PART 2! Restoring an ANTIQUE Desk - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine completes his restoration of this handsome antique spinet desk. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., 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).
Turned out great, thanks for showing us. Glad to see the dog is keeping a sharp eye out on your work.
Thanks! She wants to clean up any hide glue dripped on the floor!
That's a Labrador for you. @@johnsonrestoration
Lovely job! That student can enjoy that desk for many decades and I'm glad she was willing to make the investment in properly restoring it.
Thanks! Yes! A young person who likes antiques! I was so happy to do the desk for her
As always, you are an inspiration!
Many years ago, my wife and I rescued a cedar chest from my aunt and uncles attic. The chest was made by my father when he had attended the same high school my wife and I attended nearly 50 years later.
In recent times, it has been stored in our garage. I lost my wife in 2022. You have taught me so much and inspired me to restore the finish of this family treasure that is well over 95 years old. I have no heirs to leave it to, but it will be a labor of love, and in some way, it will feel as though Dad and I will have worked on it together.
Thank you! I'm sorry that you've lost your wife, but I love your story, and I wish you the best luck restoring the cedar chest
The lady student will have tears in her eyes when she sits down to use the desk again . Fantastic knowledge and skill brought this project to this conclusion.
Thanks Mike! Yes, I need to call them and see how she likes it - she wasn't home when I delivered it
A masterclass in finishing wood the right way. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
You're welcome!
I hope the younger generation is watching your restoration. So they can appreciate what real talent, knowledge and skill it takes to create an heirloom. Instead of the IKEA way of throw away furniture. Craftsman like you are an important part of our society.
Thank you! That's very nice. And these days videos are the way to reach that younger audience.
I recommend this book: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford
@@johnsonrestoration I attended University of Michigan and had a hard time with straight book education. I am a hands on person and this hands on experience exceeded my book learning. I read a lot of periodicals, engineering and technical papers . I like something that is straight to the point without all the superfluous rhetoric.
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I love how your side kick checks out the pieces as you are checking them out.
As per usual, the piece of furniture looks amazing.
Thanks! Yes, she's looking for hide glue!
I'm surprised you only put 20 hours into that. It turned out beautifully. I'll bet this student's great grandchildren will studying at this desk in the future. I really like the style of this desk.
Thanks! I do too!
I had completely forgotten about this Spinet desk, and came in this morning to find Part 2! and was elated! ( I'll blame it on age. I'm pushing 80!) I am always in awe in some of the things that can happen. like those two boards not drying and the pains you take to make sure that are done correctly. I can see where a lot of "do it yourselfer's" would have just gone ahead and tried to finish the project with out them drying properly before the next coat. Patience is a virtue, that is in short supply with today's generations. So nice to see you at your craft, I always come away picking up on something I might use myself in the future, that I did not know. thanks again for sharing, and once again for beautiful video camera work. superb!! ECF
You're welcome Ellis! Well said!
I am in awe of your work and attention to detail. I can’t help but compare other furniture restorers to you.
Thanks! That's nice
A wonderful piece with a rich history. I am certain that the client was overjoyed upon seeing the finished desk.
Thanks! They were!
Your dog is so inquisitive. Like it knows exactly what’s going on and checks your progress the same way you do
Thanks! Yes, but the reality is she’s just checking on the treats!
The quality of your work and calm demeanor leaves me speechless.
Thanks! I don't know what to say!
Just a beautiful first-rate job from beginning to end! I think my SAT scores could have been better if I had a desk like that. Great work Thom. 👍 And it was nice to see the Office Manager overseeing it all. Hello Ella. ❤️
Even that wouldn't have helped my SAT scores.😒
Thanks! Wow - what a flashback to High School! I can still remember my SAT scores
You never know!
I’m in the process of restoring a 100 year old roll top desk and trying to do a sympathetic restoration. I just found your channel and this video. It gives me hope that one day I’ll be done and hopefully will be happy with the end result. My desk had huge ink spills on the writing surface. Like you, I couldn’t get out every speck of ink with oxalic acid but it’s much better than it was. Having faith in the process is important and if my desk is half as nice as this one, I’ll be a happy camper! Beautiful work!
Thanks! Yes, the oxalic only works on mineral stains. Nothing will get rid of ink, except sanding, which I always hesitate to do
Been watching for years and you have never disappointed. Patience is a word you don’t often say, but your work and approach demonstrates the end result. I bought my first box of “grey pad” you so often use. They were a bit expensive but I really like the addition to my shop. I work on pieces and I find myself at certain points asking what would Mr. Johnson do? I refer back to your videos and they have been a big help. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Take care and have a great day.
Thanks! I'm always finding new uses for those pads. They're great on curved surfaces. You can smooth out a finish without cutting through
SO MUCH WORK AND SO WORTH IT, TOM!!!
Thank you!
Another wonderful insight into your work. Such a beautiful piece of original work deserves such a beautiful and caring amount of attention from an expert. I am always in awe of your judgment of how much or how little is appropriate for each piece you rejuvenate and always with the least impact on the original. Wonderful to watch, thank you for taking such pains to allow us to share your amazing world.
You're welcome! So nice - I appreciate it!
Thank you Mr Thomas and your work is superb; thanks for teaching us so much from your knowledge and experience
Your expertise continues to educate us. The thoroughness in your pursuit to achieve such a high level of perfection is awesome. And Ella provides emotional completeness!!!!
Yes! Thanks! She must be my emotional support animal!
I think this has been my favorite restoration of all. So far anyway.
Thanks! I like it too!
Pretty good is an understatement. Fabulous! May she enjoy her desk until she gives it to the next generation!
Thanks! I hope so too!
They must have cried when they saw what a fantastic job you did. Outstanding.
Thanks! It was very well received!
Amazing restoration as always, and the best part is the varnish problems you faced and solve the problem so that we can learn from the way you approach it. Thank you master Tom !!!
You're very welcome!
Thomas that is a very sympathetic repair end result looks amazing but we have come to expect nothing less from you so much care and attention to detail is second to none and it shows in the end result. 😀👍
Thank you! I appreciate that
I've always admired a good finish on a wood project. Learning from you is fun.
Thanks!
Another beautiful job. Another client over the moon. Another annoying emoji ♥ Seeing Ella makes my day.
Thanks! I don't mind emojis, but I have yet to use one myself
You are a master at matching the finishes on these old pieces.
Thanks! It must just come from experience
What a beautiful piece of furniture. I hope the girl that uses it every day appreciates the work you put into refinishing it. You really do amazing work. That Waterlox finish is a great product. It really brings out the beauty in that old wood. With a little care, that desk will last another 100 years.
Thanks! So true, there's something about that Waterlox
Because of your exceptional talents, and God willing, and the creek don't rise, the current owner's Great-Granddaughter will use it as well. Not only are you preserving a bit of history, but preserving a cultural legacy as well.
Thank you! Nicely put!
I had to laugh, while you were explaining Ella looked at you like"Watcha talkin about Willis?" another superbly finished piece!
Thanks Pete! Yes, I saw that too - it was great
Another stellar job, Tom! You've given that piece life for even more generations.
Thank you!
Yes a very informative and rewarding video! I also enjoy the little aside scenes of llamas, dog-kissing, and the pleasant sounds of the chicks peeping. I was amazed at how much patience is required, and perhaps changing horses in midstream, to capture the result you want. These are very educational and if I could do life over, I would work with wood. I have instead learned and practiced sewing, which was what was offered when I went to high school.
Thank you Kathy! Sewing is so similar to woodworking though. You have the right mindset, and it's never too late!
Another fantastic restoration Sir. As I have come to expect, hard work and a boat load of talent, means great furniture. Thank you.
You're welcome!
What a beautiful result on a stunning piece. The restoration world has a great master in it. I watch other people and find myself thinking ‘Tom wouldn’t do that!’ Lol😂 I think your foreman is pushing for a treat raise! Lovely to see Ella in the woods.
Thanks! I see your 2 dogs in the little photo - so you know what that's like!
Impeccable work, as always. Tom you are the best!
Thank you!
Thank you Tom, as always a real moment of joy your video was.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
"....it looks pretty good...." you say?
It looks A M A Z I N G ! ! !
YOU ARE a master magician with wood...Thank you for sharing your gift!
You're welcome! I love it!
Most people do not realize the time involved to restore a piece of great furniture. Here in Kentucky painting is a big thing. really hurst my soul to see solid wood furniture being painted and not restored to as original as possible. You do a great job, one of the few that appreciates fine craftsmanship. My Dad was a master Craftsman at Berea College. and I do some restoration, but I am not near as talented as you and my dad. Appreciate the videos as they are a great inspiration to me.
Thanks! Wow, you're Dad was at Berea! I hope to visit there someday
Beautiful piece and beautiful restoration, Tom. I'm collecting all the tips I can for my restorations. Thank you so much!
You are very welcome! Good luck with all your projects!
ONLY 20 hrs?? What a beautiful job! I so appreciate your patience and the lifetime of experience.
Thanks Liz!
That's what I would call a labour of love. Brilliant end result.
Thank you!
Fantastic as usual! We all hit the Like button even before the video start
Thanks! That's great!
It is a shame I can only give you one thumbs up on this project. It easily deserves three ;)
Thanks! How about a big toe?
"Pretty Good" ???? That is something of an understatement - that desk was looking pretty ropey when you started and you have restored it to look STUNNING.
Thank you!
Simply sublime, Tom. You've outdone yourself. 👏🏼
Thank you!
Excellent video on the refinish. You have the patience of Job!
Thanks!
Beautiful work and wonderful video. And thank you too for adding the back story--the student and her great grandmother--very touching.
You're welcome!
It was interesting to see you work on one that required no structural repair. The 20 hours were solely about re-finishing it. The outcome was wonderful. Simply gorgeous!
Thanks! Yes, there's almost always some repair
That is an insane improvement! So many surfaces too. Personally, I wouldn’t believe it was the same desk. I know they were thrilled with the outcome.
Thanks! They were (are)!
So happy to take this journey with you. I learn more every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!
Wow Tom! that was worth waiting for! What an exceptionally beautiful piece of furniture! It was fun watching you bring it back to life! Loved seeing your gal at the end jaunting in the woods!
Thanks! Yes, that was a year or 2 ago - she's not jaunting much these days!
@@johnsonrestoration Bless her heart, I know how she feels! It's nice to see her in your videos for those of us who love dogs!
I like those plastic painters' pyramids for hardwoods, but I used them on some Pine doors and the points were so sharp that they left divots in the wood. Not too bad, fortunately.
Next time, I used sandpaper to dull the points, and they were fine. Thanks for the time you put into these productions. They are excellent.
Thanks! Yes, they must have had some weight to them! I think mine have worn down a bit
Fantastic finish, the wood and the trees they came from deserve the attention and to be preserved for many generations to come.
Thanks! I agree!
Ella Bean, i am sure Tom is appreciative of you guidance in his work. I love your Dad's videos and I love every shio I get to see of you. XXX
Thanks! I'll pass that along to her!
Everyday Ella looks good and happily follows you as your faithful companion. She really is special. Your patience with the finish vexes is something only a seasoned professional like yourself could cope with calmly working through to success. You were always calm , right Tom?
Thanks Mike! Yes, and Ella is slowing down quite a bit! Yes, I've always been "calm", for some reason that's just my nature.
I love how Ella is your constant supervisor/companion in your shop, Tom. That was a great two-part restoration of the lovely desk.
Thanks Phil!
Great job Tom. I am always impressed with your skills !
Thank you!
The end result came out awesome, gotta love those sponge brushes.
Thanks! They work well with this finish!
You put a lot of work into this project and it turned out beautifully. I watch a lot of furniture restoration shows but you are the best. Thank you for another awesome video.
You're welcome! I appreciate that!
Wow, Wow , wow ! Huge number of multiple ' learnings' for me... will have to re-watch and get notebook out and video in "slow mo"' ! Huge HUGE thanks!
You're welcome Andy! Good luck on all your projects!
Very nice! The young student has a beautiful desk for a lifetime. Best wishes.
Thanks!
What a glorious and respectful restoration! Thanks for all the tips.
You're welcome!
Recent subscriber, big new fan! Thank you for sharing your work and your expertise. About once a year, I repair and refinish items for pleasure and personal use, and I am always learning and looking for more information. One thing you don't talk about which blows me away: you are varnishing with a foam brush!!! And here I've spent a small fortune on Purdy brushes, different types for different materials, and babied them with rigorous cleaning, wrapping them, and hanging them after use. Clearly, there has been a $1.19 solution all along!
Thanks! I have good brushes too. But I was not getting satisfactory results with this particular finish. I blame my lack of brushing skills. But I discovered that the foam brushes work great - with this Waterlox finish. I also discovered I can use just 1foam brush for an entire job, even longer by taking care with it. I will not use single use products
Awesome job! The big lesson here was patience. Letting nature do what it needs to do. A lesson most of us in this hurry up and do it quick mindset need to learn! I also see that you use your time wisely and work on other things while the pieces that need to dry take the time they need. That way you haven't "wasted" time while mother nature works!
Thanks! Well said!
This is my all-time favourite piece you have done. I would love this in my home. I really like it when you use tung oil and then a final coat of beeswax polish. The very first thing I refinished was an antique oak bed that I found in the barn at my in-laws. I stripped it completely with Homer Fornby's stripper and then applied 8 coats of tung oil, which I applied with an old gauze diaper. It absorbed so much because it was in that barn for years and was dry as a bone. From then until now Tung Oil is my go-to finish and of course, always applied with a cloth. All of my furniture gets beeswax polish. Nothing feels better to me than to run my hand over a piece of waxed furniture.
Thanks! That's great! It sounds like you're doing a good job. I like the Tung Oil Varnish too
Love the before and afters you're doing now
Thanks! Yes, I'm trying to do a better job
Perfect! What a difference between the before and after, well worth the hours you dedicated to it. Ella paid particular attention to this one and certainly recognised the increased drying time needed!
Thanks! She did! (only if there are treats involved!) I see your beautiful Shepard in your moniker
@@johnsonrestoration Yes, that's Harry. He was rescued from a backyard and gave us many years of love and fun, bless him. He was a gentle soul and Ella reminds me of his sweet ways ❤
I especially enjoyed these videos as I picked up a portion of a desk like this several years ago, minus the false drawer front and lid, and bottom apron/drawer/legs. I’ve made many pieces of furniture so it was obvious this was a desk, but I had no idea what type of desk (proper name), nor what it would’ve looked like when new. Now I know, and now I can proceed with bringing it back to its former glory, or some semblance thereof. Thank you for another great lesson, Tom. I hope when I’m finished with mine it’ll “look pretty good”. 😊
You're welcome! That's great that this could provide what you needed. Shouldn't be too bad recreating those pieces
A great restoration Tom. It’s nice that it’s going back into regular service.
Thanks! Definitely, me too. It will be used every day
Wonderful result Thomas! And such beautiful mahogany was used constructing this desk.
Thanks! Yes, it is!
Thank you Tom for returning a work of beauty to be used and appreciated. The past can reach out to the present, increasing our knowledge and enriching our lives. Beauty in any form is to be valued.
Well said! Thanks!
That desk actually has the "WoW" factor - very impressive finish..... definitely worthy of a few more generations of use!!....10/10!!!
Thank you!
Just wow, Tom what another amazing restoration, at the start of the video I wasnt sure how you would be able to turn this one around, again you have surpassed my expectation, the spinet desk look beautiful x
Thank you!
Can’t believe that is only took 20hrs! It’s beautiful now, amazing x
Thanks! maybe I made a mistake with the hours?
Magnificent restoration. Anyone would be proud to own that desk now.
I don't hear too many complimenting you on the video production you have since your restorations take center stage, but it is excellent. Great camera angles, well thought out shots with plenty of variety, and great editing. Masterful jobs on both fronts. Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm really into the video work, I think a lot of people find these very watchable without realizing why
Did all those folks - the ones who couldn't wait - survive?
Nice piece! And excellent restoration, Thom. There's a world of Zen in correctly putting on a finish, isn't there.
All the best,
-- Joe
Thanks Joe! There definitely is! but when I'm sanding out a big top and have the headphones on with Rock music - does that still count?
@@johnsonrestoration Indeed. . . as long as my perception is correct that you're not the headbanger type. 😀
I’m amazed at the results you get without having a separate finishing room.
Thanks! It helps when you’re working by yourself and can put coats on at the end of the day
God, it's areally beautiful piece. And such a pleasure to watch. Thanks as always for the video!
You’re welcome Deette!
I learn so much every time although i have watched them all. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Unbelievable time and care put into that piece!
Thanks! It was worth it!
🧡Stunning Tom, and a beautiful story that the granddaughter is now using it 🧡
Thanks! And I heard from her - she loves it and shows it off to her friends! makes me very happy
@@johnsonrestoration That's what is so beautiful about maintaining these personal treasures for the future. They aren't simply objects. Many hold real love within them 🧡
The finish build up is a labour of love but it paid off beautifully
Thanks Fater! It did!
Beautiful! Also so nice to see Ella ❤❤❤
Thanks! Every day is a present!
The finish is so nice and the color is rich and deep with the graining showing so nicely. Patience seems to be the key in jobs like this. Beautiful! 😀
Yes! Thank you!
Tom, it was a great idea to leave the original patina on the drawer handles. It is a testimony to the desk's history.
Thanks! Yes, I kinda liked that too!
Thomas Johnson and partner i salute you,great work.
Thank you!
What a fabulous restoration!!!
Thank you!
The desk has a nice rich finish, nice work Thomas.
Thanks!
What a beautiful warm finished colour.
Thanks! That old mahogany always looks good!
Without question - marvellous
Thank you! That's nice
THE BEST OF THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
Amazing transformation. That was a lot of work. Gorgeous
Thanks!
I've been refinishing furniture for about six years, and your videos feel like being an apprentice to a Master! Thank you for providing insight into your thought process.
The best lesson, and the hardest one for me to learn, has been patience. Your example has been an inspiration for me.
Thank you! Good luck with all your projects!
When I was going to move house I decided that I wanted a desk so in my local antique shop, owned by a friend, I found a huge oak desk with linenfold panels all around the back and sides. It was so imbedded in the shop under a ton of junk that I had to wait six months to receive it and it weighed a ton ! Each drawer is very heavy, the left ones have locks and no handles and the right ones have handles and no locks. I have some structural repairs, probably from it's transport but otherwise great shape. Sadly the drawer pulls were rusted and not good quality which was odd given the quality of the desk so I bought period ones on eBay and am looking forward to getting it all back in shape. Promise I will send photos, I must just go through some stuff already done and send you. Thank you, great restoration AGAIN although we all know that Ella does all the work ! Hugs to both.
Thanks Stephanie! I have a thing for linen-fold panels! I want to try carving some. I'd love to see photos of the desk when you're done. I think you have my email: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
That's an absolutely amazing result for a very cool desk. Thank you for sharing your process.
You're welcome!
I to was worried about that non drying finish but your experience payed off. Great job Tom!
Thanks! I was lucky I had the time to let it dry
Fantastic outcome! Your dedication to sanding and patience with a stubborn finish are a marvel. I need to adopt this approach instead of rushing through the finishing process with my projects. By the time I get to finishing, I usually just want the project to over!
Thanks! It's that way for a lot of people. But finishing is half the job!
As usual, unbelievable. And it looks pretty good.
Thank you very much!
Mr. Johnson's "pretty good" is better than 99.9% of us regular folks could possibly do.
Thank you! That's nice
What can I say but it is night & day fantastic work well done Thomas just fantastic.
Thank you so much! 😀