Restoring an Antique Scottish Tall Case Clock - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@TealCheetah]

I hope your customers appreciate all the unseen details you put into your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think they do, especially of course when they see the video

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

At least my third time watching. I’m sure I’ll watch it again. This is video gold, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice!

[@maggieryan6988]

The clock’s finished product just gorgeous.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@blacknight1003]

How has anyone put a negative view against this video? What a fabulous lesson in restoration of an antique long case clock case. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I've been told that the negative reviews are from bots. It's hard to understand

[@johnhealy9231]

My father restored these type clocks here in Scotland (I myself work in gurthrie castle Forfar maintaining many pieces)you’re work is of the highest quality and is a pleasure watching you work ,👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you! I appreciate that coming from someone in the business

[@uoleo]

You probably hear this all the time (and, yet, not enough) but it has to be said: your work is amazing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I hope it doesn't go to my head!

[@mangore623]

Yeah, amazingly bad.

[@lilisofthevelley]

Mr Thomas Johnson it is a pleasure to see you work, you are a very inspiring person.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@PracticallyCreative]

"I think it looks pretty good." The understatement of the year on every single project you do!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@suestracks]

Stunning. You are a true artisan.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@davidteasdale1]

I can't say how happy I am to see a massively long video from you to watch in my subscriptions, I'm going to wait till my dinner is cooked and sit back and enjoy both at the same time. So pleased for a big long Tom video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm worried about it being too long

[@markbiggerstaff29]

@@johnsonrestoration No, not too long at all. Time kinda flew by watching it actually.

[@queenbee3647]

@@johnsonrestoration it was great! The clock was gorgeous as well.

[@artysciencegal2521]

Such a relief to see wooden furniture etc get restored instead of painted white.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't like white!

[@markaubuchon6265]

Your attention to detail and work ethic is wonderful. Thank you for all the additional work it takes to film, edit, narrate and publish these wonderful videos. I feel like I’m an apprentice! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and hard earned tips. Much respect sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome! I appreciate you watching!

[@tomgordonuk1]

I've only discovered this channel in the last few weeks, and watching every single video I'm just so impressed with the meticulous attention to detail. It's an absolute pleasure to watch this sort of craftsmanship in action.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@liaqvist2070]

Exactly what I'm doing right now!

[@sarahohalloran6695]

Tall clocks and cabinet repairs are my favorite. They do indeed, look pretty good when you're done with them ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! I've been lucky to have worked on a lot of Tall Clocks over the years

[@luisdardis5223]

people like you make the difference, thank for all this incredible work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! That's nice

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Very few people ever have your knowledge or skill pertaining to anything wood. Wow. So enjoy your videos.🙂🙂🙂👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@robertorr2878]

Tom........you ARE the man! Anyone with a valuable antique piece in need of repair would be in good hands with you. I'm on board with the longer video vote too.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@yashaswisharma9064]

Watching you work is therapeutic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Absolutely spectacular. The owners were very lucky to have found you to do this restoration. Great work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (I'm going back and answering all the comments I missed!) I appreciate your support, and I like your videos too!

[@kathyouthere]

Thank you for lovingly bringing back this case. I don't know why but I have a strong love for Grandfather clocks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I do too. They represent something, I'm not sure how to articulate it

[@MrMooseSlayer]

Tom, absolutely brilliant work yet again. You are the master! 'Looks pretty good"... I'll say!!! Thanks for every single one of your videos and sharing your talents with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! and thanks for watching!

[@capslock9031]

The thing that really amazes me the most is that I'd not want to have a single one of these pieces in my own living spaces - antique furniture is just not my personal taste - and still I can whole-heartedly admire the skill, the thoughtfulness and abundance of experience that went into making beautiful furniture just as much as I admire the absolute level of craftsmanship that you, Tom, are showing us while giving new life to these old and often battered pieces. Thanks for that. Keep doing what you're doing in Gorham, Maine.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@rehaimy]

"I decided that this rosewood will have to fade out on its own over time"......That was one of the best tips from this video. My first instinct would've been to sand everything and make it all look the same for the client, but you did the smart thing with the future in mind :) As always, thanks for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And you're right, years ago I would have felt like I had to refinish the entire piece to match the one area that had to be sanded. Now I want to leave as much intact, and not worry about it.

[@adhc8560]

Your respect and love of the pieces and the way you keep their original integrity while making them beautiful again is wonderful to watch. I think I'm going to cry. Haha!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Don't cry! Thanks for watching!

[@Plantgarden88]

A true labor of love. Pride, artistry and craftsmanship.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@joeyjoejoshabbadu7963]

Thats the biggest repair Ive seen you do so far in watching your videos. Methodical and meticulous. Very pleasing to watch a master at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! The biggest repair is this one:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHLXYnl-radse8k

[@jackspratt8646]

love the contrasting veneer , great work and no annoying music . Best wishes from Northumberland UK.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And Hello to Northumberland!

[@thegoodbyegirl27]

I'm not a handy/wood working person but I really really love watching your craftsmanship. I've learned a lot. And it does my soul good to see ppl restoring old beautiful things. I really hope you make more videos

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I am!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

This is the 3rd time I've watched this video, don't remember if I've posted before or not? And each time I appreciate your work even more Tom. a lot of other "Pro's" would not have taken the time to pull it apart, cut.sand refit it the way you did, they would have just glued and clamped it and probably with yellow glue too!. not keeping with the traditional Hide Glue. The painstaking time and craftsmanship is undeniably superb !. Thanks again for taking the time to show us and share.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you so much. I appreciate it!

[@kennethleslie9414]

Another absolutely fantastic piece of craftsmanship

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@evanpenny348]

Third time I've watched this. Don't ever really tire of it. Great work. Cheers from NZ.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Wow! NZ, I'd love to visit

[@evanpenny348]

Please do. Be sure to contact me.

[@AaronG72901]

Wow Thomas...I just found your channel yesterday and already watched enough of your videos tio drive my wife Crazy. Great job on the clock and thank you for all the lessons!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! maybe use headphones!

[@andybyerly5629]

PRETTY GOOD? That is a true masterpiece of anything I've seen you do! You have never failed to please! KEEP IT UP!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I will!

[@MHow-qc3ns]

It truly amazes me the amount of forethought and ingenuity, as well as the accumulated skill needed to restore and repair these old pieces. I liken this process to playing chess. Each move has to be strategized to avoid a catastrophe that will ruin the restoration. Watching you work is as satisfying as putting together a 5,000 piece puzzle. The anticipation as to what comes next is enjoyable and very relaxing. Thank you for sharing your craft and showing us your expertise.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! I appreciate your comments!

[@SparrowStockwell]

I just loved watching this episode. My favorites are when you fix up something that’s badly damaged, even needing to be deconstructed and put back together. And of course I love veneer work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@carlmeany8072]

Nice work. It's good to see someone doing this type of restoration properly. No titebond, polyurethane, or modern nails. You're fortunate to have that stash of rosewood, it's getting harder to find these days.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, sometimes it actually pays to keep all this stuff

[@carpdude73]

You are truly an artist in your craft!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@nickyengelbrecht5114]

You did a great job repairing this clock. Just enough to make it look good again. You must have an immense amount of patience. And good for you about being so polite with these rude people.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@henna696]

Excellent workmanship everytime .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ericknutsen1958]

Thank you for your videos. Appreciate your presentation style and love your "I think it looks pretty good" closings.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad you like them!

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Fantastic restoration. The care and thought you put into the repair especially will give value and continued long life to this beautiful antique tall case clock. Thanks for your hard work and for sharing !

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@EditRoom2012]

More long videos please. They're enthralling. Seriously, I take my time to watch them cause I know I have to wait for the next one. Thanks for the effort of putting these together.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! a lot of people seem to like the longer format

[@timsmoot5141]

Taking the case apart - nerves of steel! Looks VERY good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Nerves of steel or stupidity? you're choice!

[@UnivegaSuperSport]

Never heard of this channel before and am not particularly interested in clocks. But for a certain type of guy like me, I had to check this out. Only thing better would be watching a restoration of an antique pipe organ. Old wood, old metal, moving parts, and skill.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! There are a lot of companies that specialize in pipe organs, I've done work for them but only the wood parts

[@dougguest6454]

Another beautiful job Tom! I learn things every time I watch you at work. You probably don't even think about the little details of doing this or that but they jump out at me in an "aha" moment lol. As always, a pleasure watching a real craftsman at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michelejones4234]

everything you have restored looks good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@semol]

I could watch this for hours....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thanks!

[@nicolasbouyiouclis4726]

I agree also

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@nicolasbouyiouclis4726 I thought i had been watching for only 10 minutes.. I guess time flies when you're watching clock repairs.👀🕰

[@adavazquez3378]

Me too

[@melencolley]

I have and now I’m sleepy at work

[@HERRESHOFFGSD]

Thank you for another amazing video. The hardest part (personally) is to recognize the point where we have to STOP the work and appreciate the piece for what it is (was).

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You are correct!

[@nopriors]

Excellent work Mr. Johnson

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@hansslob6749]

Work of art Thomas, great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@thomashogan8313]

I very much enjoy watching a master at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@hernancoronel]

At 10:38 I would just run away from it before anyone knows I made such a mess!! LOL! Great video Thomas, thank you very much!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jasonngviva]

will stand beautifully and strong for another century. well done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so!

[@billpatterson6944]

Gotta love your 2 and 4 legged audience! Especially your helper dog...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Couldn't do it without her!

[@petebutler5139]

Bravo! Bravo! This video is in my top 3 of yours. Why, because it captures your years of experience...Excellent work! Excellent Craftsmanship!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@robynwilliams8110]

Thank you once again. Such intricate work - and such patient work. I thoroughly enjoyed it - and thinking how much my father would have enjoyed seeing your work. I am not a woodworker myself - my work is in handcrafted textiles. I appreciate your workmanship and your respect for the original item.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sethbracken]

Painters tape to make the hinges for the veneer is a great trick. The longer format works, hope its here to stay. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rheffner3]

I think it looks pretty good also. Another masterful job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Michael.Chapman]

Brilliant to watch a Master conservator and restorer at work :-) as a clock lover am so excited to see this wonderful old cabinet regain integrity, the owner must have been ecstatic! Thank you so much for showing how it’s accomplished.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@adavazquez3378]

I love what you do, it takes a very dedicated man that loves his job and you're that person God Bless you, you have a lot of patients.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@queenbee3647]

I think it looks pretty good.* *understatement of the year. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@samwisegamgee289]

definitely a labor of love made to seem so easy...also inspiring , and done mostly without too much modern technology,keep them coming and thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@hfminmi]

Beautiful work; an old clock lives on after the touch of the master.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@arthurc.3747]

Thank you some much for sharing your excellent skills here on YT.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@justpeachy759]

Is waaaaay better than pretty good sir. It looks fantastic, just like all your other restorations!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@billfromelma]

Hey Thomas, I always loved old tall clocks, with the beautiful rich grain woods and fancy mouldings. The shiny brass pieces and of course the different types of clock works inside. I think these were the beginning of my love for woodworking. You sure brought this one back to its original beauty. Great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@TheDelightfulCrafter]

I would love to see this clock complete with working the parts... I’m sure it’s gorgeous... Thank you for continuing to save beautiful pieces like this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I agree, I never get to see it complete either! Usually the clock is installed by the clock guy, after I deliver the clock

[@timothycaldwell525]

Wow! Very nice work. Lots of tricks and so detailed. I hope the clock repair people perform an equally professional job on the clock works. Loved watching the entire presentation. Nice close ups too. Very well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@terrystephens1102]

Another excellent restoration - I really enjoy your excellent narration of the various processes you go through in restoring the structure and finishes.😃👌👌👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@smitty1952]

Tom, I just discovered your videos in the past week. I agree with many of the others that commented, don’t worry about this being too long. We love watching your true craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing your projects with us Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@Bogie3855]

Nicely done. A new life for an old clock. I am hoping to trip over a clock that needs some love, even a wall clock. Tempis Fugit movement etc. Love the sound of a case clock.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@mechanics4all405]

SUPERB WORK FANTASTIC ONCE AGAIN

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@oftenlucid]

I love watching Tom and this channel for the problem solving. Man, I wish I had your patience. My projects could benefit from a little more patience. .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think patience is the "secret". So often short-cuts turn out to take longer than doing it the right way

[@oftenlucid]

@@johnsonrestoration : One of my favorite sayings is "Slow down, we don't have that much time." When you go fast you make mistakes and then have to go back and repair them, which takes longer.

[@butchmcbride6974]

Awesome work and craftsmanship

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jazzman1626]

This marvellous video makes me want to build a long case clock. It’s fascinating to watch your skills. I could watch this kind of video all day. I am very surprised to see that the sides of the case are not made of thick wood, with dovetail joints, but only glued and nailed. I watched a guy build a long case clock using wood at least twice, maybe three times as thick as this one and when he lifted the hood on, I thought he was going to really struggle to lift it. He wasn’t a young guy either. I’d love to make a long case out of plywood, using glue blocks and nails.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! These clocks are appealing! These cases were not made well. What was important was the clock. The cases were built by sub contractors, most likely the cheapest bid. They look beautiful, but they are all just a bunch of boards nailed together

[@jazzman1626]

@@johnsonrestoration Thanks for the reply. The only thing I’ve restored to any extent is a bagpipe carrying case. It has a leather (hard as iron now) handle which, at first I was going to replace, but couldn’t find one like it so I cleaned the metal parts up and it’s fine now. The case is plywood and it had three layers of paint on it, one of which was emulsion and I had to scrape that off using a wire brush because the heat gun obviously wouldn’t have been any good there. After a good sanding, I just stained it mahogany and any deep scratches etc. were just keeping its hundred year old look. The inside was just bare wood but I lined it with foam padded Black Watch Tartan because the pipes were from the 11BTN. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and played in the Somme. I’m really pleased with the result.

[@kevinweaver4265]

Love your animals and black Lab. your work is extraordinary too. thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@iainmacinnes1660]

A lot of figuring out to do. It must be so satisfying when it all comes together so well. Great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tracyhayden492]

Hey Tom, I've watched several of your videos now and I just want you to know it's a real pleasure to watch a master craftsman like yourself work. Your restorations are fantastic and you're right they all "look pretty good." Thanks for allowing me to see a real pro ! A lot of guys and gals get on you tube to show off their so called skills, but none are as good as you. Keep up the good work and btw, I think it looks pretty good too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@carolynreynolds5011]

It’s fun to watch a master at his work. Keep the videos coming.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope to!

[@17jflor]

Beautiful workmanship...patience and cleverness.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Stuart36]

When you first put that shellac on the base, the grain popped out and what a wow moment You are a true craftsman and i wish I could be your understudy

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@TonyClarkGuitar]

Love these videos. I learn so much every time and I still don't know anything. This guy is good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@wgoconnor33]

Masterful work ! I really enjoyed the long format , thank you for your effort to share your work with us. Your llamas look great with their summer haircut.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@amygrace5183]

@@johnsonrestoration repair broken antique tall case clock

[@SurpriseMechanics]

Your techniques are incredible

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@46danz]

a joy to watch a master at work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@eddylonergan142]

Top notch work Tom. The reaction from the owners must have been breath taking.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, they were very happy

[@52memor]

Finding this was like finding a gold nugget. Many thanks Looking forward to watching all the vids.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@donmoore7785]

Labor of love. Love your style. Beautiful result.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kenbeattie1958]

Tom: I'm always impressed with how easily you approach and accomplish repairs, especially damaged veneer. I have a buffet that badly needs care, but I'm afraid to start. Maybe after studying your technique a hundred more times?... Thanks, Ken B.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! Just start on a small area, see how it goes.

[@FrankenShop]

I really enjoy your channel. I nearly always see a new trick or technique that is useful. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@JohnnyRottenest]

Loved the longer video. Very nice work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@clairekurdelak2913]

I never knew, before subscribing to this channel, that clamping was so important for gluing. As a resourceful homemaker, I thought I was great a gluing, but I had no idea 😆

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think I get the impression, from your comments, that you are resourceful! I'm totally into clamping, had a lot of practice! Getting the parts in the correct position, figuring out a way to keep them there, can be challenging

[@thomastannler4136]

I find the same interest in Tom"s show as I do archaeological digs. It just fascinates me!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@admiralbishop4482]

I feel like I just took a woodworking course at a great technical college! Thanks for the amazing knowledge. My best to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@BarryFelicecapehandyman]

Once again a professional job. A++++

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Parken26]

What a good video lots of close up and sounds of the workshop. Been waiting a long time for something like this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@pippiperade4030]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed immediately! Nice to hear these clocks being measured in fractions of an inch.. (not metric!) We have a Scottish 8 day long case clock (Bell, Aberdeen) with a painted dial. I had the base reinforced about 40 years ago with an internal wooden bracing structure that protrudes downward below the base by about a quarter of an inch - so that it takes the weight rather than the case. It keeps time to within about 2 mins/week. When I look at all the features, I date it from 1780-1790.. Beautiful clocks and I've never tired of owning it - in fact, the opposite. Looking forward to browsing here.. Well done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, I love the ticking! Sounds like a good idea about the reinforcing

[@davidc3808]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. A lot of work involved in dismantling and rebuilding apart from all the veneer work and finishes. I can’t guess how many hours were involved. Well done Tom it looks very pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bsouza1675]

Outstanding restoration! Very Well Done 👏 🌅

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@MrBlackbamboo]

fantastic job I myself have just finished restoring one so nice to see these old clocks being brought back to life great video greetings from Scotland

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And greetings to Scotland too! I want to go there