Still Ticking - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome longcase clock 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).
This is my dad's clock! He shared the video with us and I found it fascinating. He really loves that clock, and it means so much to him to have it back and looking better than ever. Thank you for taking such care over it.
You're welcome Susan! It might be yours someday! It was a pleasure meeting your parents and seeing their beautiful home
close knit area
Great that you clearly found the right person to restore it. There just aren’t many people that care for these historical works of art.
I’m glad there are still Tom’s in the world! There should be schools/colleges that send young people to apprentice with masters like Tom!
@@kila4100% agree
Awwww… it was nice to see footage of Ella again! If I had a 300+ year old piece of furniture, there’s no one else I would trust to restore it - even if I had to haul it from Texas (where I live), all the way to Gorham, Maine. Thomas… you are truly a master!
Thank you! That's nice
Agreed.
“The origin of the continuing clamp shortage has been traced to the northeastern US, probably in the state of Maine.”
I counted at least 20 on the veneer repair at the bottom of the case. It’s impressive to see how someone could arrange things such that so many could even be used. Impressive work, as always.
Authorities have narrowed the search to a small workshop in Gorham. Stay tuned for updates.
You stole my joke!!! ;)
25:23 "That came together well." RIGHT! :)
You can never have too many clamps. 🙂
@@garryreeve824 Especially the variety, the long reach clamps really come in handy many times. Hard to find w/o spending a LOT of money.
Having them is great but having a place to keep them? That's the other [art of the equation.
I was just telling my wife that I admire someone like you far far more than any celebrity or sports star. I would rather spend a day with someone like you than any famous figure. We don't have enough folks like you left doing these type things. Please keep doing what you do and I can promise you I will be right here watching, for what that is worth. Thank you.
You're welcome! And thanks - that is very nice
Well said, and totally true! He should have apprentices/interns….his knowledge and know how and work ethic is needed….maybe kids would learn something a little more useful than who and what bathrooms to use.
So sorry to hear of Ella's passing .. it's always very difficult when you loose such a devoted companion
Thank you. It is...
I loved seeing Ella inspecting your work.
I already miss her.
Thanks! I'll miss her forever!
I think it's important as a woodworker to see this side of it. I'm just a hobbyist, but I remember seeing a master furniture maker talking about how to make furniture that lasts, which also means that it should be reparable. He used hide glue for that same reason.
And lovely to see Ella. It's always tough losing our companions, so it's wonderful to have her preserved in the videos.
Thanks Thomas! Yes, it's difficult. One of life's trials
Tom, the work you do is so important to the history of furniture in America. Without the work of yourself and others, all of this would be lost. It takes a special patience and talent to do this work - a labor of love for sure. I mostly build new furniture using traditional methods and tools, but have restored a couple of pieces. I'm finding that there are fewer and fewer people that appreciate fine craftsmanship and top quality materials. It causes me to wonder what will happen when our generation is gone.
Thanks Bill! We can only take consolation that every generation says the same thing!
Outstanding work as always Tom. Watching how kind and gentle you are with your restorations makes me feel that Ella enjoyed every moment she spent with you . God Bless.
Thank you. She did! And we with her
I just recently found your channel. I was looking for tips in restoring my 80 year old maple dinning table, handed down from my husband's grandmother to his mother to me. I also restored 4 captain's chairs. Your work is outstanding, and gave me many ways to do the job. I've been binge watching for 2 weeks, while working in my restorations. Thanks for sharing your skills. Sorry for your loss of your dog.
You're welcome! And thanks about Ella
You, Sir, are a true artist. Thank you for these videos. And I'm so sorry about your sweet shop dog, Ella, hope you aren't hurting too much.
Thanks! And you're welcome. We're getting through it...
Tom, you've inspired me to make things in my garage and to keep old things and fix them. Since I found your channel, I've watched every video and it's helped me appreciate the older furniture in my life. I appreciate you and your channel so much ❤️
I have an old secretary that my grandmother had and I wanted to send it to you, but I saw on your website that you're easing into retirement. While I'm sad I can't have you work on my grandmother's secretary, I'm so happy for you that you're able to work on what you please, as you please, when you please in your retirement.
I love your videos ❤️❤️ and congratulations on slowing down and spending more time being with your loved ones ❤️
Thank you Laura! I hope you can find someone to work on it
Thank you for sharing one last moment with Ella. She is a good girl, and may she rest in peace.
Thank you. I liked that shot also
Excellent job. You repaired it and kept this 300+ year pieces character. You are a master at your work sir. Happy New Year to you and your family. So nice to see Ella one last time as well.
Thanks! Yes, that might have been the very last video of her
I love your work! You are so meticulous in the care you show the pieces, and it's clear you have so much respect for the quality and craftsmanship that went into them. I love that you always try to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. There are a lot of people doing very good furniture restoration work on RUclips, but there are few who do it with the same degree of conscientiousness.
Thank you so much!
"I think it looks pretty good." Always an understatement! 🙂
Thanks!
I love 💕 all restoration shows be it mechanical or furniture restoration there is a strong tangible element of love and respect for the piece being restored 🥰👍🇨🇦
Thanks! Yes, that's true.
I love the way you preserve the precious pieces. You don't make them look as new, even if I think you easily where able to.
Thanks! Yes, I try to preserve as much as I can
Greetings from the BIG SKY. Had to see you do this one again. A formidable task in my eyes.
Thanks Roger! I liked this job
I came across this by chance, so relaxing to watch a master of his trade. That beautiful clock is good for another 300 years now,RIP Ella.
Thank you!
Your humility about your work speaks volumes about your character. Like how you said pretty good... All i could see was AMAZING! So much talent and experience. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome! I appreciate it
As ever, another wonderfully contemplative video from Thomas 'clamp' Johnson, with an antique restored to just the right level without loosing the essential age and patina. It's wonderful to think that when this piece was made, America was 66 years away from independence, Queen Anne was on the throne, and Britain and France were fighting for domination in the new world. Meanwhile in a workshop somewhere in Britain, unknown craftsmen, journeymen and apprentices were making this clock case. The veneer looks to be a type of mahogany, and would have been an expensive materiel used on only the best pieces. I have a clock which is around the same age, and is made from English oak which would have been less expensive. Plaudits also for using Gilboy's wonderful wax polish.
Thank you! Yes, I think about that all the time. Our house is 252 years old, and I constantly think about those who lived here before
Excellent job, the clock should make its owner very happy &should stand proudly for 300 more years!!
Thanks! I hope so!
Quite the operation Dr. Johnson. A very old patient but mended well thanks to your talents and techniques. So nice to see Ella at your side once more. 🙏🏻
Thanks!
Enjoyed watching you work, Tom.
I conducted some antique restoration many years ago just up the coast from you.
Now, I'm mostly focused on Connecticut clocks - and, I sure do miss my former shop!
Thanks for producing these, take care...
Thanks! That's interesting to me that someone could specialize in just Connecticut clocks, now I'm curious about what distinguishes them
Masterful, a delight to watch, and lovely to see your dear old dog with you. Thank you Tom.
You're welcome!
Aww, that final scene with Ella made me cry! She was such a good girl! And what a great job on the clock, so incredibly fragile, how terrifying to work on it.
Thanks! Yes, it was a surprise for me too! But I liked it. She looked so old!
Were you surgeon in a different life ? Your hands move with such delicacy and respect for what you are doing . It is wonderful to watch!!
Thanks! That's nice
I quite see your point about not always being crazy about the "olden days" Sometimes we forget or don't stop to think that there are less gifted or trained craftsmen in every generation. Any road, that was a fine restoration. I had to giggle when you "had to stop" when the clamps on the case made it look like a porcupine!
Thanks! Yes, and I'm always seeing the worst cases too
I love how respectfully you have treated this old lady. It fills my heart with joy. You are such a gentleman and a gentle soul.
Thank you! That’s nice
Great to see some more Ella again! :)
As usual Tom, you knocked it out of the park with this piece. I'll admit, it kinda looked like it was gonna be hard to salvage when it was brought to you, but I love how you managed to not only make it look great again. You took so much care and effort to preserve all the character and history that comes with a piece that old! It's amazing some of the techniques they used even as far back as the 1700's - in some ways, it seems like not much has changed when it comes to building quality furniture.
Thanks! I think about the people who built it a lot
Thank you for all the before and after detail photos at the end.
You're welcome!
What a wonder restoration Tom. Was lovely to see your beloved Ella one more time. So very sorry for your loss.
Thank you. Yes, it was good seeing her
I have been watching your channel for a year or so. My mum is in her 80’s, but has been into antiques since her 20’s. I showed her this video as my parents have 2 clocks like it she was fascinated then proceeded to show me bits on the Georgian furniture they have that relate and gave me an education… as well as admiring my mum! Thank you for this.
You're welcome! That is so sweet! Makes me happy
Tom, I’ve really enjoyed watching you work since I discovered your channel more than a year ago. I was saddened to learn about the passing of your shop partner. I know how the loss of such a steady friend can affect everything you do. Just wanted to let you know I appreciate the time and effort it takes to provide these videos and let you know they inspire me in my work nearly every day. Thanks again!
You're welcome! Yes, it's difficult losing Ella. It's humbling to think I could inspire you!
Back here in the UK I have worked on hundreds of these lovely old cases over the last 40 years. I was always very conscious of the fact that when these early clocks were made they were a high tech expensive item. Only people with money could afford them. I have always thought that restoring antique furniture of any sort is a privilege as we are working on something whose owners have treasured them . I know it is daft, but I have always sensed some strange connection with the past when working on anything this old. You are a conscientious and highly skilled, but sadly I do think that restorers like ourselves are a dying breed.
Thank you! I constantly think about the tradespeople who built these objects. And I feel a connection - and also a connection to the future - hoping that someday someone will look at my repair and "good job"!
It's good to see Ella again. I miss her.
It was good! Thanks
Blown away by your work. Seeing the process it was interesting to see how you matched new with old and repaired without taking away the integrity of the piece. Utter amazement at your work.
Thank you! That's nice
Another great restoration Tom. Just goes to show that even 300 years ago, there were individuals that too short cuts and "irregular" cuts of wood that went (pardon the pun) against the grain ! Ugh I can't believe I said that! (Yes I can!) but it still turned out to be anice work of art in it's own right. thanks for sharing ECF.
Going against the grain was all the fashion in the 1660s - 1720s!
Thanks! It wasn't a shortcut - it was done a lot for decorative purposes
Yes
I was completely mesmerized by this repair! The history in that piece is priceless! I find myself curious as to the original makers products he had available. How did they even make veneer in what to us now would be practically the dark ages!!! Fascinating stuff! Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge!! I would drive you nuts with all my questions 🤓
Thank you! Oh, I think about that all the time!
So good to see the pup at the beginning. And nice to see the meticulous care this piece received. Wonderful stuff.
Thank you!
That was a real "Hall of Famer" Tom, for a whole bunch of reasons! Thank you so much. ...Barry
Thanks Barry!
As a hobby furniture maker I find your techniques, skills, and methodical approach very motivating and inspirational. Keep up the good work. Look forward to more videos
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your video of Ella. Simply lovely. beautiful pup. Judging from her eyes, I’d say she was very intelligent and had a special personality. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful life.
You're welcome! It's been a lot of fun including her in the videos. She will be missed!
I admire your ability to remain so calm and methodical in cases like this! We are soon restoring an old Victorian hunting lodge in Ireland, but still living in India at present. It’s funny, I’ve watched so many of your videos now, that they are having a positive effect on me. Even silly maintenance jobs I’m doing here in Goa, I sometimes catch myself thinking…’What would Thomas Johnson do to this?’ 😂. Once the structure of the Lodge in Ireland is largely complete, we will be surely seeking out Irish vernacular furniture, and no doubt some will need attention.
I’ve learnt so much in the last 12 months I’ve been watching your videos, and just want to say thanks so much, Happy New Year, and keep up the fantastic work! Paul
Thank you Paul! That's very nice. The Hunting Lodge sounds great!
Gluing all those areas of loose veneer is such painstaking, meticulous work! Very impressive!
Thanks! For some strange reason I like it!
It's so nice to see a piece of furniture that's this old being brought back to life! You did an exceptionally nice job on this, especially considering the age of the veneer and wood throughout. I think it looks remarkable, Tom!
Thank you Wallace!
@@johnsonrestoration You're welcome, Tom! You can call me Loston. Loston is my real, birth given first name, with Wallace being my last name. Loston is unusual, and it often confuses people--like every teacher in school that I ever had. LOL. It rhymes with Boston. My Dad made up the name, stating that it sounded like a good "cowboy name." At the time he was reading western novels like "DESTRY RIDES AGAIN," so I ended up with quite an unconventional name. My brothers have normal names like James, Luthor (also my Dad's name), Paul, Glen and Matthew. Yep. I'm the oddball! lol. Happy New Year!
I always hold my breath watching veneer repair seriously I need to breath! Wow you never ever disappoint! That was by far the biggest challenge I'm pretty sure I'd of been terrified to take on that project! Petrified! I keep watching all your shows before taking on a
project! I'm a repetition kinda gal ... I forget fast..but you keep giving me hope that I won't screw up this one project! I just wish I had some old veneer I could match with this old dresser! 😪 thanks again for all your expertise! I'll quit turning blue soon! Breath just breath! Fantastic job!
Thanks Lenae! That made me laugh! One of the great things about hide glue is that is easy to correct mistakes, takes a lot of the anxiety out of these veneer repairs
I'm very jealous of your huge long-reach clamps!
Maybe a trip to a country antique store might be an idea......
Thanks! They're a pain - but they come in handy!
Good idea
What a good video of this restoration. It looks like a well cared for old clock. It was also a real treat to see Ella in the shop. She was a great companion and so well behaved.
Thank you!
Oh Ella.
Yes, thank you!
Great restoration while persevering the character of this truly ancient piece
Thanks Elmer!
I grew up around antiques, and I *am* an antique myself. My dad had many clocks; I would have liked to see the works of that clock.
I *love* watching your videos. Your workshop is a magical place, as is your work.
I am so very sorry to hear about your good girl's passing.
Thanks! Yes, the works of clocks are far more interesting than the cases! And thanks regarding Ella - I will always miss her
New England and Maine are synonymous with detailed finish work on homes and furniture restoration. Awesome.
Thanks! I think that's true!
Thanks Tom.
Always a pleasure watching your magic. 💚👽
You're welcome!
In one word. FANTASTIC
Thank you!
Commenting almost seems superfluous, but you do such truly wonderful work Mr Johnson, how can I not say SOME-thing?! 😊👍👏
Thank you very much!
It is so heartening to see the detail and the precision you bring to your work. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Watching this craftsman at work has brightened up a wet dark English winters evening. Thanks for posting
You're welcome!
The finished piece looks outstanding.
Thank you for including your amazing helper in the video. I sometimes think she is the best part of all your videos - a tireless friend through the years.
Thanks! She will be sorely missed!
Beautiful restoration & an excellent video - sort of 310 years in the making.
Yes! I like that! Thanks
FANTASTIC Thomas!
Thanks again!
I could watch you all day thanks for sharing and stay healthy
You're welcome! At some point get out for a walk!
Outstanding. Cheers Tom! happy 2024
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this restoration post! Great job, and to see a tall clock from 1710 was incredible!! Love your channel. I'll miss Ella. She was one of a kind.😇
Thanks! She sure was!
That's fantastic, the door repair was amazing.
The clock will be looking great for many more generation.
Thanks!
Watching this repair job showed me how important it is to understand the chemistry of wood and colors i.e. what glue to use, what needs cleaning before glueing, how much pressure and distribution of pressure should be applied to hold the glued pieces together...... seems like a whole chapter of science in itself! The same applies to staining and finishing. Amaizing skills. Amaizing knowledge and amaizing passion to restore and not just fix these historical pieces of meaning, art and memories!
Wow! Thank you! I appreciate it!
I’m amazed at how things can look so bad and turn out so well!
Me too! Thanks
Tom, thank you for your program. You have taught me much and inspired me in my hobby
of repairing and refinishing the beautiful furniture that comes my way.
You're welcome! That's great!
Tom, I am currently replacing the canvas
Tom, I am currently replacing the canvas on the tabor of a desk. Can't say I enjoyed the scraping and sanding. Hide glue can be a bear to scrape and sand, but I got it all off. My concern is one of the tabor slats has a slight bow in it. Probably 3/16 in. towards one of the ends. Should I be concerned?
Fantastic repair work! Most these days never take the time for veneer matching like you do. Beautiful to watch...Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome!
Very sad to see Ella supervising your work. Have no doubt her spirit continues faithfully next to you. God bless all animals that shared their path with us. God bless Ella. Thanks for sharing your work.
You're welcome, and thank you! Ella was special to us
I just wish I had a home worthy of an antique restored by Tom.
Thanks!
Absolutely beautiful. You've taken a 300+ year old clock and given it another 300 years. Great work!
Wow, thank you!
What a beautiful result from all your painstaking effort. Loved the 'big gun' clamps.
Thanks!
Beautifully restored without losing the character of time and age on this handsome longcase clock.
Bravo Thomas master of the professional art of antique restoration.
Thank you Alistair!
Another beautiful job.......can't believe you restored that piece so wonderful................
Thank you very much!
I really enjoy watching you transform these pieces without changing the character of them.
It’s like watching a magician!
Thank you!
Thats one doozy of a restoration. You’ve done such a wonderful job bringing back to life that beautiful clock. Always a joy to watch you work.
Thank you!
What a lovely gift to see Ella again. Since I lost mine I was initially very down then realised that I couldn't manage without a doggie so I launched several requests for adoption hoping that one would work and two are in the process, two tiny dogs, one a 3 month old Jack Russell mix but tiny and the other looks just like a Jack and is in Roumania, saved from being chained up age 11 months in a courtyard in the rain. I see the first one tomorrow afternoon and then have to complete the process in order to get the second one, I have someone coming to my home to 'evaluate' me first. I can't wait.
Wow! Quite a process! I love Jack Russell's, but they can be a handful! The one that's been abused - I hope you can sign up for a training course and start over with it. The dog will really need to feel secure with you, so strict training is a must
@@johnsonrestoration Yes I like a challenge, makes me feel useful and alive! So I met the first one an hours drive away and it was mutual love at first sight, he was so tiny, now awaiting the pick up date. The second one is also in the works after home assessement awaiting the pick up date in another city. I have had and trained seven Jack Russells in my lifetime so I know them well and yes they have to be rigidly trained in the first year for mutual good ! Are you considering a new little helper ? Hugs from France xx
So glad that clock case found it's way to your workshop to get the treatment it deserved. With the mechanism back in place it looks stunning. Great video as usual.
Thank you!
My dear Tom, a year beginning without your beautiful Ella but she is present in all your videos and will be with us forever online. I wish you a good new year 2023 and especially good health and lots of restoration enjoyement. Many hugs from France xxxx
Thank you Stephanie! Yes, a great loss, but soon only the happy memories will remain, and we have the video we made for her. I will never forget her!
It's fascinating to watch you work, and the close-ups are great...THANKS!😃😃
You're welcome!
What a fussy job! That is one of those that you never have enough of the right clamps, but you made everything you had work the way it needed to work. Great Job. 💞
Thanks 👍
WOW! What a beautiful restauration and clock. Looks pretty good 😍
Thank you very much!
Awww beautiful Ella. So many of us around the world will miss seeing her and hearing her padding round the shop..sending hugs from the UK.
Thanks! I miss her every day!
All the clamps on the veneer repairs reminds me of one of my childhood heroes, my cousin Dennis. He was an auto mechanic, and while watching him pack a wheel bearing off an old Cadillac, I asked him, "How much grease are you supposed to use?" "Well", he says, "you can never use too much."
Thanks! Yes, a good rule!
love the way your dog listens to your introduction
Thanks! Of course, she knew who had the treats!
The quiet competence of your repair work is matched by the quiet competence of your video production. I appreciate your quiet and calm style without a lot of rambling chitchat. Thanks for not having background music either.
Thanks! Yes, I try not to talk!
I learn something new every single time I watch. This time: adjustable clamps with 220 sandpaper! Brilliant!
Thanks Jesse! Here's the thing - I'm learning new techniques, etc making these videos!
With such surgical precission like they do on old oil paintings, i have respect for your patiënce! Very good result
Thank you very much!
We have a similar long case clock in the family and I am its current custiodian. It's reassuring to know that the relatively minor attention it needs would, by the right person, yield such a great outcome. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome!
Your profession is very beautiful, you work using long-used tools and carpentry techniques passed down from father to son. It is very pleasant to watch his videos. A hug from Brazil.
Wow, thank you!
Excellent sympathetic repair, Correct way in keeping it's original naturally worn aged character. I think I need more clamps!!!
Thanks! Yes, more clamps!
Sorry to hear you lost Ella-what a sweet dog. Great job on the clock...
Thank you! She will be missed...
Ooo, thanks for showing your materials at the end! SO much work goes into making invisible repairs! Looks great!
Thank you!
Always impressive! This looked a lot more intricate than your usual veneer work. I started using a vacuum cabinet and a heavy vinyl wrap so I can increase external pressure on the veneer while relieving structural stress that is supported by a prepared internal support frame….just a thing I’m fooling with to improve the end result. That type of thin veneer looks fiddly at very best! For the worm eaten wood we also use the vacuum cabinet to get stainable epoxy into the pores of the wood for structural strength. There are so many uses for it. Thanks for sharing. Just seeing your work makes me better at mine. You’re a true pro.
Thanks again. I've used my friend's vacuum press quite a few times for tops, but it would be very difficult to use on a case. The internal support system would be daunting! I will look up "vacuum cabinet"
Lovely clock and a wonderful, respectful repair. 310 years!
Thanks!
Your patience and skill are remarkable, excellent work, stunning outcome.
Thank you!
Tom, my wife complains every time I bring clamps home. I showed her this video. She said now she understands. One can never have too many clamps. Thanks
You're welcome! So glad I could help with that!
Have a good 2023, Tom. Nice to see Ella, a living memory.
Thanks! Yes, it was good to see her