They Said It Couldn't Be Done - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@auztransport2422]

I have seen so many restoring posts on the KZbin, Tom's videos are above everything I have seen so far. He is very meticulous on teaching his methods, explains with detail not only his procedure but also introduce material he uses to do the job. He is a very good teacher.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate it

[@GustavoMachado-t3b]

Conocimientos sobre ebanistería + herramientas adecuadas + paciencia + amor por los muebles de madera... ¿qué podría salir mal? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Arigató, Sensei.🙏🏻 Mis respetos y saludos desde Tucumán, Argentina.🇦🇷

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! Bien dicho, lo agradezco. ¡Hola a Argentina!

[@larrysmall6977]

Mr. Thomas, a couple of years ago I repaired a chair almost exactly like the one you have here, and with the same damage. I too was able to repair/glue the broken back piece while it was in the chair. Like you, I didn't want to start beating on the chair to get it apart for fear of doing great damage. One note that helped me was that instead of cutting a spline to get the two orphaned pieces back together, I used dowel rods; I don't remember the size I used but I do remember that I used oak for its strength. I drilled several holes in the broken piece and inserted the dowels and left it overnight to accept the gule. My customer was very happy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I've done similar repairs

[@marekpaul6110]

Despite watching every video you produce I am always astonished at the incredible results you achieve. Always such a pleasure to watch and such a great learning tool as well. Thank you.

[@crazykansan3026]

Ditto

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Ditto too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome! I appreciate it

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@09gearchange]

Another outstanding restoration Tom. You really are the best of the best. Thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@andymolly9100]

A true master craftsman, just love watching the skill and care you put into everything

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@GinWren]

You are a magician. A supremely skilled, knowledgeable, hard-working "magician".

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@romy4593]

Love the little finch at the beginning.... another wonderful save and the results are beautiful! I sent you an email with a picture of the before and after of my own little project....a tired Edwardian desk with rounded corners made of 5 different types of wood! Inlay work and really sweet...I even ordered the proper age castors to put on it as it came with new ones? Nope...found the right age and put her right! My husband thinks its gorgeous now!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I remember your email, what a great find and great "save"!

[@romy4593]

@@johnsonrestoration Thank you so much! Your reply was in my spam folder! My reputation here is growing.....LOL I am the saver of old "things" lol.

[@judithfairchild8620]

Your attention to detail is fantastic. Up very close you can see the repair but from any distance at all the chair looks like it never had a problem. Very well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Judith!

[@Green-Drake]

Thank you Sir. I always learn from your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@tperki2322]

Love how the panel says "special 3/8 ply do not cut" as you cut right through it. LOL. Thanks for the videos, always informative and entertaining. Ella is looking so old...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She is - aren't we all?

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

@@johnsonrestoration Could you get a cat too, for the closer inspections?

[@jocmarti]

Lol I had to check the comments for anyone else that saw that

[@AquaPeet]

hahaha I was wondering what that said! Do not c🪚ut

[@viscache1]

I did not see a clear way to that repair. That was some nice work. Thanks for upping all our games

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@eledatowle8767]

Every video begins with us saying, 'How the heck is he going to fix THAT?" and then we watch, enthralled, as you make it beautiful. Extraordinary work, as always. "Just a scosch..." There's a good Maine unit of measure, right there next to "smidgeon." 🙂

[@chipperkeithmgb]

Same measurements used in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Eleda! Actually "skosh" is Japanese - but you hear it a lot - my father-in-law served in Japan during the occupation. Smidgen is, well, a smidgen!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's amazing! How do these words get passed around?

[@curlycatherine1]

Sukoshi in Japanese means a little or some. Maybe skosh came from there. Another fabulously clever and painstaking repair. Thank you Mr. Johnson for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.

[@lohikarhu734]

BTW, in Japanese, they use "skosh" or "skoshi" for "just a bit"

[@sshaw9157]

Tour videos right my soul. Thank you for the beautiful, careful work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@bubba8]

A master craftsman and a tribute to the profession.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@Tmrfe0962]

I believe that along with the obvious skills I watch, your most important skill is…patience. Alas, that is where I concentrate my efforts too. Thank you as always, an impressive rescue

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Yet another 'Masterclass' from Tom. The care and attention to detail is amazing, and you are so cool and calm working your magic. It is so satisfying watching you work, and obviously the results are stunning. Thanks for sharing your videos - such a thrill to sit and watch. Take care 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Michael!

[@TheAnetmusik]

I am mesmerized, glued to every detail of your repair. I started very late in life, learning wood restoration and it has become a passion thanks to masters such as you. Thank you for taking the time to post. P.s I'm a huge fan of hot hide glue and mix and tint shellac. I'll keep coming back. 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm so glad you have found a passion! That makes me very happy

[@wdscrk1041]

Always enjoy the craftsmanship Tom brings.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@craigathonian5755]

Another beautiful restoration ! I was immediately intrigued by this very rare break. Everything around it, the other stiles and rails, were fine. Usually the stress is purposely designed or engineered to be mainly distributed in the top & bottom most stiles with the in-betweens secured, but mostly floating. When you did the dry-fit it became immediately apparent of what happened. For what ever reasons in the manufacturing, that wasn't the proper rail for that position. Making that size of adjustment with the material removal proved this, but this fact really created another head scratcher....How did they squeeze this together to begin with ? The only thing i can think of is the lumber wasn't completely dry, allowing the compression, and then upon drying with age and repeated use...popped ! Love your work, but really love a mystery more....Thanks for both !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Craig! Yes, I was wondering the same thing! But we come across so many inexplicable situations. Usually not with a manufactured chair like this one though. We'll never know!

[@lissataylor12345]

As I opened my iPad this morning I was hoping you had posted a new video. What a delight to watch the repair! Thanks for all you do to share your knowledge and approach to solidly repair the chair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulgerber6723]

Not sure if it's because I am getting old and weathered myself. But I love the feel and look of old repaired furniture. When I was young I didn't understand character. 200 years from now someone will sit in this chair and enjoy a meal. And you will be a part of that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I think about that a lot!

[@mousemade1]

Very nice as usual Tom. I was particularly taken with the poster behind the belt linisher and the way you so smoothly cut through the sticker saying 'SPECIAL 3/8" PLY. DO NOT CUT' Haha! Thanks for posting and I hope your finger heals soon!

[@domjoyce6005]

I came into the comments to see how quickly someone would have mentioned that, nice job 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's funny. I didn't notice that!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@martiwilliams8091]

Amazing, artistic work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Marti!

[@MarcvanExel]

That was another fantastic repair, looks like that will not come apart easily,

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope not!

[@marilanderos977]

Looks great! If you’re hadn’t seen the video I would probably never know

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@bethcrane5780]

Well that was a mess and how beautifully you've cleaned it up and blended the edges together for the next generation. Hey Tom, I'd love to see you and Trina collaborate on a tricky repair sometime. Take care and thanks for taking us along on this journey.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍 We've talked about that - maybe someday

[@johnsonrestoration]

She is good!

[@arthurkurtz2448]

I was thinking the same thing! And if I’m not mistaken, both of you are second-generation furniture repair persons.

[@mikef.1000]

I really liked the way you cut through the label at 12:45 that says "SPECIAL 3/8 PLY -- DO NOT CUT" 😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that was funny - I didn't plan that

[@cfreeman5631]

You never cease to amaze. I've tried fixing some oak chairs of my own, but I keep seeing techniques that would give me much better results. I may be repeating my fixes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it's all a process - just keep getting better!

[@LB-px9td]

Your work is always so meticulous. And thorough. It’s a pleasure to watch your videos. That is a handsome chair and you have restored it to its original state. Too bad the owner has placed that seat cover to ruin its elegant look. Great job!😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another great restoration/repair. I love the logic behind the spline, a lot of work but the results and protection are well worth the effort. and again great video work. the close up shots are priceless in my mind. we get to see each and every stroke in great detail , and learn many things from those alone thank you so much for sharing and for the great videography. both are beyond great!. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I really appreciate such positive feedback

[@MegaFortinbras]

And you can only see the spline if you look for it. As everyone else is saying, it's a masterpiece of repair. But then, Tom ia a master of the craft. I was just thinking that I have a settee that needs reupholstering, but I think I'll take it elsewhere. It'll be a lot cheaper.

[@foxstrangler]

Always a pleasure to watch a Master Craftsman at work. Other channels show skilful work in renovation of unloved furniture, but this is in a class of it's own. I sincerely hope you have an apprentice or two to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy fine furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Currently, no helpers, but there are these videos!

[@larrymoons2258]

Amazing!! We sit and watch and wonder “What the heck is he doing?”, casting doubt!! Yet knowing that we are watching The Master at work!! None better!! Thanks again for your videos!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@erincole6636]

So excited for a new video! Your videos are fascinating and calming at the same time!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Happy to hear that! Thanks!

[@miguelslade]

Another masterclass in furniture restoration..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@audiophile1024]

The repair looks much better than just pretty good. Your skills are amazing and fun to watch. Educational too..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@KingJamesBibleBeliever-de9fy]

Can't even tell it was broke! Great job! ❤❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!!

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom Great repair 🙂 I hope you do not get into any trouble, for cutting up the "special/do not cut" plywood. 😉 Take care

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Tim! I'm hearing a lot about that! That note wasn't for me though - I'm the boss

[@Tim-57]

@@johnsonrestoration Hahaha...love it 🙃

[@jim1407]

Great work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@alangknowles]

Wonder if the splat had always been a little bit too long and under compression, which is why it fractured.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's a good question! Thanks

[@58Kym]

Alan, I wondered the same thing and it seems likely to me too.

[@phooesnax]

Nice work Sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertbamford8266]

Amazing result … as usual. Interesting you apply tenon sizing rules to the spline. How deep did you go for the mortise?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't know the exact measurement - but a little more than half way

[@karthi7016]

A wealth of knowledge Thomas. Is the next generation taking over from you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think so! (I hope so!)

[@timmaggard8862]

Great job Tom! Beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@evenberg8499]

Work like this demands much invested patience, and it seems like Thomas has got what it takes and beyond. I really like your work, and am at peace watching it. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@paulotts]

Great job as usual, Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@agwbcfjc2]

Mr. Johnson, your skill and patience and loving care are an example to all who strive for perfection. Thank you very much indeed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@Mark_L]

I like how you just throw in some great tips for the hobbyist to use. Thanks for that. It gives us confidence to try repairs we normally wouldn’t. I’ve replaced several chairs and now I am fixing a danish dining room table The legs were coming apart. Good feeling when you can do a good job. Thanks Toma’s.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Mark! That makes me so happy that I can help inspire people to try

[@gingerdunn6590]

Looks great I can't tell where you repaired it. Prayers and Love ❣️ From Oklahoma

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Ginger!

[@Celiamarcal2]

Gosto de assistir os seus vídeos. as vezes comento, outras não. Parabéns.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Obrigado! Obrigado

[@alexandralacerda492]

Great, you are a master👏👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😃

[@michaelmoss5976]

I don't always watch Thoman Johnson's videos....but, when I do, I'm always captivated and entertained (and educated!).

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@stephenholmes5362]

Having all the right tools makes all the difference!! Great restoration, once again!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the right tool for the job!

[@finbarstadt7213]

TJ Friday delivers again. Masterful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@victorlongtin6507]

You are a master restorer ,it is always a pleasure to watch you reanimate a piece preserving the integrity of the original design , allowing it to function again as it was intended …..bravo ….

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@1959Berre]

Another masterclass by the maestro. The birds in Maine are awesome.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes they are! Thanks!

[@GordiansKnotHere]

Well Done! First time watching you work. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johnhergt6686]

I find your repairs relaxing to watch as each step is meticulously done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@pablolynch1152]

Love your job period! Way to explain, way to inform, the way to teach. Love the birds as well. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Thank you Thomas. Years ago I used to do in France what Thomas is doing today in the US. Thomas is excellent and humble.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that - quite a compliment!

[@Johnny-dz6vl]

Another master class with Ella's approval 👌 👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! Thanks

[@johncutts481]

The likelihood of me doing any work like you do is comparable to a snowstorm in the Sahara. I watch your videos because I enjoy watching a real craftsman at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice!

[@billiewylie7212]

i love the way you stay calm and collected, and go step by step to achieve the results you are aiming for. thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johngibson1171]

Another great repair video Tom. First class repair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mickwilson127]

Good to see you back Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@monopinion8799]

The magician of restoration! Bravo!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Ruddigore]

Thomas Johnson in one word - exemplariness.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm trying to pronounce that!

[@jenford7078]

Your extra efforts make all the difference in the world.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That last 10% is the difference between an acceptable repair and a really good one!

[@DiHandley]

The stresses of the modern world just seem to melt away when you post another video Tom. And you thought that you only mended furniture!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice

[@Dreadtheday]

Your channel makes the words "trust the process" feel so very accurate.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I think I do, instinctively. But at the same time I'm always "bobbing & weaving", sometimes changing the process when I see how each step is going. The viewers, however, do have to trust the process to see how things are going to turn out! Like when you put the oak stain over the mahogany stain

[@aaqilian5.085]

Nice one, Tom! Beautiful work. Always a pleasure to watch your work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@chrisfrench8323]

Looks great! Good for another hundred years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Fingers crossed! Thanks!

[@Cradley684]

Brilliant job Thomas, you and your dog have a nice !!!. 😀😀😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@rogerdudra178]

Greetings from the BIG SKY. I've heard that a few times that others have lived to regret.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm laughing but I'm not sure why

[@donaldmiller9930]

Mr .Johnson, Mesmerizing to watch and worthy of a Guild Master! Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@mediumstudio]

I really like being able to see the spline just that little bit - it really gives the piece character and history!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I agree!

[@mozu517]

I have never seen anything so intricate... That spline is beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@HERRESHOFFGSD]

Absolutely astonishing. Thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ThallesValle]

what a pleasure and joy to watch the entire master class by the legend himself. Mr. Thom Johnson!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@richardjones3240]

you are a master craftsman. I love to watch you work. In this throw away world we live in it is nice to see someone who preserves the past. God bless you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well said!

[@b.w.highness102]

What a beautiful chair. Another exquisite restoration, Tom! The Birds are wonderful and dear Ella is ever her elegant self. ...Barry

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Barry! I hope you're enjoying the summer

[@danielelse3914]

I really appreciate the videos' codas, where you list and display all of the tools, solid and liquid, used.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I like that too

[@81mescalito]

Hi. I'm a furniture restorer in the UK. Love watching you work and I have learnt some useful tips and tricks. Thanks for the content.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@salliebawden1160]

What would a repair job like this cost?

[@stephenrice4554]

Very nice result . Your lovely old dog was happy to pose next to it . 👍🇬🇧

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She does get paid for doing that!

[@pierrevladimir8085]

I appreciated your meticulous work on this chair. I know it's incidental but it's very nice to observe these pretty birds and your sweet dog. A real thank you from France.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much! The furniture repair is just an excuse to show videos of the animals!

[@pierrevladimir8085]

@@johnsonrestoration 😀😏 You just have one more subscriber. Thanks for your humor.

[@smarterthanawaffle]

Great addition of the time spent and materials used. And what a good boi you have there.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes! But she's a female - Ella

[@Tocqueville2023]

The hand scraper is unique. Never seen one before this. Watching your skill and the ideas you present ..Very Instructive!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Your patience is so amazing to me. You take your time restoring and I appreciate that in you. Your knowledge is beyond ours as students of yours. I say that because I have used your skills in some of my restorations. Thank you so much. 💓

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Olga and I appreciate your support as well

[@RichardMarindesign]

You're the rockstar of wood restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice! So where are all the groupies?

[@hder8740]

I still keep learning and look forward to every new post you do. Thank you very much for you generosity! Kind regards

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jobkneppers]

Tom, you're my Zenmaster as a premium example. I hope one day I have the same tranquility and patience to finish a job as perfect as you do. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@yldzkuney2506]

There it is another perfect Thomas Johnson repair work. But, I'm very happy to watch a new video. Thanks a lot :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@normanwandsworth]

It's the best therapy I can think of watching your craftsmanship. Thank you so much. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lisadurban3525]

I had trouble watching your videos for a while but am glad to be back. Been a big fan for a long time.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad too!

[@henrysara7716]

Every single video is a joy to see. Thank you for sharing again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@timothyscott1641]

Excellent craftsmanship. I really enjoyed the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it, Thanks!

[@kennethleslie9414]

In awe yet again Tom another fantastic job

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@tomdale1313]

Ella, loves her home...tanks for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@timtaylor1365]

When I'm feeling down I can guarantee that your videos always cheer me up

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's wonderful. I don't know why but it doesn't matter, I'm glad people like them

[@janis6363]

Outstanding job. Retirement for you is taking on the tricky fixes for fun and not pay I bet. You seem to love it so much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! True - but I do get paid well!