This Table was a WRECK

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome antique table. 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).

[@alandfrazier]

Dear Tom, somewhere the ghost of an old master craftsman smiles at the honor that you bestowed upon his workmanship.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is my hope!

[@blacksorrento4719]

What a beautiful comment. Just viewed this restoration, love to see old workmanship being brought back to life. Greetings from 🇦🇺

[@notfeedynotlazy]

Tom, yesterday I had to repair a broken chair and as I was clamping the glue-up, my daughter started reciting, "I'm Tom Johnson, of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine". I told her it wasn't funny, but the wife just pointed out at our black Lab girl (who was watching me work) and disagreed. Just so you know, you've spoiled my whole family!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That is really funny! I'm sorry about that. Thanks for making me laugh! I'm glad you have such a nice family, also the same as mine, 1 daughter and a black lab (mixed)!

[@annmyles9050]

😂❤😂😮 Hello Shelly, How are you doing? Please give me an update. Lots of love. Axx

[@user-xd1ng2yw7t]

Thomas, it is so great to see a professional at work. You are amazing to watch. There are not many like you. Much love and respect. Em

[@doughill1945]

This viewer in the UK is pleased to agree.

[@betrisherninox2865]

@@doughill1945 ... and this one in Australia. :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I do appreciate it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lindaposta939]

I think what I love about your channel most is your respect for both the piece of furniture itself and its history! If only it can speak! Again you are a master!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@timmynormand8082]

@@johnsonrestorationI want tell them I taught you everything you know

[@danielpreilly77]

Favourite furniture guy on youtube, really impressive craftsmanship Mr. Johnson. Agree it looks ‘pretty good.’

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pitsnipe5559]

This has now become my favorite Thomas Johnson video. That table is magnificent.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@aaronfurman8208]

Thomas, I think some people are meant to be on KZbin with a tutorial channel, and yo sir are one of those people. You are a master of your trade and it shows in your work. I learned more watching this video, than I have in decades. Thanks for what you do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! That makes me happy! I learn a lot myself making the videos

[@MrVince8]

You truly brought this table back from the dead. Beautiful work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sumandsubstance]

The fact that you had a fine piece of birch stashed in your barn is so "Thomas Johnson."

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was lucky!

[@clodaghross9620]

I love that the furniture you restore still looks old when you've finished.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Always my goal! Always walking a fine line...

[@karenheartoriginal3783]

Oh how I love watching you preserve the artistry of the"back thens"…your work is so beautiful and respectful ❣️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

Somehow the simplest things become extra special. Their beauty is from the the subtle imperfections that make them unique with a story to tell. I love it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Well said! Thanks

[@valerielambert7922]

I loved every single second of this film. What a gorgeous little table. Thank you, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@rebekahvillon4245]

It's such a pleasure to watch you care for these pieces and bring them back to life

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@brianlittle3452]

Thanks for taking us along on your "Basket Case" series - the series gives us an idea what can be done with furniture that most of us would throw out.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I like it too

[@cherylmcwilliams7238]

Love the video. My father was a professional wood worker and owned a furniture manufacturing company. It's so nice to see a true master restoring. Thank you for your time. My father would have loved to see your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I wish he could have too, I wish my father could see what we’re doing too!

[@martinkavanagh196]

Good Job Mr Johnson - It's a pleasure learning from you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s great! Thanks for watching

[@jreese8284]

If I lived anywhere close to Gorham, Maine, I'd drive over just to pet that lovely table. KZbin needs to add another reaction button: "Really, REALLY thumbs up", just for work this good. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@schoensangalli6972]

I truly CRINGE imagining how any other person would have disrespected this precious antique table. This is nothing more than amazing!

[@redwitch12]

I can hear it now: "This table top is in awful condition, but I'm sure a couple coats of chalk paint will fix it right up and I can put it up at my yard sale next week for $20!"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I feel the same way!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I need to stock up on chalk paint! Thanks

[@frelnc]

The new birch table top is absolutely gorgeous. One would never know this wasn't original. I can see a lady with a long swishing skirt gently setting a small tray on the table with a teapot, a bowl of sugar, a tiny pitcher of cream and one cup and saucer. A perfect hot drink with a book next to this adorable table. Another outstanding success. I love watching you work, Tom. Thank you for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re so welcome! It’s next to my favorite chair with a book I’m reading. But I’m not putting on the skirt!

[@Brian-Burke]

Wow. Tom, I could write a paragraph. I love how you showed your process of researching online and with books. I also kept laughing at your "off-camera" footage and I have a hunch that was you winking at us!.I know the feeling of liking a product and then hearing they're going to discontinue it. You want to buy every remaining item on Earth so you never run out. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for the content, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! You're the first person who has ever mentioned my joke "off camera"!

[@alanmiller6522]

Morning coffee and Thomas Johnson. A good way to start the day off.

[@ruthfarlow2892]

I was doing the same thing

[@tcav85]

@@ruthfarlow2892likewise!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's funny! Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

So good! Thanks!

[@franklynLP]

I love these videos. My mom had an antique shop while i grew up with a restoration business on the side. Always filled me with joy seing the new life they brought to antiques and how happy people were, getting their family heirlooms back. Wish i could learn to restore but i dont have the space or time for it. So for now i just watch videos like this. Thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re so welcome! I’m glad that my videos help bring back those memories

[@dannymichel1442]

Watching you work soothes my soul. Thank you for giving beauty, peace, and knowledge in a world that can be pretty harsh and ugly. We all need more of you and your gifts.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again! That’s very nice

[@Korgon2013]

My mom collected antiques, we would watch your channel. She passed 6 weeks ago, she would have loved that table. Cheers from VA.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I'm so sorry about your mom! I wish she could have seen it too! All my best to you

[@09gearchange]

Superb restoration Tom. The way you explain what you are doing and why you are doing it at every stage is an absolute joy to to watch. I find your work very therapeutic and relaxing. Thank you so much Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@tonics7121]

That piece deserved to be pampered and protected. Delightful details.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@stevereddin7253]

Getting into antique restoration myself and find your videos both inspirational and a smorgasbord of information. Thanks Thomas for taking the time to put these up.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck with all your projects!

[@megwolff58]

Fascinating project, Tom and great result. Just amazing how those legs had survived the elements and still looked so good. Makes me think...what else have you got in that shed LOL!

[@lanecobb4150]

Yeah...like that car under the clear plastic sheet! 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was amazed too at how the legs looked. I assumed I would have to sand them

[@johnsonrestoration]

How did you notice that? Good eye! A 79 MBG

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I was amazed too! I assumed I would have to sand them

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good eye! 79MGB

[@cobberpete1]

Another enjoyable episode. And learning again. I have always 'wet', and then de-nibbed with the grain. Your explanation of going at 45deg across the grain makes more sense. Thank you as always Sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! Yes, it really makes a difference

[@dannymichel1442]

Watching you work soothes my soul. Thank you for giving such joy to so many.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re so welcome! That makes me happy

[@chrisfrench8323]

Looks great, Tom. Good for another 200 years!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so!

[@bgisakronoh1067]

I learn so much from you Tom! Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re very welcome!

[@robinredman5192]

Thomas, I believe that was your lovely wife, Jane, that graced us with her presence and added her two hands to the job. Thank her for us. The richness of the wood takes me back to my childhood and the furniture that was around during the time I grew up. You do fine work Young Man. Take care and may you continue to be blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks John! Yes, that was Jane! An accidental cameo!

[@robinredman5192]

@@johnsonrestoration May you continue to be abundantly blessed. Thank for sharing your skills and dedication. 🙏

[@angelamoran1479]

Excellent! I could watch and listen to you all day 👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks

[@dougrobison1156]

Just another day in the shop performing miracles and creating heirlooms!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! Thanks!

[@vickiwood9192]

Beautiful table, Mr. Johnson. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@DouglasLambert]

Such an amazing work that even off-camera the work is done on-camera.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, how do we do that? Thanks

[@LoreleiHome]

Because of you, I now have some old brown glue in my shop. My mom freaked when she saw the ingredients. Whoever that lady was in the flannel, she’s my soul sister. I live in flannel shirts over thermals in the winter.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Lorelie! Yes, that's my wife Jane. Flannel forever!

[@TRKGL1800]

Kentucky is watching. Another great save. Glad to see you bring things back to life!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Greetings Kentucky!

[@DennisBater]

Tom, as usual, your "Pretty Good" is "Most Excellent"! I forget how many years I have been watching your videos but it makes my day when I see a new episode appear! ...What, Me Worry!...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And thanks for acknowledging Alfred P Neuman!

[@DennisBater]

@@johnsonrestoration I only know Alfred E Neuman... is Alfred P Neuman his brother? 🙂

[@claudianagel7402]

I simply love gateleg or similar tables! This one is really special. Thank you for saving it, Tom! Great job!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too

[@user-yq2rn2hy8p]

Every time i watch I learn something new about how to care for and love old things. Well, not love, but respect and care for . It upsets me when i see" restorers " Take a beautiful piece of furniture. , slap a coat of chalk paint and gold leaf on it , then sell it for very high price. Your work is like a japanese tea service. The process itself is so important to the finished piece. !!!😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love the comparison to a Japanese tea service. Like they say, it’s all about the process

[@lorithrower2467]

I love that you left the little life scars on this little table, they tell its story.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that too, I think it’s important, I don’t want a piece to look new, it’s always walking a fine line

[@urockitony2]

Great to see some new content. Sure do miss Ella.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I miss her every day!

[@doudou53d44]

Excellent job 👍😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you 👍

[@ericpedercini]

Once again, you are something else, Mr Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You are too kind!

[@craigroberts3982]

Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship and techniques. There is something special about saving something from the past.

[@johnsonrestoration]

So true! Thanks!

[@the_atomshop]

another skilful renovation/restoration. A pleasure to watch you work. Many thanks for showing us

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Te lo agradezco!

[@ChipKingsbury]

Tom, what a joy to watch this great video. Again, watching with my 6 year-old grandson. Thanks so much for your great work and videos. Greetings from Kenya.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Chip! You're so welcome! I love that your grandson is watching - who knows? He might become a woodworker

[@ChipKingsbury]

@johnsonrestoration When he comes over (they live quite close by), he often asks, "Can we watch the man who makes things?" He then climbs up in my lap, and we watch you. Declan is 6. Let's hope your prediction comes true.

[@chandrasekhargrenze9211]

If I am allowed to enter heaven I will wait for You to humbly ask if You accept me as an apprentice... Well, You already give me a glimpse of what heaven must be like, for Your work is from far beyond this world. Sorry for this "loaded speech", it just makes me so _happy_ to watch You working on all those wooden furniture pieces and I try to find words to express the amount of joy and happiness You give me with that. The only sad thing is that the videos _end_ ... It's because of You that I dared to veneer some selfmade drawers and spend more time with woodworking and furniture and by doing that bringing more peace and contentment and grattitude into my life. Thank You Mr. Johnson, You are so awesome!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome Chandra! It means a lot to me

[@wilkodog5252]

Well as usual Thomas you never disappoint! Fascinating watching you work, keep the great videos coming our way😁👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I will!

[@roguepetunia]

“Off camera” magically has camera footage. Love it! 😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! People are finally getting my little joke!

[@bethcrane5780]

A fortuitous marriage of new to old wood. Beautifully and sensitively restored small table, preserved for future generations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well said!

[@johnv7090]

God bless you, sir. You're a legend and a gem

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s very nice

[@iantyler4045]

That looks amazing. No one would know that the top was replaced. The patina of the top matches the base perfectly. Lovely work as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much 😊 I lucked out with the color for sure!

[@mpulleyscott]

Lovely save. It may only be 90% antique, but it is useful again and beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's the important thing

[@HeikeWoolard]

Gosh, that's a beautiful table. Something you can be proud to own. 🥰

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cudamank]

Saved a piece of our history, and made another great piece that can be used for another 100 years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks! maybe 200?

[@hickorygolddoc]

What a wonderful table! Made all the more special with your great care,awesome history and seeing this table back to its wonderful self. Always enjoy seeing your videos!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So nice...

[@tetreaulthank4068]

Another wonderful job of saving part of our history Tom, and also you’ve saved a table yes of modest means no doubt but what a skilled country furniture maker had made for a middle class family that was so very proud to have placed in their home where friends and visitors could see it. Nothing from IKEA or furniture stores of today could ever replicate ! Loved that you saved this honest little work stand 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm so glad I saved it too!

[@PaulB19677]

Great job Tom. I love how revive these simple pieces of furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@judithdomangue9995]

I was delighted to see this, thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@reverendtfg6802]

*This man is some kind of wizard.*

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mrscalifdreamer]

absolutely beautiful! You've done it yet again!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Amazing to see another professional job from you. 👍🏻👌🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@SparrowStockwell]

We enjoyed this, Tom. 🦋

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad...

[@lydiaflatt9859]

So nice! I love to watch people who really know what they are doing.😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@bbqlips]

Once again, a completely awesome transformation! Perfect work🙂👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@deettekearns9092]

I knew. I knew the moment you brought the table into your workshop we would see you make it shine. Such beautiful work. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome Deete!

[@Whistlewalk]

That is a georgeous little hall table. Brilliant.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jimc4731]

That was wonderful Tom. I have been waiting a long time for you to resurrect that table. I will be over tomorrow to take it back AH, HA hahahaaa!! JIM 😮

[@johnsonrestoration]

Please do! Thanks so much!

[@getitdonegirl6849]

Thank you for making these videos. I always pick up a little more information with each one I watch. I’m not a restorer but I love antique furniture that I usually find in rough but usable-ish shape and have always been afraid to improve them in case I just make them worse. I think I might be getting closer to working on them the more I watch and learn!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome! Definitely get started! Go with the easiest one first

[@Lake1ism]

I love it. It reminds me of furniture I'd use in my grandparent's house. Thanks Thomas for the knowledge and fine craftsmanship.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@petergregory5286]

One thing I learned from this was that if Tom couldn’t repair the top then there’s hope for the rest of us. Keep on keeping on. Regards.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Peter! That made me laugh

[@karenfrancis4003]

What a handsome guy!!! I have 2 GSD’s myself, I can’t believe that he’s been there so long!!! Hopefully he gets a home soon!❤

[@roguepetunia]

What?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But I don't understand. German Shepards?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good question!

[@kriss1956]

The stain and finish look so authentic, great job as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I lucked out with this one!

[@kittonsmitton]

Bravo Thomas what a wonderful restoration, taking a barn find and making it a worthy addition to any fine decor.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@user-kp5nj6oj7m]

Very professional and as good as it gets ! Respect.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@heyhope326]

You are the Bob Ross of furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s very nice

[@crisholmurb007]

A lovely little Pembroke table! Thanks again for a great channel Tom 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@FurnitureFlippa]

Amazing work Tom! Your videos are great, they teach us viewers so much. Also laughed out loud when you said "Off camera" but there is video footage 😂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I've been doing that for the last few videos, now people are starting to get the joke

[@FurnitureFlippa]

@@johnsonrestoration love it haha

[@rjjeffreys]

You did an absolutely outstanding job on this restoration, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@rjjeffreys]

@@johnsonrestoration you're most welcome, Tom!

[@paulamorris4727]

Many more years of use left in that lovely little table. Well done

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gregoryjasongranado5248]

Awesome work as usual!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@schnable]

With every video I either learn a new technique for repair or I see how old furnature was designed (and how it can fail!) The chemical stain was a new one for me. Your ability to match colors is amazing. Keep the videos coming!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I lucked out with this one

[@nzs316]

Friday "Brandy" night was missing someone for the last two weeks. Pleased to see a new upload. I liked your thickness planer, looks rather compact compared to mine. Mine weighs in at 300 pounds and is a beast to move. How unfortunate that the table top couldn't be saved. The swing out supports...wow! A trick i use to square off the legs is to place a plywood beneath the legs and screw them into their optimum position while the glue dries. I so enjoy the learning experience of your uploads. Happy Friday!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like the Brandy idea! I have done that with legs before, but with this one something was really twisted

[@RandyandLauraScott]

We loved this video. It also solved the question of what wood our flooring was made from. When you showed the highly figured birch that you were going to use as the top we knew right away that it is the same wood that is on our floor. Our floors would be from the late 1800s or early 1900s.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, Birch would make great flooring, it's so hard

[@traceyspad01]

You never cease to amaze me😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tracey!

[@judebrown4103]

Well that was just lovely. I did not know you could "age" wood like that but it was your skill in just scraping not sanding that gave it that look of a long life lived. So clever and sensitively done, if anyone else said, sorry can't save the table top it would give me the shivers but I knew if you said you could replace it that something amazing would happen. Marvelous job Tom, I'm absolutely flaberghasted with how you did that, just beautiful. 👍👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Jude! I appreciate it!

[@vickileonard72]

I get so much joy & satisfaction from watching these. My grandpa was a craftsman. If only I had taken more shop classes

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Never too late!

[@paulacorreal1675]

Beautiful restoration. Love watching you perform these miracles … you are very talented. Watching from PA.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@DaKayH]

I've been waiting years for Thomas to do a table like the one I have upstairs. It has all the same things in need of repair. Thank you for these videos. There are many Ah Ha! moments for me, as now I can see how to fix my table. Thanks, again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! That's great! Good luck with it

[@sandiekaye5241]

Well done Master Thomas. Well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Grasshopper!

[@billballeza377]

It’s so satisfying to learn how to do this kind of work even though I will never actually do it. Watching masterful work is in itself edifying.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Bill! I like that

[@jhj6636]

A pleasure to watch. A thoughtful and considerate restoration. I appreciated the gentle and approachable expert commentary, too. Lovely job! You've inspired me re-beeswax my late grandmothers dining table from ca. 1920.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, take care of that table!

[@Pammellam]

Lovely. Amazingly beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@driverat8s]

I love to see your work. This is another satisfying watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ErikBongers]

Sheraton's country-side brother will love it. Glad you added some off that off-camera footage.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! People are finally getting my "off camera" joke!

[@kathyandthedogs626]

I love that table!!! Incredible, awe inspiring work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!