consistency. I use one of those waxing machine for warming up my glue and for the amounts I use it seems to be very efficient. It has a thermostat for me to alter the temperature. Another great video, thank you very much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Mark, I appreciate your comments. And you're right, I have no idea, it's a total mystery to me! We certainly didn't have that in mind when we started making videos!

[@user-gb6re9eg3i]

A BEAUTIFUL JOB, AS USUAL TOM. AMERICAN EMPIRE HAS NEVER CAUGHT ON, BUT THERE ARE MANY GOOD THINGS GOING FOR IT. THIS PIECE FOR EXAMPLE HAS A WONDERFUL LOOK TO IT, SOLID YET ELEGANT.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! Yes, it is nice furniture. It will come back in style at some point!

[@curlycatherine1]

I love it when Mr. Johnson says "I think it looks pretty good." A master crafstman giving himself a very modest compliment. After each video I always think to myself what an amazing job he has done, and I mean 'amazing' in the literal sense of the word; it amazes me how he accomplishes such perfection and beauty in a few hours/days. Thank you so much for sharing your genius Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@myeyeopen48]

Tom, I joined your channel about 40 days ago and I am halfway through your videos. I am amazed! This is a treasure trove and a great privilege to see your work. Thank you very much for sharing your work and the love of your craft.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@sdcofer52]

Tom, my biggest challenge is matching the stain and finish when I do repairs. You are an absolute master at that. I guess part of the art is the years of experience, which I will never have. Even so, I learn a lot from each of your videos. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, experience and learning not to overthink it

[@bertharuiz1225]

The area itself makes for a very peaceful and enjoyable place to work in. Stool is beautiful! Never even thought of furniture in such a way till now that I grew old! Late in the day- sadly!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! better late than never!

[@andybyerly5629]

YOU ARE A WIZARD,,,THAT WAS FABULOUS! Love the trick of "pulling a pattern" with sticky tape,,,,SWEET!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@durranishaheer-hy6do]

I want to sit in a corner of your workshop and want to see you restoring the wood work,i realy dont know why i feel satisfy and relax while watching your videos.You do your work with a lot of patience and dedication.Salute to your work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Watching my videos is like sitting in the corner! I never thought of it that way.

[@1922jess1]

Thank you for videoing your projects! Watching these helps me with my attempting to restore the Windsor chairs. Really, they just need to be tightened up yet watching you work I see how you Handle the antique wood and with such patience, care and your expertise. So impressive🏆

[@maggiesue4825]

I totally agree! He'd probably have to tie me down, though, because I'd want to be looking over his shoulder the whole process!!

[@T2000]

@@maggiesue4825 i can tie you down

[@crabbyhayes1076]

Mr. Johnson, you have such a great eye and such patience. It is truly a pleasure watching you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@steverundle8635]

Had a footstool very similar to yours in my Parent’s home. The top was hinged on narrow side and inside the box were kept his shoe polishing necessaries. Brought back a flood of memories, have never seen one like it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@argusfleibeit1165]

All the sanding and refinishing made the grain and color of the wood so much more beautiful. The question on whether to refinish antiques is, I suppose, up to the owner. But it seems letting it stay looking aged is more important to some people, than having the piece look as beautiful as possible.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's always tough to know what's best. I always try to save what's there when possible. And what looks best is so subjective!

[@datatwo7405]

I really wish that I had known someone who was into restoration when I was a teenager. I spent a lot of years trying to find what what I would like to do and having grown up in the 80's all we heard constantly was, "choose well, because you got to make money you know"! What a load of garbage. Had our teachers and guidance counselors been more about finding what you love and goes well with your talents. I would love to restore antiques. But I guess those were the times then. Thanks so much for this fantastic channel!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was very lucky in that my father was a professional restorer and we grew up with it, and myself and 2 brothers took up the trade. And you are absolutely right - too much emphasis on college and not enough on trades. And now people complain that they can't find anyone to do work for them.

[@1959Berre]

Knowledge, experience, patience, Thomas Johnson has it all. Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Ntyler01mil]

Beautiful finish. It has a nice, velvety sheen; not overly shiny.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, thanks!

[@markduncan6690]

Once again I find that watching your work to be peaceful and gratifying!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@joycemiller4716]

Been working wood for over fifty years still learning getting there after watching your videos from England

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! I'm still learning also!

[@collettedobrocke5585]

This stool is so cute.. Your repair, is so amazing

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dorothyprior2615]

So meticulous. A pleasure to watch. I turn the sound off (I’m deaf), and turn the captions on, and watch your videos like that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad the captioning works

[@josephkerley363]

Once again, ‘Pretty good’!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes!

[@joshs3301]

Tom, I could watch you do veneer repairs all day. Very hypnotic. One small request - Before and afters of the most significant repairs would be awesome... How the piece will be seen for the next hundred years and such. Keep up these amazing work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! yes, good idea!

[@nancyvega5855]

Hi...I absolutely love your attention to detail....great work !!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@rickspriggs2176]

Amazing as usual. You have a way of taking such a light hand to projects that it might be the most important thing to be learned from you. Even the most heavily damaged pieces you have a way of not making a job bigger than it has to be. Thank you for the time you put into these videos sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I learned a long time ago - try not to make the damaged area any larger!

[@colinmurphy2214]

Veneering over the same wood was very common in Victorian pianos. The lid of my piano has a book-matched mahogany veneer over a mahogany core. I’m not totally sure of the reason, but I remember hearing it was to make the piece more stable and prevent warping. But I’ve surely never seen it done on a footstool before, thanks for the video, Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm not sure either why it was done. Certainly mahogany is stable, but so are a lot of other less expensive woods, like poplar. The only reason I can think of, and I've seen this on Rolls-Royce woodwork, is if you have a sand through it is much easier to touch up. But that shouldn't be a big problem on pianos.

[@lawannarobinson9900]

Beautiful foot stool. I too could watch you do your magic on your restorations. I have a great appreciation of a few old furniture pieces that I have just from watching your videos and have learned to protect your furniture and provide the right environment for the wood. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your talents, as each piece of restoration requires a lot of planning and skill.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome! I appreciate you watching

[@tombarlow6176]

Hi Tom man I love to see you work it is always with so much love that you work by the way I am from South Africa

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! hello to South Africa!

[@sandrawest4118]

Such a beautiful Empire stool. Even it looked prouder after your repairs. You are a Master! I love the nature vignettes you present at the beginning and end of your video. Stay well, and thank you. Peace

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@kittonsmitton]

Thank you always a pleasure watching a master at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@LPASCOL]

Is always a pleasure to see your videos and learn to work wood, regards from the other side of the Atlantic...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dtylice]

Thank you, Thomas. Every veneer repair I see you do gives me more confidence to tackle my own restoration of an Empire highboy with bevel mirror. Past awkward repairs have made the project a bit more intimidating. Wish me luck!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And - good luck!

[@michaelfling7786]

Tom you have yet again embraced your penchant for perfection. Excellent work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sharit7970]

Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your talent and skill!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@albertaboyz]

Not a single video you've made that I haven't learned something from. This is such satisfying work and you obviously chose the right profession. I need to go sharpen my chisels too. Cheers.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And there's not a video where I didn't learn something too! It makes a big difference when you're work is being shown in close up video!

[@Dan-jq8se]

Tom, excellent video...as usual. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@steliosstavrinides3502]

Another great one ... thank you Thomas !!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jocmarti]

I have to admit I like seeing the old woodworking machines used as much as the restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Another master piece Tom! Thanks for always sharing your videos with us.😎👍JP

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! And thanks for being such a faithful fan!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Thank you friend! i appreciate the kind words' And you are very welcome! 😎

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

Love your attention to details, looks great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@09gearchange]

After watching most if not all of your videos I find that the gentle and precise way you explain things and the amazing results you achieve are almost therapeutic in nature. Keep up the excellent work it's a shear joy to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@fredbach6039]

Such a nice job. I always enjoy your color matching and the precise way you do the insertion of the pieces of veneer. The use of the tape as a re-locarion tool after applying glue is brilliant, as is your filling and leveling with various materials. Also you have such a good knack at sanding. I just always enjoy your shows.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Fred! I appreciate you watching and commenting

[@agneshardcore1515]

Very good job :) Thank you :) It's always pleasure to watch your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@131dyana]

I love watching you work. I work with wood and know very little about finishing it. So you have really helped me. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@carolmccorry3053]

Looks good, love the bird intros as well as your vlog

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love the Blue birds!

[@howardschaefer1445]

I love it when I see a simple technique and wonder why I didn't think of that. Attaching the small repair piece with tape and then bending the tape back to apply the glue. Just did such a repair on a not quite detached piece yesterday and tried my best not to remove the piece completely for fear of not getting it re-attached properly. Thanks! As usual outstanding video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! The tape technique is great - I learned it from a video!

[@kjamison5951]

That is a phenomenal piece of restoration work! You are very talented, Sir! I love this video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@deettekearns9092]

It looks fantastic! Hope you had a wonderful summer!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I have, and continue to! I hope yours is good too!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Absolute beautiful work once more Mr. Johnson! I enjoy watching your videos so much again. I wait for time to pass and I watch them over again. I've watched other restorations but none can compare. I'm not putting them down, it just have different techniques. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And I appreciate your kind words!

[@darrellbailey1971]

I’m so glad you are uploading. I love your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@richardmarino5658]

Very nice job Tom. Nice footstool too! Thank You Once Again. Rich

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@shinigamikuroshitsuji336]

It's relaxing how you work That kind of furnitures have many details, forms and requires patience and skills You are a Master 👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gav2759]

Watching you work was a fine way to spend my lunch break Tom. Your colour matching is always impressive, and the use of the bee's wax and oil finish was spot on. Thanks for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jimmobley2895]

@@johnsonrestoration what Bee's Wax product do you use? Jim M

[@AK-Star007]

always feel relaxed watching you doing your magic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@andybyerly5629]

That's so beautiful, I could never put my feet up on it....Nice work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pkutschman]

Another great video, you are a true master! Can't get enough of your videos, you should have a television show!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I do have a television show - you're watching it! Seriously, as more people stream content to their televisions, I am on your TV

[@interact48]

Another brilliant job done Thomas, regards from the UK

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@alandickson3545]

Great work. I like that little piece you made for the missing profile. Your knowledge of the woods you work with does not end. 'East Indian rose wood' just one example. Thanks again for posting and showing the importance sharp tools.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And you're welcome!

[@michaelsworld6292]

Another amazing job and great video! You’re by far my favorite to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michaelsworld6292]

Thank you for the content and craftsmanship.

[@paulwaasdorp1811]

Tom, I discovered your channel only yesterday, much too late is an understatement. I really enjoy your craftmanship and the effort you put in making your video's, I am hooked, best regards Paul

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Enjoy watching!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Such a beautiful job!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Great job and video, as always - thanks for posting and best regards.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, and to you too!

[@billholmes6639]

As always amazing!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@1sissaree]

I’m amazed at your work! So precise! Enjoy watching your procedure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! You have taught me so much. 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@cillyede]

Great work as usual, thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Gun5hip]

It looks great and it has a nice shape.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it does, I love it!

[@peachstreetrestyle2518]

It looks beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@zoroflamingo9915]

Nice to see u my teacher..u look very well...thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@josephkerley363]

What a great technique of fitting a veneer piece with tape. Excellent. I’ll file that in my mind for future work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuzanaBehmer]

Really lovely!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@geef6770]

It really looks really good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Another great piece of work - it's a real pleasure to watch you - thanks for your videos :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! My pleasure!

[@alisonhill2210]

Lovely bit of work and very well-edited video

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kellerrobert80]

Superb, as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lkmayhew9390]

Great repair!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mcbenis]

love your channel!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love my fans!

[@zedwms]

Tom Johnson, furniture whisperer

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Whatever happened to the "Dog Whisperer"?

[@gayle525]

Just gorgeous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rick91443]

What a nice way to digest Friday Lunch...cheers...rr from Normandy

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jill552]

Looks pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@CM-cb2km]

Thanks for really great videos! Could you please do a video on different types of glue and when and why you chose to use them in different circumstances?

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d56poKdufcRlgc0

[@davidrussell5861]

Amazing what can be achieved with a bit of knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@westburybaldwin]

I would like to thank you ,my girlfriends parents are moving and we found in the garage a 6 leg low mid century bench unfortunately the plywood was unsavaable but the edging and legs and strechers were still solid, I was able to save the edging by using heat to break the Hyde glue joints using heat and so when I have time I can remake the bench Thank you for the knowledge

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck with it!

[@alejandrobavassonepotedequ1969]

Excelente !!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@bubba8]

He reminds me of an Emerson or Thoreau what with his love of nature -as well as his masterful woodworking.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@abiel.rodriguez]

The end result looks beautiful like always, it is a pleasure to see you share your work. Although it surprised me such an uneven patch at 9:54...crack was filled with putty...it amazed me because you always do such precise cuts..it seems like if the old veneer was not squared with the chisel?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! The old veneer chipped away during the glue up. It was so dark in that area (the color) that I didn't notice it. I should have redone it

[@durranishaheer-hy6do]

Salam, always waiting for your videos, if you were in roman era,you would be declared as "GOD OF RESTORATION"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@BSCGDC]

Thanks for the great video. How do you decide when to use oil stain v. dye stain v. toner? Your finishing techniques always amaze me.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm working on a staining video. Might take a couple of months. Briefly, dye stains give you a lot of control when color matching

[@BSCGDC]

Thank you!

[@hansborgdesing]

Well done, maestro !! I would love to be your apprentice

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tomdale1313]

good stuff

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Artexmadera]

Beautiful piece Tom, how is the Porter Cable bench sander working for you so far? I am currently looking into this model for my shop, thanks for the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's working great, and I bought it used! One of the most useful tools in the shop!

[@stevesteves8915]

That was great! I am a little curious as to how you managed to match the rosewood using walnut stain and perfect brown - how does that match the red / brown colour of the rosewood? (because it surely does!).

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I use the walnut for 75% of my color matching. It always seems to be just a question of how much it's thinned.

[@Ntyler01mil]

People bring you the neatest things.

[@johnsonrestoration]

For which I am forever grateful! Thanks!

[@war7334]

I think it looks pretty good for 200 years old.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Gregster1906]

Love your videos, have some experience in restoration, 6 or 7 pieces but want to learn so much more. Other than hide glue being more era correct to your restorations / repairs, is there any other reason you use it as opposed to modern wood glue? Have some veneer replacement and repair on the work table now. It's shelf life for a weekend warrior like myself may seen perhaps out of my league. Would love to know your opinion. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! I prefer yellow glues, Tite Bond or Elmer's. They have all the same qualities as hide glue, they're technically probably better. On period antiques, hide glue is the industry standard, for historical reasons. On your own projects you can use whatever works best for you.

[@wayneshirey6999]

Good to see a Thomas Johnson video again. It's been a while. I guess the underlying rosewood just didn't look good enough?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, it would have but I'm just trying to reproduce what was there!

[@wayneshirey6999]

I was thinking of when they originally built it. It seems odd that they'd cover the rosewood with rosewood veneer.

[@MsRazvan29]

Bravo 🤝😍❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Great repair work. How difficult is it to find Rosewood in your neck of the woods. I hear Laburnum is a good Rosewood replacement. I would be interested to learn what you use. Regards

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! I haven't had any problems, in fact here in Maine is located Rare Woods USA www.rarewoodsusa.com/ which seems to have a lot of it. I need so little of it really, just veneer

[@kimallen4746]

Tom, Where did you get the new contour tool that is orange in the video. I have an old old metal one but it has finally frozen up

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, I love it! Some one gave it to me, but I've seen them in catalogs. Try Lee Valley or Woodworker's Supply

[@jerryking7502]

Is it ok to get rid of "alligatoring" and have a vintage/antique piece retain it's value? I always thought a piece had to be untouched, except for drastic intervention..... Impressed by your skills and professionalism..... Question: Do you have a problem with restoring an antique to new like pristine finish?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Jerry, that's a complicated answer, it all depends on the piece and the situation. I can say this: I've been in a lot of wealthy homes, with valuable antiques, and have visited major museums and every piece has been restored/refinished. The museum in Boston did have a room with untouched pieces, that's the only place I have seen what might be original finishes. They looked bad!

[@judithfairchild8620]

Could it be putting on the varnish or shellac during times with high humidity cause the bumps in the finishes

[@johnsonrestoration]

The high humidity definitely has an effect on drying and that could cause extra nits, bubbles etc

[@carljames663]

What do you do with the syringes following use. Do you clean the glue out, if so how, or throw them away?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh, I clean them out. I'm crazy like that, I'll take a so-called disposable item and use it for years!