Repairing an 18th Century Stool - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2021
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine turns his attention to this antique stool in need of some repairs. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. 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).
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In the early 80's, on Friday nights I was excited at the prospect of going out to have a beer with friends and ask girls to dance. On this Friday night of January 2021, I'm all happy to find out Thomas Johnson uploaded a new repair video :D
That's good! That was a long time ago! It's amazing.....
My Dad was a chair rescuer a poor abandoned chair on the side of the road or in the village dump would be given a new life . Forty years ago my husband bought ten chairs from the Odd Fellows hall when they were updating to plastic and metal chairs Dad thought that they needed his tender loving care, he took years of crusty black off of them to reveal ten wonderful low arm chairs . I have no idea how many he worked on over the years ... all of this just to say I wish that I could share your videos with him he would have loved them, as much as I do perhaps more than that !👍👍👍👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
Your memories of your dad are priceless. Thanks for sharing them!!
@@maggiesue4825 I agree that my memories are priceless I think that this the first time I have shared a story about Dad that caused my eyes to tear up don’t worry I am smiling too. So many good memories of a good man and a good father!
Thank you! I also would give anything if my Dad could see these videos!
Yes
@@johnsonrestoration how lucky we were to have had our Dads in our lives to have felt their love and given them ours there are many people in my heart my parents grandparents aunts and uncles I am thankful for the love that they felt for me and that I gave them my love in return. I think that they would have enjoyed watching the videos and that your dad would take pride in having had a hand in shaping the man who you are today.
I absolutely love this kind of furniture, it's sturdy and rustic. The style I have grown up with.
Thanks! I was unfamiliar with it, but now I love it too. I hope to build a similar piece
I have never seen anything like it.
The ghost of some long-dead craftsperson is yelling at their screen, “I made a mistake and no one was supposed to see those extra holes!”
Exactly! That was my idea, too )) Fabulous work as always, Maestro!
Or uh oh I took it apart and didn't mark the parts, oh well no one will ever know.
2021...DOH!
To your point, I think the person that made this coined “measure twice...”
I was wondering if it was made with wood from another stool or piece of furniture? Kind of ye olde recycling!
Good thinking
@@TheLoxxxton
This is zen.....like all of his videos, very calming. And the picture of the bird, at the beginning and the end, is fabulous.
Thanks!
Mrs. Rundle here.2:00 AM,can’t sleep, getting A glass of milk. When what do my wondering eyes appear...... but a beautiful old bench which is coming apart at its seams and the great Thomas in Gotham Maine, ALLELUIA. GOD IS GOOD.
Thanks! I hope it put you to sleep!
I thought the section showing the stool dressed and in use against a wall really showcased its loveliness!
Thanks! Me too!
Mr. Johnson, you do such patient, methodical, expert craftsmanship. You take something damaged and make it smile again; you are a creator of beauty. Thank you for sharing your impressive skills!
You're very welcome Sarah! I appreciate it
A man of "True Character ". Not only does he make mistakes, they're "Classic Mistakes ". Happens to me all the time. That's how U Learn!! Great video, thanks for posting it!!
Well said! Thanks."show me a man who's not making mistakes and I'll show you a man who's not doing anything!"
Imagine how happy a piece of furniture is when it’s taken to this shop. In loving and skilled hands. Beautiful piece.
Thanks! I like to think so too
My OCD insisted that I would make the boards fit together flush. That’s why you are a renowned restorer and I watch videos on RUclips. I think it looks pretty good! Thank you Tom!
Thanks! Oh, I wanted too! But common sense prevailed
Am I the only one who is truly impressed at the durability of that piece (oak)...with little to no rot, negligible insect invasiveness, and reasonably moderate wear? I really appreciate the fact that when strengthening the base (legs and cross tenons) you squared it up (adding integrity) and in so doing discovered that the top couldn't abide that....and so, the Thomas Johnson touch of craft to the rescue! Great restoration (and historical context) my friend....best wishes and a big hug for Ella.
Thank you! Definitely durable! This thing will be around forever! Hug delivered.....
I really enjoy Thomas' videos! He gives very detailed commentary on what he is doing & isn't boastful, usually saying he thinks his ideas will work but doesn't boast that they will.
If anyone is seeking tutorial style videos, Thomas supplies those well!
Thank you! That's very nice
I can watch this guy all day long. So relaxing. The Don Williams of furniture restorations.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
No matter what you do, you do it with such precision and detail! Professionalism.... this generation will never live up to your standards sir, and that's a shame. From what I see on other channels, and even in my own experiences nobody pays attention and treats your property like Thomas Johnson does! You're awesome! Thank you for being you! Can't wait for the next one! Take care, and God bless. ❤👍😊
Thank you! I appreciate your comments! You take care also!
Another excellent restoration. While that stool was clunky and downright homely, it look rather handsome once restored and cleaned up. Thanks for sharing your remarkable skills on RUclips.
You're welcome! It did come out nice!
I added a comment below, that perhaps it was part of a set of stools, disassembled and then reassembled when transported on a cart (or wagon), or even over the ocean. And, of course, they hadn't marked each piece with a numbered sticker, so that they got mixed up, presumably more than once, hence the multiple holes. .
Either way, you did (as ever) a lovely job of putting it together again. Keep well, and have a great 2021.
PS. You do have some very beautiful small song(?) birds over there.
Yes I reckon that's a sound enough thought and very likely!
Most likely explanation. Well thought through!
Yeah, my first thought was that some of the pieces were from similar but not identical furniture.
Thanks! Yes, I thought that is a good theory
I agree
I purposefully waited to view this on Sunday morning with my coffee, I knew it would set the tone for a good day.
That's great! Thanks!
As a restorer myself I draw a lot of inspiration from your videos and it's nice to learn new skills from a master craftsman.
Thank you! I really appreciate positive feedback from other tradesmen
I don’t know how I missed this video. I enjoyed watching you take this stool apart and remakes it. Always a joy to watch your craftsmanship. Have a great weekend!
Thanks! 👍
It's good to se these videos both for the pleasure of watching a knowledgeable expert at work and to learn techniques and what finishes to apply.
Thank you!
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one that might have some ‘secrets’ inside mortise and tenon joints on the odd occasion 😂 thanks for the video, very educational.
Thanks! Yes, the person who built this never dreamed anyone would see their work!
I've been working with wood for 70 yrs (started at 10) . It gives me joy to see someone who still uses some of the same tools I have. (not many people use a 6 ft. folding rule any more). Your lathe looks like the one that I learned on in 1950s. Keep up the good work. I've had to downsize because of age and gave up my farm with 30 acres and my shop in a 36' x 36" barn.
Thanks Paul! I love the old tools too. I often think about the time when I'll have to give all this up
@@johnsonrestoration It's not much fun to give up what you love, but I kept some tools so I do get to do some things. Thanks for your videos. I think they look pretty good.
On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the citizens of the United Kingdom it is my happy duty to award you a knighthood in recognition of your services to furniture restoration. Arise Sir Thomas.
I enjoy complementing TJ and the hard work he puts in furniture restoration and in his videos. However, I think you just landed the best compliment ever! Sir Thomas is a fitting title!
A hundred percent yes to This knighthood!
It turned out beautifully.
In the 17th century their costumes would have made it impossible to sit in normal chairs. Stools were just the most practical way to sit.
Very fitting IMHO, good Sir. Sir Thomas it is!
Wow! Thank you! I will do my best to uphold the honor
The Bob Ross of restoration, so ASMR to watch
Thank you!
Your videos are strangely relaxing for me, I'm glad I found you. My respects, Maestro.
Thank you very much!
Loved that picture of this stool all refurbished in a finished room against the wall. Looks great!
Thanks!
Thomas, I was thrilled when I saw you were returning those period square riven pegs back in those original “Draw-Bored” Holes and had not re-drilled with a larger drill and sunk dowels into the top as
someone who has no clue on how a period joined or Joyned stool was originally made from the green
white or red oak tree, plus you also left the original square pegs back in their holes holding the top back on. Well done Thomas ! The holes were as you probably know were sometimes drilled at an angle slanted away from the vertical words the outside to prevent it from pulling loose. Very rare stool
Indeed. The owners brought it to the right restorer, You were absolutely correct when you stated those stools were never glued, only draw-bored. Thank you, most would never have an opportunity
To see a 16th or 18th joyned stool disassembled !
You're welcome! I really appreciate it
Thank you Thomas - another interesting masterclass restoration of an object from a lost world
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Gorham, Maine.
Love the flora and the fauna that you so generously share with your viewers.
A little bit of Paradise.
It is! We feel very fortunate to live here
It’s beautiful on his little farm. At least from where I sit it is.
17th century up-cycling??? It is a beautiful little stool, and I agree it looks like it may have been put together from used or repurposed parts. The finished product is great, makes a wonderful little table! Thank you so much for sharing,
You're welcome!
Again a nice renovation of this beautiful stool with respect for the way it was build originally. Like it!!
Thank you very much!
Super neat! This is the first time I've seen a piece (originally) assembled without glue or mechanical fasteners disassembled and reassembled. So cool to see how things were built a couple of hundred years ago.
Thanks! It is!
This is still after years one of my favorit YT channels. Sometimes I find my self with a half face smile fitting some stuff and putting in practice what I learned from you. Thank you Tom!!
You're welcome! Thanks for being such a loyal fan
I've been spoiled, watching you. RUclips recommended another furniture channel. The "restoration" involved hacking off all of the veneer with a chisel and then making new veneer and leaves for what he said was a 1950s dining table. It wasn't necessarily poor work, it just felt dishonest. I had to come back and see something done properly. You're the gold standard.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
They built the daylights out of it originally and well an good they did because it has had a long rough life. Another survivor comes into your hands and it gets added life, beauty, and toughness. Love it that you still speak of mistakes and learning in the course of your work.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
You, me, and wine...so relaxing and you are so professional at your craft.
Thank you so much! 😀
Lovely stool. I think every young person should have mandatory crafting in school. Where the build something like this by hand. Mill the lumber. Shape and finish. So many take for granted just how much effort went into making a item like this 300 years ago. So much of what we have today is not appreciated.
Thanks! And I totally agree! And it doesn’t have to be a woodworking project, just design and build something! Anything! Just make a connection between your brain, hands and a finished project. Sewing comes to mind, but there are many possibilities
Excellent videography, and as usual an amazing transformation. Thank you for continuing to post your videos, many of us look so forward to your posts.
You're welcome! more to come......
You have a few years to go yet Tom! Hang in there! and keep up the great videos! And thanks again for sharing.
You're welcome! I will
Outstanding. Watching your videos has educated me in how old furniture should be tastefully restored. Prior to this I would want to sand everything back to bare wood and then refinish it so it would be all smooth and perfect. I now see that’s the last thing one should do.
Thanks! Yes, it took a while for me to figure that out too
One thing for sure ,none of today’s furniture will last as long as this rather simple yet beautiful piece of furniture.You restored it perfectly .Now with love and care it will live on for many more years 🥰
Wow, thank you!
Meticulous restoration. I'm glad a piece of furniture that old fell into the hands of a professional. I think a novice could have been fooled by what it would take to properly return this furniture to a useful life and still preserve its historical construction and authenticity. After 300 plus years, my joints would be loose, too. Inspiring work. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it
It just goes to show that no matter how humble a piece of furniture - it all gets the same "Thomas treatment" be being treated with care, attention to detail, curiosity, and, above all, respect for the integrity of the piece. Love your work Mr Johnson!!!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words
Awesome!!! Another Tom Johnson video during lock down here in Toronto, Canada. If it wasn't for quality stuff like your videos I would go NUTS. Only leaving house for food and medicine. The definition of going nuts. Awesome 👍👍👍Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome! hang in there!
This one took some major skills and experience to figure out.
Imagine running into this one with little experience, oof!
That brixwax worked well leaving all the patina. I love the smell of brixwax.
Wonderful video.
Thanks! Yes, good stuff!
I think those stretchers were re-purposed from another piece of furniture, hence the redundant holes and use of shims... no real carpenter would make such an ill-fitting piece. Good salvage job, Tom - I like the alignment idea with the arrow on top of the peg (going to pinch that!).
I hate it when people have used white wax on brown furniture - leaves those unsightly white streaks in the grain.
Thanks! I think you're right
The top alignment was a challenge but not for the master. I love the photos of the placement in a home when finished.
Thanks!
As always enjoyed your craftsmanship. Showing us your mistake and your recovery was particularly instructive. Thanks.
Very welcome!
There wasn’t anything wrong with it but you did extend the antique life span of the stool. Old things like that are priceless, I think. Watching you tear it down was an education in eighteenth century carpentry too. That’s very interesting. Well done for me. Thank you for sharing.😊👋🏼
You're welcome! It is so interesting to see what others have done
What a handsome looking stool. You did a nice job sobering the old boy up Tom!
Looks pretty good.
Thanks! 👍
I love seeing you leave all the antique on there 👍
Thanks!
I have restored furniture here in England for years and I think you are right about the age. You would be amazed how much a 17th century one in good condition is worth!
Thanks! Yes, I'm learning a lot about these stools!
What a charming older piece you've restored there, Tom.
Thanks!
It seems like this must have been a budget-priced piece of furniture back when it was made -- just quickly banged together with a lot of reused parts.
Your newspapers reminded me of a story from when I was a young tyke in a woodworking shop. The owner used newspapers for drop cloths etc., but would often get distracted by stories in the paper, and then get really annoyed at himself for wasting time reading the paper instead of working. His solution was to subscribe to a Chinese newspaper.
I was also thinking they were spare parts from something else. Also, maybe they got the chisels mixed up when sizing the tenons and then when making the mortises. We'll never know!
Delightful story!!
Omg I though that’s only me with such a dumb habit
Need a subscription to a Chinese newspaper today just subscribe to the Washington post or new York times, lol
That's good! It's true, I am forever reading stories I had missed. When I had employees we had a rule that you were allowed to read stories when taping off
Yet again Tom, a Masterclass in sympathetic restoration. It's so relaxing, watching you work, ad of course, the finished item is spectacular ! Thank you for your videos. Take care and stay safe :-)
You're welcome! you too!
Thanks for all the great videos. I am using all the techniques you use in different ways. Aside from being incredibly relaxing, informative and inspiring, they make you want to cut something, chisel something and definitely glue something. I tossed a perfectly good Windsor chair. If I had see your videos could have repaired it easily.
You're welcome! Too bad about the chair - good luck on future projects
Very soothing for my “ jagged nerves”! One more fine in class session!
Thanks!
Many times I think, “Tom, wouldn’t it be easier to clean the piece before you put it back together?” Then I tell myself to not question the expert.
If you wanted a 'like new, perfectly uniform' surface, probably it would. :-)
I think that the “crud” left in the corners by cleaning it assembled lends to its aged beauty.
Thanks! Always do all repair work first. There's nothing worse than a big pile of parts! Especially when all the marks for reassembly get washed off!
Yes. But really, it's a pain to do that anyway
It just depends on what the piece is, etc
Awesome Mr. Tom. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Something to learn each time. Take care!!
Thanks, you too!
Another great job Tom, your skill makes me very jealous, looking forward to the next one
Wow, thanks
I was only looking for how to remove varnish from Victorian chest of drawers, so I can re-stain to make them as dark as possible. But no, I found you Tom and I've been stuck watching your magic ,why are you not my neighbor ,just WHY. Still no further on with my how to, but what a great find you've been. Also love your wee dog, who seems to just plod about. Well done.
Thanks! Sorry to distract you from the project on hand! I will tell my wife how you described Ella as a "wee dog". She'll have something to say about that!
Well being an old Crusty born, New Englander, from Western Ma. that looked to me like some good old Yankee ingenuity, repurposed to another life. And brought back to life by a Skilled New England Craftsman. Thanks again Tom for another enjoyable, and once again tutorial on how to revive something old and worth dong.
Thanks! Will I get crusty too?
Amazing job,once again Mr. Johnson!!!!
Thank you!
Absolute perfection! It looks so pretty in it's room. The little colorful birds are looking for Spring...we are too. Thank you for another interesting video. Peace💫
You are so welcome!
What strikes me about this stool is how similar the design of the legs and the moulding around the top are to a 1950s mass-produced nest of three small tables my parents had. It's interesting how elements of design live on through the generations.
Thanks! Yes, it is interesting! The basics live on!
You are such a professional at restoring furniture i can tell you love your work and it shows.
Wow, thank you!
Again, Tom you are the man.. Nice job 👊
Thanks!
What an interesting piece. Didn't know the history behind early-American 4-legged stools. Wonderful restoration (and it does make a very nice little table).
Thanks! There doesn't seem to be an American equivalent
Another project brought to a successful conclusion. Great finish. Made it look good without destroying the wear and tear. Thank you for sharing. Have a great 2021 and stay healthy.
You're welcome! And the same for you!
I work a 4/10 schedule. So Fridays are my day off. I woke up around 6 AM, peaked outside to see that it was raining, so I slept in until about 830. I thought, “it’s raining and my motivation is low so let’s see what’s on RUclips”. Ding ding ding, we have a winner! TJ has come through again, delivering an awesome video at the best time! I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and now it’s time for me to head to my workshop and play with some sawdust. Thanks for that tincture of motivation!!
You're welcome!
It does look pretty good indeed. That is a nice antique addition to any period house.
Thank you!
Man a coat of polish sure didn't hurt that! It was screaming for a drink.
Yes! Thanks!
Can you do a house tour of all your personal antiques?!?! I’d love to see!!!!
Thanks! We've been thinking of making a video of our house. This year the house celebrates it's 250th anniversary
Humble pieces have such an appeal. It looks pretty good alright!
It does! Thanks!
Got there in the finish Thomas, great job, You Stay Safe Now !!!.
Thanks, you too!
What a wonderful restoration, I wish I had 10 of those around the house
Thanks! They would come in handy!
That was quite a challenge. Love watching your videos.
Thanks so much!
proper job mr johnson as always looking forward to the next repair thanks stay safe
Thanks, you too!
Love the wooden pegs, almost made it thru without any nails. Love the old world craftsmanship for just a “stool”. Gotta love the hidden pegs and shims, keeps you thinking....Thank you sir for saving this piece of history.
You're welcome!
Always love watching you!!!
Thanks so much!
It didn’t put me to sleep. But it did replace the scenarios playing on my mind with one scenario of you restoring an heirloom, orphan. plain, little well made stool.
Thanks! It was meant to put you to sleep!
The maestro at work! Well done as usual!
Thank you kindly!
Looks like it belongs in the great hall of a castle. Very nice!
It does! Thanks!
always a joy to watch work long may it continue
Thanks! I hope so too
Thank you for showing all the problems it makes for better understanding. I am used to working with metal and tighter tolerances, it is hard for me to let go with precision and work with wood it a way that common sense allowing wood to do what it wants to do is MOVE and SHIFT over time. I am sure all the metal work I have done will never last as long as this table-stool.
I am learning a lot from you.
I found some of my apprenticeship metalwork test pieces you would be surprised at what we were made to do with a chisel and a draw file back in 1979. If you want some pictures let me know.
It is not about what I did, it is more about what you can be trained to do. UK engineering EITB training in Hand tools - machining lathe, miller, shaper - electrical - sheet metal etc.
Thanks! This sounds interesting! Email: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
Sir you always do next level restorations
Thank you!
Like always Mr. J....it looks pretty good....greetings from Pasadena, Texas.....
Thanks! 👍
Thanks for another top video. You have far more self control than I do. With the chance to close those gaps in the top, I could not have contained myself. I would have been working out the smallest acceptable gap that would not be too small. I'm afraid I do not have the soul of a restorer/conservator. All the best.
Thanks! I know exactly what you mean. But it did look good with the gaps. Notice I did make the gaps nice and straight and even!
"Don't know what that is, maybe a nail." Let's crowdfund an x-ray machine for Tom. Huh?
Thanks! I could use that for a lot of things!
They make magnetic detecting wands to detect nails in wood.
@@GodsMan500 Yeah, but an xray machine or MRI would be much more fun.
I'd love to see some of your client's reactions to your work!
Thanks! We have always thought it would just be too difficult to really pull it off
what a beautiful stool. great job tom!!
Thank you very much!
I had to laugh at the "spaces" you left between the boards forming the top of the stool. It reminded me of my childhood and how my family avoided sitting in a certain church pew that we called "the butt pincher." LOL
Yes! Thanks! Well, hopefully it will be used as a table and not a stool!
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you very much!
Lovely functional piece. Sensitive restoration as always.
Thank you very much!
Here’s a tricky test that I have personally tried doing a few times. I work in aviation and years ago, I was an aircraft maintenance trainer. Building airplanes and building furniture require a great deal of drilling as you are aware. I would give my students this little test for fun, just before we entered the “drill and fill” phase in class. Without using anything else but your drill and your eyes, try and drill a hole perfectly straight, 90° to the material you’re working on. A straight hole never has a deviation greater than 2°. I allowed the students to give it a shot and I allowed them to use a straight edge and a level, to line up their drill [but not while drilling] and none of them could drill a hole less than 2° of deviation by freehand. I even placed a $20 bill on the workbench for whomever could do it. It seems easier than it is, but give it a shot because it’s quite the challenge. It would be a fun test for your apprentices to help them understand why certain tools can be of most importance. Have fun with it because it can be quite a riot among those unaware of their own limitations.
As you can imagine I've spent a lot of time trying to drill a hole straight and level, this is very interesting!
WOW I have a stool like that painted white. I use it in my work shop. It's very old. The one you're working on looks like it's made of other stools pieced together, would explain the difference in holes.
I wonder if your's is as old? We'll never know about the holes
there he is.... Good morning. Thom!
Other spectacular work
Many thanks!
I really enjoyed seeing this video! I always enjoy your videos, Tom, but today's my birthday, so it was grand to see a new update from you today! Really tough to date that stool. It's certainly old world construction, but it could be from the 1700s to the 1800s. Truly tough to say. The style is somewhat ambiguous, I'd say.
Thanks! Happy Birthday! Yes, I'm reluctant to make a statement as to age
What a great old piece
Yes! Thanks!