Will They Look Right? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine completes a lathe-turning project. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, call us at [phone], 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).

[@alanbrewer9454]

I spent this morning repairing our wooden floor, at a couple of sticky points I found myself thinking I wonder what Tom would do and I methodically worked my way around the difficulty successfully so I was delighted to see a new video had been posted after completing my job. Whilst I am not fit to stand in your woodworking shadow you are a remarkable and influential individual who I really admire and very much appreciate both you and all your content which on a damp Friday afternoon in the UK is most welcome With my Best wishes and kindest regards to you and your family

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Alan! That's very nice

[@dlevi67]

Many interesting details added here, Tom: from the source of your foot design to the little detail that the raising of the table was motivated by the presence of a wheelchair user in the client's family. I hope this video is more 'commercially' successful than the previous one, but it remains a brilliant piece of restoration work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Davide! I'm very proud of this one, and we realized that by re-posting some of these older videos, so many more people see it that have not seen it before. So it's a "repeat" for some, but for many viewers it's not.

[@DanJoy07]

Yes, I remember. The design details you demonstrate and follow are great, always worthy of reviewing. Thank you @@johnsonrestoration

[@lzdmglg202612]

A really good example of importance of measuring twice and cutting once.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yes! Thanks!

[@joanold4035]

It's wet and windy here in the UK, the dog is gently snoring next to me and I've spent the best hour watching a Master at his craft. Perfect!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's great!

[@Akimos]

Holy smeissel what a pair of skillful hands. Always lovely to see what I aspire to be. Just awesome.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@pamsheets632]

You are outstanding at wood working! The legs look as though they were originally part of the leg, extremely stunning! Gorgeous table! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! Love your videos they are so informative! 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@robinredman5192]

Thomas, the mark of a good video is when you thoroughly enjoy it and watch the entire thing. The mark of a great video is when you thoroughly enjoy it and watch the entire thing for the second time. Thank you for your hard work and sharing your God given talent. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you John! You make me happy!

[@robinredman5192]

@@johnsonrestoration Thank you Thomas. That made me happy. May you continue to be blessed beyond measure.

[@katharineskilesdaline4535]

Thank you for bringing our attention to some of your past work! I'm looking forward to this and more in the future....:)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@triplex86]

Another masterclass in how to do it right. Magnificent work - the new table feet look like they were always there. Thanks for uploading the video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Greenacres1958]

A thumps up simply isn’t enough! Beautiful. I used to run a metal lathe. It’s a lot harder than it looks. Much admiration for your talent!😊😊😊❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I wish I knew how to do metal work

[@user-nz9uq9rf7v]

I have enjoyed this video twice now and must admit I enjoyed it even more the second time. Wow, you’re so talented! 👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lameesahmad9166]

That rattle was so cute and I even found myself tearing up. ❣

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's so nice! Thanks

[@chazzyb8660]

I remember this one, with some most impressive improvements. I'll happily watch it again though as I has some out of the ordinary stuff going on. All sorts of useful tips. As well as the satisfaction of a job well done. Looks 'pretty good' too. Oooh, and a bonus.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Congratulations on the new grandchild! That rattle is so sweet and charming and I hope that the baby will they have that going forward into the future for their babies. ❤❤❤ Also I am a disabled person. I don't use a wheelchair generally but I really appreciate that you talked about altering the table so that wheelchair user would be able to use that table as well. People like you restore a little bit of my hope in humanity. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice!

[@XL-5117]

I can watch this all day! You’re so skilful and don’t know it. You may think it’s hauling away excess wood but I’m hooked! I’m in awe of your skill at woodworking and thinking and conceptualising your ideas. That’s why I love your channel.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@rogerdudra178]

Wizardly is my analysis. You do stuff I wouldn't even try. Well, I'd try, but you take the cake.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@RMBman]

Tom, you made me smile when you kerfed the diagonals of the pieces you turned on the lathe so that your spur center would grip into them. That's exactly how my father taught me to do it 50 years ago, and it's still how I do it today. Sometimes the old ways are still the best ways.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's the way I learned too - 50 years ago! 50 years! I'm feeling old all of a sudden!

[@billkurek5576]

WOW, even the kiddo looked pretty good too. Excellent craftsmanship. Thanks , as always for taking us along.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@SveninColorado]

That looks like a Thomas Moser continuous arm Windsor. Once again, I love to watch you work. Your planning, preparation, economy of movement are a dance which speaks to years of experience. Thank you for sharing these jobs with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I like that!

[@hickorygolddoc]

Not a soul would think that those legs were ever not original! Really great great choices and carried it out so expertly! Loved the process and the result. It is a wonderful table!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much!!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

FANTASTIC ! Those feet look totally original. Great fun watching you designing and turning them. I bet your client was thrilled with the result. The Baby Rattle was excellent - let's hope it gets passed down through the generations to come - what an heirloom ! Thanks Tom for sharing all your wonderful and clever skills with us - it's truly magic to observe. Take care 🙂

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@judebrown4103]

Oh I loved seeing those feet made the first time around so it was a pleasure to watch again. The new feet just enhanced that table so beautifully and to know that it made it practical for all their family members to use was lovely. How wonderful to see the prep that went into the little tweeters visit too, and of course dear Ella lives on in these reruns. I don't remember seeing you make that rattle, how lovely for your grand-niece to have something so special to treasure long after she's outgrown it's use.😊 So glad I had a spare hour at the beginning of the day to chill out with a cup of tea (or three😊) to enjoy this video, thank you master Tom. 👍👏🙏

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm glad you didn't mind the "rerun"!

[@167curly]

I really enjoyed your neat draughtmanship for the bun feet, and making them into wooden reality, Tom. Having done some lathework myself I know how tricky it can be to make matchng items.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It definitely is! I was careful and everything came out well

[@167curly]

@@johnsonrestoration I knew a man who had a lathe and made attractive lamps, but couldn't make a matching pair. LOL

[@26beegee]

Definitely one of my favorite jobs! While in college for Inter Design I loved creating and drawing designs. Didn’t get to do enough of that in the real world. Your creation and drawing of the new feet brought back fun memories. They look more than “pretty good”. They are beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, this was a very satisfying job!

[@kittonsmitton]

Thomas not only do the new feet look great they match the style and profile, better than the original, great improvement. I think they look fantastic! Bravo! And what a great gift the beautiful rattle, made with care, hopefully to be passed down.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@marekpaul6110]

I remember watching the original video and being in total awe of the craftsmanship. Watching it again now brings back good memories and it's still amazing craftsmanship :-) Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I remember the dining table video. What impressed me most was the new feet never jumped out at me. In fact I had to look all the way down to take notice of them. They just seemed to belong with the leg design. Thanks for bringing these projects back. They were fun to watch then and now. 👍👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm glad you don't mind the "repeats"

[@brettmanuel3440]

Loved 🥰 it the first time and still found myself watching it again

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad!

[@maddieadams75]

Thanks for bring back some of the best videos, I remember when you created the feet for that beautiful table. Wood turning is my favorite. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pmichael73]

I remember most of these, and it was great seeing them again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad you didn't mind

[@Joe1935429]

An array of many different crafting skills ends in a beautiful piece of work. Thanks

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@randyattwood]

Glad to have my Manhattan cocktail buddy back! Really enjoyed watching this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! Although now, in the summer, we switch to more gin and tequila drinks!

[@randyattwood]

@@johnsonrestoration Gin and tonic is another of my go-to drinks. Also like Negronis

[@jomercer21113]

I loved that table project--the feet looked as if they'd always been there. The leg drilling jig was my favorite part. Pretty good, indeed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@carolderoza2437]

I really love the bonus of the baby rattle. I have seen things like that already made I was really glad to get to watch it being done that's really neat

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They're a lot of fun to make

[@glenlongstreet7]

I think that all woodworkers aspire to the lathe. TOH Tommy and Norm always jumped at the chance to demonstrate their skills. My dad had a #2 Shopsmith and I did some things on the lathe; mostly cut myself with the knives. I inherited my grandfather's Craftsman Lathe. It was on a wooden base and made a lot of noise. It made my wife worry. I had to downsize and did not have a place for the lathe and other large tools. I still hope to get another lathe. it is like pottery - very fast and very rewarding. I have room for one now.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, definitely do that. It's very satisfying! One tip: sharp tools!

[@diannesorem6389]

I had no doubt you are an excellent turner. You pay such attention to detail. A true artist! Cheers!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnkeller9448]

I watched the table refinish the other day for the second time. I like the additional footage you added.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, most of this was not in the long version of the table restoration

[@carriebtc]

You are a master of your craft, Tom. A true artist. Congratulations, the Tudor Revival Table looks great. Thank you for sharing your secrets. Much appreciated. Cheers

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@mariekado7151]

It's a pleasure watching you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@damepasty9203]

The new feet look like they've always been there! I enjoyed the turning footage. Always neat to watch and learn from a master such as yourself.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@bearrivermama6414]

I truly appreciate your excellence and craftsmanship! This project required creativity and patience. I have never worked on a lathe (have always wanted to though) but I am an artist. I have painted entire rooms with 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide brushes when doing murals. I have sewn, by hand queen size quilts. I hand sewed a queen size blanket from beaver furs we trapped and tanned. I have made kitchen cabinets and raised panel doors. Done mosaic backsplashes and can truly understand from those experiences how much work you put into this. Amazing ❤! You inspire me to exercise more patience and attention to detail. Thank you for sharing your craft with us all❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thanks! You have done just about everything! Sounds amazing. I can't imagine how warm that beaver fur blanket is!

[@annpotter5366]

Thank you, Mr Johnson. Amazing as always!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@christelmuller9198]

Hallo Thomas, wieder ein sehr interessantes Video. Wunderschöne Arbeit und exzellent erklärt . Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende viele grüße Christel ☺👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke Christel! Und das wünsche ich dir auch!

[@phils6122]

It deserves more views. Beautiful creation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@andybyerly5629]

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF WORK!!! GREAT JOB. Thank you!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Andy!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you Tom, another great job, hope you and yours are all good there, see you on the next one

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@user-gw3ef9nn5j]

I remember when you made these legs ! been following since the lockdown years

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I really liked designing and making those feet

[@saggioculo5386]

The feet look original to table. Love watching the process! Also, love the rattle.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelpage7691]

I watched the original but thanks again for the extra footage my friend for your imparting of knowledge that us mere mortals lack but at least now have more of an insight into. I hope all your family are fit and well too. 👏👏😁🇦🇺

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I hope the same for you as well!

[@michaelpage7691]

@@johnsonrestoration Thank you Thomas.

[@shariarnold9649]

Wow…your restoration process is so interesting to watch. I love the attention to detail which definitely lends to the perfect outcome of the project. I particularly like the jig you made to center you drill so precisely on each leg. You are truly a master craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jimwiskus8862]

That rattle is now an heirloom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! If it survives the chewing!

[@rgr3427]

I remember this project, it was good to have another look at it. The choice to make the “octagonal” cuts was a truly wise call, why put yourself, the tools and the piece thru undue stress when a few quick cuts can be made. The chair is still one of my favorites, the sweeping back is just a classic look. Thank you sir (Rattle Baby !)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom.Real nice job on turning the new feet. They look original. Really neat jig you built for drilling the 5/8" hole for the new feet. Nice repair/replacement on the Windsor chair. Great idea making a baby rattle that can become an heirloom. Cute baby. I believe she likes the rattle. Thanks for the video. You take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Ron!

[@richardlyons7582]

Thanks for the bonus turning videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@danielelse3914]

The circle template, the wooden ruler, the sharp pencil, and the liberal use of eraser pencils - strong memories of elementary and middle school!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! It does take you back - maybe that's why I enjoy it so much

[@iantyler4045]

I'm at present restoring a 1940 timber radio cabinet and I find myself asking " How would Tom do this". Your patience and expertise are an inspiration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Good luck!

[@jasonkeyes474]

Thank you, Tom, for the video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@cobberpete1]

Three for the price of one. You have done us well this week. When doing multiples, I always worry they will not look the same, and use a story stick and Shape cut out to help me along. You went the extra yard with the rattle. Mine are only one sided (2 or 3 rings). I've gone to the expensive of getting a 'Hook' tool, that lets me get behind the rings to facilitate the cutting free. Thanks as always Tom. cute Bub 🥰😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I want to try one of those hooks too.

[@matthewb8229]

I remember either this video because I recognize the unique legs. It was fantastic work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lorabelknap7139]

This was an amazing restoration. Thanks for resposting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@dirkg7062]

WOW! You did a great job on those feet turnings. Looks absolutely amazing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lindacgrace2973]

Mesmerising video. A real pleasure watching you work. I love work: I can watch it for hours! LOL Truly though, I learned a lot about turning (something I have never tried) and, as usual, came away with "tool envy." A video about all the tools in your shop would be nice. Great video - thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! good idea for a video

[@sherryrainey4866]

I watched U do amazing work and I admire that in anyone. I just wished we were closer to each other so I could learn more . I share Ur work all the time . Thank U so much

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're so welcome!

[@Lightning77305]

Excellent wood turning and great to watch.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@fatersaadatniaki]

It didn’t draw enough attention???? This was by far one of the most interesting episodes on your channel for me 😢

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Fater! Yes, one of my favorites! Very low numbers the first time around, it's doing better already this time

[@tachi98lep]

I really liked the previous video of you designing and turning the new feet for this table!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! One of my favorites!

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@mcgphilo]

Masterful work Tom Prep&design excellent

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@filmbluff99]

I always enjoy your videos Tom. However, this one was particularly interesting as I am a hobby woodturner, and it is always interesting to see how others do their turning.😀🇬🇧

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, everyone is more or less self taught, so it is interesting. And of course the secret is sharp tools!

[@Elbowendj]

Wow, that involved a lot of calculating and problem solving. Very informative, thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, the planning paid off

[@melissataylor5494]

So enjoyable. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@johnpietros9439]

Need to send my son to Maine so he can work for you for free and suck up all that knowledge of yours. Need to pass on all that knowledge. You are quite amazing my friend

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm doing a good job of passing it along through these videos!

[@peachstreetrestyle2518]

Your talent is outstanding and is so fascinating to watch. Thank-you for sharing your expertise

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And than you for watching and commenting!

[@ollerpops]

Beautifully done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Cornishaich]

Who knows, that child in twenty, thirty years time will maybe watch this video. That is special. As is all of what you do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so!

[@arigvi101]

I like how filled your shop is with tools and other things. Makes it interesting to find easter eggs like that marihuana poster at 33:52.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! I like that poster

[@careymitchell4731]

Got a case of good IPA in the background !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Always! Thanks!

[@deburgemeestervanhespedam3314]

31.10 Very well turned. Beautiful to see! Craftsmanship!!! Awesome!!! Niek.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mudrat52]

Enjoyed very much ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tinlizzie]

Thank you - this is always so interesting and informative.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gemgari]

Great job Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@karenheartoriginal3783]

What a wonderful video with easy to understand instructions for creating a new foot. You would never know they weren’t original. And now I know how floating rings are created…was a mystery to me. And thank you too for including your feather and fur babies! Truly a joy to watch. 👍👍👏👏👏👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it

[@kristy4619]

Fantastic job

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Kristy!

[@montewoods4766]

Thank you Thomas

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@danielelse3914]

I have a lathe. I have some turning tools. I have lots of wood. What I haven't had are the time and the gumption to start turning. This video is an inspiration. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! You didn't mention sharpening stones! Sharpen! And good luck!

[@cayuse-jf7eq]

Ill say it aging You sir are an artist i love to watch your video

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sharonbelisle550]

Tom very good outcome! You’re so talented!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much!

[@danaowen9014]

Superb work Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@conniegray3272]

Gorgeous!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@raouldontneedthem3416]

Simply outstanding! Thank you, Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@haroldadelman1130]

Beautiful work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@slawomirh.3636]

Mistrz Thomas ma wiele talentów, rysunek techniczny nie jest mu obcy. Ołówkiem posługuje się również sprawnie jak dłutem czy piłą. Robota jak zwykle, perfekcyjna. Pozdrawiam i dużo sił i zdrowia.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję! Doceniam to! Podoba mi się komentarz o ołówku

[@manecobeirao]

Tudo fantástico !!! Parabéns Master T.J. ( Brazil )

[@johnsonrestoration]

Obrigado!

[@selketskiss56]

It looks like the legs/feet were made that way...excellent work and video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mikeypuss1967]

oh the dry humor. love it

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@wayneshirey6999]

Excellent video. I remember this job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Wayne!

[@joanneroper116]

I remember watching this when it first aired and enjoyed watching again. You’re an amazing craftsman and your artistic recreations are historically accurate and engaging. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@the_atomshop]

really enjoyed that. Top quality jobs. Many thanks for the upload.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@michaelmclaughlin5748]

Really awesome job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@WINDYJEAN]

Think you are a genius and I love all your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice