Restoring a Tilt-Top Table - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this old tilt-top table with an octagonal top. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., 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).

[@michaelshipman1171]

Your patience with checking, refinishing, checking and refinishing again, and again, is most admirable!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@freyjasvansdottir9904]

Wow, you are a real artist, the fact that you can color match to pieces of wood this different is nothing short of magic!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! But honestly I think of myself as a tradesman, not an artist. An artist creates things! I just problem solve (or at least try to)

[@davidmckean955]

@@johnsonrestoration You have the eye for this which is an art. There's woodworkers out there that are much more skilled and do create things that couldn't color match the way you do.

[@ronwilliams1094]

Thomas, you should get some TJAFR merchandise rolling with your signature phrase, "I think it looks pretty good." I'd proudly purchase and wear a Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration t-shirt. You are a master, sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We've been talking about it!

[@brianmiller4207]

It is fascinating watching an artist at work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Not an artist, but I appreciate the thought!

[@brettyoung8328]

Hello Thomas, Great session. I was watching another of you videos, I agree with the use of older screws in older furniture. It adds to the attention to detail. Thank You, Brett

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I just can't stand seeing the new screws - even if I'm the only one to see them!

[@timrogstad5176]

I'm in awe. Tom is the master.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@normafollet7156]

You are very exacting and mathodical in your skill of workman ship sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@conniehusband1365]

What fun.....matching the stain.
Lovely little table.
Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@patriciavelazquez1010]

Thank you Mr. Johnson for sharing your expertise, beautiful Job on all your pieces, I have watched your other videos the finished work is great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Ack5100]

If Thomas Johnson says it looks good.... IT LOOKS GOOD!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I would never lie!

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

Thomas's pretty good is other's excellent

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Brilliant job and what a result - a true 'Master' at work, and a joy to watch. Thank you :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@wgoconnor33]

Wonderful job I was impressed by amount of time you devote to to attain a beautiful finish

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@paulkhawani-connett819]

Absolute hats off to you sir! A truly remarkable job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@misterosc]

I think it looks more than pretty good, you rescued that table from the morgue

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@romeobastianon9998]

misterOsc y

[@5tonyvvvv]

Looks Good :)

[@robervar1097]

It took me several videos to note major catch phrase " L P G " who got it lol ' thanks Thomas

[@jasmoore1122]

What a transformation. Beautiful job. You certainly proved that there is a lot of art involved in these restorations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! (sorry for the delayed response)

[@r.waynefournier4283]

Always a joy to watch you Mr. Johnson. You impart knowledge and reveal beauty on the many pieces that you restore.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kokeshidoll5863]

What patience you have! The amount of work you put into this little table to get it as close to perfection as possible was inspiring! . I live on the other side of the country but what I wouldn't give to have you near by to work your magic on an old bookcase of mine! It must be so satisfying to bring these wonderful old pieces back to life. It is a joy to watch you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@jasonngviva]

from the brink of demolition to rejuvenation. this is it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks!

[@fouroakfarm]

That deep reach clamp, wow! A beast. Another great video. Your dedication and attention to detail is inspiring thanks for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, that clamp is difficult to operate, but it does come in handy!

[@richardmarino5658]

Thank you Tom. Once again, a beautiful job. Your knowledge and patience prevailed. Rich

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@donnalynpompper4308]

This may be my favorite piece yet. Really really beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@iobotwoodworks]

that was pretty amazing. def a nail bitter for me. and in the end...IT TURNED OUT DAMN NEAR PERFECT!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! (sorry for the delayed response - I'm going back looking for comments I missed)

[@williamsoderlund4287]

Your videos are a source of great inspiration and calm, honestly, and I find watching them to be always so very relaxing and relieving, to see someone who puts their knowledge, gained from so many years of experience, with understanding and a passion for what someone is doing, to be very as I said very calming indeed, and always a break from many turbulent events around. Thank you very much for them.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome! I appreciate it

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience tackling one of the hardest finishing issues; color matching. The owners of that table owe you a debt of gratitude for the time and effort you put into bringing that back. Outstanding work.

[@eladbagan7932]

I am a subscriber to your channel to, You are also doing great jobs that I learn a lot. Thank you too

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! As you know, I'm going back to all the comments I missed, usually when we were having computer problems, etc.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, Lost Mountain is a good one!

[@michaelfling7786]

And yet another!...…...great work Tom. I'm just finishing up a tilt top, a bit older and much more plain than yours. I pulled twelve cut nails out of the legs to remove them......sliding dovetails with one totally blown out. Don't you love it when someone else helps you out? Keep them coming, I enjoy every lesson!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! The sliding dovetails seem like such a cool idea but the reality is that they are very weak in that situation.

[@BCRBCRBCRBCRBCRBCR]

Amazing! Very enjoyable to watch a master at his craft. You assiduously accomplished what looked impossible with your expert knowledge, ability, and patience. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@ConwayT91]

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. The amount of work you put in is amazing, the end result is like a brand new antique table!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! well, I don't know about gentleman!

[@MrJurissmith]

Another superior effort! Please keep the videos coming.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I will

[@PLuMUK54]

Every time that you use the hide glue I'm taken back to my childhood. It was one of the smells that I associate with my dad's workshop...I can almost smell it as I watch the videos. Sometimes it got too cold in the workshop and dad would bring his work into the kitchen, and I'd smell the glue upstairs. Thanks for triggering good memories.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too! Also from my dad's shop is this mixture of shellac and turpentine odors which I love

[@ronaldmallette]

I can think of nothing satisfying than being given the chance to apprenticeship in his shop. How cool would that be, all that knowledge and skill.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate the sentiment!

[@stew5547]

Fantastic job! Thank you for all the knowledge and insights!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! (sorry for the delayed response, I'm gooing back looking for comments I missed)

[@Sorcli]

Great job! I know how difficult it is to try to match a board colour like that and you did a great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@agneshardcore1515]

I am speechless , i can say only You're a genius!!!! Wow :D

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! but let's not get carried away! I've known some geniuses, and I'm not one of them. I have patience, and the pressures on!

[@agneshardcore1515]

For me you are :D I watch very carefully all of your videos and i see that, you have huge knowledge and experience . This motivates me to work . I've learned many things from you and I would like to have such skills as your.Thank you for teaching us and i cannot wait to see your new video. Greetings from Norway :D

[@waldogtv5486]

Absolutely Stunning!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@margaridavelhinho1618]

It´s gorgeous. Wonderfull work. A hug from Portugal.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@cogidubnus1953]

This guy has an almost British sense of understatement....not too bad = brilliant...
(and I'm a Brit!)

[@johnsonrestoration]

I'm flattered!

[@tombaker3794]

Excellent video -tutorial, and the outcome with the table is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@roccoliuzzi8394]

I did worked on a very similar table last year. The loose leg had deeply set finish nails. I worked in as much glue as I could into the available gap. Perhaps I could have cut the nails but was afraid of damage, also I doubt my clients would have sprung for the level of attention you put in. Very nice video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Those legs are always a tough problem. I have often left nails in place rather than doing damage getting them out

[@roccoliuzzi8394]

What made it worse was that the nails were driven through the center post into the tenon. Yoiks!

[@martinham1409]

Your patience is inspirational. I wish you were closer to my area. I would have some work for you. Ha.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! So would a lot of people!

[@mercoid]

I've said it before but, gosh I love your videos! Always look forward to them. My father was an antique dealer / collector but was not so good with his hands. I am reasonably good with my hands and love antiques having grown up with them. Your videos are such a pleasure to me.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@blainerueckwald]

merco

[@robynwilliams8110]

What a transformation!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kerrygreenlees1102]

Beautiful job. I love how you don't settle for passable. You keep going for great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks

[@andrewooddotcom]

Great job! Especially on the inlay on the top. Tank you :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jeanbobolts3877]

A true artist.. WOW..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you

[@hder8740]

Its ear you really like this table! Turned out great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@chucklitecky6890]

Looks great! Two surprises the packing tape and the steel makers, two more items to put into my Tom Johnson file. Thanks again.
Chuck

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rjjeffreys]

Outstanding craftmanship, sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rjjeffreys]

@@johnsonrestoration You're most welcome, Tom, and I am genuinely enjoying watching your videos here.

[@andybyerly5629]

Dr.Johnson that looks Fabulous! Well done video and wonderful new inspirations! THANKS!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Magical work as always Tom! ~Jack, VEG

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@HannahAlexandra19]

Wonderful transformation. Really enjoyed watching!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Zone1242]

Excellent work as always Tom. Really enjoyed following along.
Cheers, John

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response)

[@Dan-jq8se]

Fantastic job. Thanks so much for an excellent dialog of your processes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@alandickson3545]

Very nice work Tom. It appeared to be a challenge matching the lighter panel to the rest of the top, especially with such a fine inlay to deal with. Again with time and patience, you pulled off a very close match. I lost count of the number of overnight drying periods in your video, that few minutes of video time obviously took a good few days. Wood - such a fantastic material to work with and what a reveal the top was. Thank you for posting, I look forward to your next project.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! yes, that project took about a week and a half

[@geef6770]

It really looks good - Tom you're an artist!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@tadams7447]

Absolutely gorgeous! Enjoyed every minute of this video. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jfred1924]

Great work Thomas, what a challenge it must of been just to match the color of the stain to the wood, it turned out looking great, Thanks for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! and it was tough

[@markharris5771]

I bet your client had a big smile when they got their table back, a stunning job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They were happy!

[@maggiesue4825]

It looks GREAT!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rikeara3410]

Wonderful job. Thank you so much for sharing. This is by far my favourite RUclips-Channel. Greetings from Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And Hello to Germany!

[@bullrun44]

Outstanding!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@harrynewell912]

Looks like a new table, great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ferris5150]

just beautiful

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again!

[@Ack5100]

A lesson in diligence. Demonstrated awesome work ethic. This may be my favorite video from your channel. Beautiful beautiful job and table! Gorgeous

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@larrypointer3808]

That turned out very nice .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tomwarnock7974]

Once again a fantastic video, many thanks. Greetings from York England .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response)

[@gplusgplus2286]

Fantastic, it can also be used as a temporary stop sign.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good idea! Thanks!

[@eladbagan7932]

As usual great work. I go on RUclips every day to check and see if you added a new video. I learn a lot from you sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@QueenCityHistory]

beautiful job as always Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@manualgeorge4349]

Wonderful job 💺 🌷 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@billfromelma]

Hey Tom, really came out awesome, knowledge and experience and creativity made it a beautiful piece again ! Great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response - I'm going back finding comments I missed)

[@parfumsensa1]

I admire your work! Love your videos. You're such a pleasant and calming person. Greetings from Bulgaria!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@johnfox4691]

The only channel that I click on 'Like' before I have watched the content.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kthemi10]

Stunning 😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@marciofilho9156]

impecable job

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@hectorvicentecastanonsauce3999]

Que hermoso trabajo ,espero mas tutoría les de sus videos ,he aprendido mucho gracias

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡De nada! ¡Gracias por ver!

[@casst346]

wow! always enjoy your work! absolutely perfect attention to detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@MississippiHappy]

Hey Tom . . . That another good one . . . Thanks for sharing your experience through RUclips . . . I look forward to your videos . . . great inspiration to try to make something turn out as "pretty good" as you do . . . that's an aspiration for me . . .

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jeanhawken4482]

Beautiful

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lynn6830]

That is Awesome and a Beautiful table.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@oudmohmmmod2950]

So good.
Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Vridar]

Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rosalindaestrada5314]

Beautiful job, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@BarryFelicecapehandyman]

I always enjoy your videos. Thank u

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ricksimons8547]

Another great job!!! And a very well done video!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Bean56_]

Beautiful came out really nice.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maryimhof]

Excellent!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@helshabini]

Matching the exact color is almost impossible. I am quite impressed with how close you got there. Maybe by time as the wood darkens all over it won't be noticeable at all.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it does seem impossible and the restorer is never satisfied. But you try to get it so that others won't notice it.

[@helshabini]

I often see you easily identifying wood species which helps you match the color. Can you give us a guide on how to identify different wood species easily? Stock wood is easy enough but finished wood is so difficult to identify.

[@mariaemilianegron]

Congratulations you are a master God bless you

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@nacekozo]

I've missed your updates. More like this please! :)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response)

[@Slynk]

Wow, great job on this one Tom. Looks pretty darn good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Darrenmccarthymusica]

Beautiful work Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maggiesue4825]

Exquisite!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Jonahlight]

Good Job! Well done! Keep up your good work. Greetings from Sri Lanka!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! that's amazing! Greetings from Maine!

[@amw6778]

... Hi Tom, you did a very nice job resurrecting this simple but elegant tilt-top table... excellent colour match... I wonder what caused that odd light coloured section, different stock maybe? very strange... I know I'm two and a half years late on commenting but thanks for sharing all the same!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It seemed to be just a random dark board, which seems strange to me on such a small top

[@rockysmith9250]

VERY NICE!! 😀😀😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@phooesnax]

Looks great!
Jim

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response! I'm going back for comments I missed)

[@israelfernandez1533]

That was great work. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@karenhouy6426]

Awesome

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@paulfisher7209]

thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@LaraLara-qw6vx]

great job 🏅🏅🏅👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!