Thank you so much for restoring these benches for us! our gallery guest have loved them. They are the perfect benches to have a conversation on, or sit and ponder art. Looking forward to your interview 🙂

@kennethellison9713

10 ай бұрын

What a nice review from the owner.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you LightsOut team! We love what you are doing, and hope to help out more in the future

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Yes it is! Thanks

@dscdrkel5546

10 ай бұрын

Those seats look to fragile to use.*** DR KEL

“From a time when people took pride in their work.” I actually laughed out loud. This is easily one of my favorite restorations that you’ve done, and I think I’ve watched them all. Bravo!

@OnkelPeters

10 ай бұрын

Beautiful sarcasm!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@ElizabethGreene

10 ай бұрын

Right now, in a graveyard far from here, Bjorn's ghost is telling Fjorn's ghost "SEE!! I TOLD YOU THEY'D SEE IT."

@DouglasLambert

9 ай бұрын

that was so funny!

Over the last 12 years, he's put out 268 videos, 145 THOUSAND subscribers and not one mention of politics or anything negative. Such a beautiful display of craftsmanship and integrity at the same time.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Wow - some statistics! I made a political statement in this video - apparently no one picked up on it!

@mariaelenamoris1566

10 ай бұрын

Excelente job !! Congratulaciones !!

@yeeeehaaawbuddy

10 ай бұрын

@@johnsonrestoration No, I didn't pick that up in this video. What're you trying to get me to re-watch it? Ok fine I did. Was it the "I guess we get to choose our own history" comment?

@SuzanaBehmer

10 ай бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏😊

@desertmulehunter

10 ай бұрын

​@@johnsonrestoration You mean the reference to make your own history?

45:53 woah I don't think I ever saw a youtuber lay down and knoll all their tools like that after a video. I loved seeing them all laid out next to each other. Please keep doing that :)

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, it's a good feature

'From a time when people took pride in their work' absolutely cracked me up. Lovely job Tom.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad people got that!

Wow Tom! That's quite a tale! They look so beautiful and what a gift to the community for generations to come. Thanks for bringing us along.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

You have so many gifts, but perhaps the most important is your humility. No piece that you ever touch ever says "Tom Johnson was here." Instead, you always seem to find a way for a piece to end up looking like the best version of the original craftsman's vision for what the piece should look like at this age. It's a remarkable talent and remarkable restraint on your part.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! That is very nice and well said. I appreciate it

I call my viewing, “going to restore antique furniture school”!!! Thank you Tom.

@johnsonrestoration

Ай бұрын

Thank you Kathryn!

As a resident of the town of Norway it is exciting to see all this history preserved and re-used!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! That's great! Be sure to sign up for LightsOut emails for coming events. I really want them to succeed!

WOW Tom, those benches look FABULOUS ! All the historic stories they hold, and will go on holding for ever. Their new life will add to their history, and you will be a major part of it. Well done and thanks for sharing. Take care 🙂

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Well said!

Tom, you amaze me every time with your color matching skills. Truly remarkable!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

Beautiful! I'm sure Lights Out were delighted to have their benches restored for their grand opening.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! They are very happy!

What a treat this week: a Baumgartner ánd a Johnson-restoration. Amazing as always. Thanks from Amsterdam!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! I'll check out Julian's latest

I really enjoyed the history of these benches and the trip to Norway Maine. I would love to hear backgrounds on more of your projects.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! There is usually not that much!

These are two lovely pieces. What a sterling job you’ve done on them and they look so nice in the space.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊

@furtim1

10 ай бұрын

By the limited view we have of the space, it looks to me like his work on them would impress me more than anything else in there. Amazing job of patience and care to keep such a thin coat of paint intact.

Another excellent piece of craftsmanship, with a lesson in how to retain the patina without destroying it. Thanks

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Very welcome!

What a wonderful job you have done. I love how you have preserved the history of these old pieces. Well done!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

They look perfect, especially when placed in the Lights Out Gallery. Excellent work repairing them while still maintaining their original look!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Thirty hours! The benches are beautiful and will last at least another 80 years! I like this man’s work and his integrity! He reminds me of my Grandad Moon, a farmer & carpenter.

@johnsonrestoration

15 күн бұрын

Thanks Lara! I like the sound of that - "Grandad Moon"

I love how you always start your videos with flowers and animals.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Me too! I love the animals!

I really like the benches, great, simple design and built for a purpose, and their history adds to the mystique. They looked right at home in their new setting. Nice work on the repairs in both the quality and the level of refinishing. Your knowledge of just how far to go and make them look the part is something that only comes with experience. Thanks for sharing!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Well said!

Tom, I'm a woodworker and I always admire your woodworking skills and how you approach repairs. I learn from you and admire your patience and diligence. And thank you for highlighting your woodlathe. It reminds me of my own which is an old Walker-Turner unit my dad and I resurrected over 50 years ago. I think Walker-Turner was acquired by Delta. In any case despite no bells or whistles, they're quality pieces and obviously still work well today.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I wonder if it's the same design and castings?

29:00 Now you... your experience, your passion, your hard work, are part of their history too. A good thing for sure.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! That's nice

Great job as ever, Tom. As well as your skill, I think patience is one of your biggest assets. To keep going back over the smallest detail until you get it right is why you achieve such excellent results.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! If at first you don't succeed...

To me this is one of your better efforts, I really appreciate the final glow. Although you do things so differently than I, I still like to watch. I am 80 now and having to slow down, seldom have a workshop visitor but I go there just the same.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I try to emphasize that what I do is only my way - there are many paths that could lead to the same conclusion

Tom, your restorations are always done with care and a great sense of consideration for the history and eventual placing of the pieces. All I can say is another job well done.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I like that - well said!

I am always amazed at your chisel work. Well done! Best wishes.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Thanks to WorkSharp sharpening systems!

Those are beautiful benches. What a fine example of sympathetic restoration. Great work once again, Tom.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@furtim1

10 ай бұрын

Perhaps the gum and scum water should have been put in a framed enclosure next to them with a placard. "History removed, residual scotched. Original restored, left white washed."

What a great repair! I love how you were able to keep that original thin paint!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes - lucked out with that one!

Such beautiful benches! Love the fact you always keep the character of the pieces you restore. Looks pretty good!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

You've done a good job on the benches Tom. Many more years of use.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Your attention to detail is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

Lights Out seems like a wonderful thing. I wish there was one in every town! There are so many talented people who simply have no venue to display or work on their crafts.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Exactly! We want them to succeed!

I've said it many times before, Mr. Johnson, but you are a true artist. Profoundly enjoyed this video, especially having seen the benches beforehand. You did an incredible job!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Jesse! That's right! I had forgotten that you had seen them!

Boy oh boy, every week is a new task. After all the videos of clocks, tables and chests, this one is a new challenge. Never a dull moment! It's always a pleasure to spend an hour in your shop.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I appreciate it!

I appreciate that you repaired and tidied the piece to reflect its history. Maybe one day when you aren’t able to do this work, your equipment will go to this maker space.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing

Those benches look like they are art works themselves! They are a perfect fit for the gallery! New old stuff ... outstanding job Tom.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

They are! Thanks!

That space sounds so cool! Thank you for showing us a little piece of it coming to life!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, it's great to be a part of it - a small part but...

Master craftsman at work. 👍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

This is an amazing video. Ansolutely loved hearing the history and seeing them in their new home. Awesome!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

These two benches were so lucky to find you. A truly honest restoration, loyal to the original intent. Very nicely done, Mr. J. Thanks so much.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

Again , you have worked hard and competently to restore and prepare these benches for extended use. You take great pride in what you do! Thank you, good show!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

Amazing you were able to fo all the cleaning and repairs AND keep the painted surface!. I'm impressed

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! It helps that the paint is very durable

Hi Tom, glad to see you back with a new video. These benches look great after your usual handy work. You are a true wood genius.Thank you for sharing Tom, and take care.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

All I can say is WOW great job. Those benches will be good for another 100-200 years

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Yes! I believe so! Thanks

I just love watching you refurbish preces of art. They chose the right man for this job, taking such h tender and precise care to the benches. Thanks for sharing this history project with us.!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

Great job I love the old folk art furniture.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Me too!

Beauyiful benches! Watching you restore old pieces is truly a pleasure!!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

What a lovely buttery finish yet retaining their original charm. I wondered as you were disassembling it how on earth you'd manage to put it back together, must have been nice for the chaps to be part of the work. Great job Tom. 👍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Oh yes! definitely not a job for one person!

Thomas, you literally provided us with a Benchmark for restoration, while leaving Bench Marks in regards to keeping the history of the pieces. And, you didn't Gum Up the process nor the history when you removed the old gum 😁. Thank you sir for what you do and may you continue to be abundantly blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you John! That made me laugh!

Hi Tom, thank you for yet another great video, I remember some years back restoring a teak topped table, adding some 4inches to the legs, the underside was covered in chewing gum! Pretty grim task removing it! Hope you are well, keep 'em coming, and thanks again

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! It is indeed kind of gross!

¡Excellent! No cabe duda que nos deja asombrado con la restauración de muebles. No en vano la experiencia de los años lo hacen un experto. Esas bancas ahora tendrán muchos años más para albergar a tantas personas a sentarse a conversar, a descansar o simplemente sentarse a masticar un chicle para luego pegarlo bajo la banca 😊 si esas bancas pudieran hablar ¡cuánta historia nos contaría de las personas! ¡Felicitaciones! Saludos y bendiciones.

@kayerin5749

10 ай бұрын

Sí, es deber de la próxima generación "o simplemente sentarse a masticar un chicle para luego pegarlo bajo la banca" ¡Bien dicho!😇

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

¡Gracias! ¡Será mejor que no!

TOM, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE WATCHING A MASTER CRAFTSMAN WORK MAGIC ON A PIECE. TRULY AMAZING STUFF!!!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

These are a beautiful set of benches! I am always amazed by your craftsmanship and concern for keeping the heritage in the furniture you restore. I agree with you about these beong from a time people took pride in their work. It is a blessing to have people such as yourself still take pride in their craftsmanship and work.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! That is very nice! I appreciate it

Thanks Tom for using and mention "titanium white"! good job, beautiful benches!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

What delightful pieces! The owners can really be most satisfied with an excellent job.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Nice work. It amazes me how the added pieces of new wood look so well matched (and camouflaged) with the old. Thanks for the video. Cheers, David

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

I've watched the majority of your videos and rank this one high on the list. You did a great service for Lights Out!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Oh my goodness Once AGAIN....a masterpiece of workmanship! Oh that I could sit on those LOVELY benches!! THANK YOU for sharing all your good work

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

I really enjoyed that. A lovely pair of benches and a fabulous repair . Many thanks for posting. I look forward to more :)

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

Great start to the morning. Lovely restoration!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

These turned out SO well! It's very interesting to see how you tackle unusual problems such as preserving the worn paint.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I love watching your masterful work. Every video is interesting. A week ago I watched the video you dedicated to your beloved dog Ella: my condolences on her passing.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! I miss her every day!

G’day mate from down under. Another great restoration. Trying and achieving the original patina is a great lesson. Thank you.👏👏🇦🇺😁

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

I think have watched every video that you have put out and am quite sure that i have learned more from your easy going and time tested techniques than all the other woodworkers on KZread combined. I am not ashamed to say i have used so many things that i have learned from watching you. Thank you for all that you do Tom.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! That warms my heart! I think it's great

I think it is great that you gave LightsOut a plug. Also like the benches.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! They are doing a great job!

Fantastic project. I so enjoyed watching this episode. You are truly one of Maine's great living treasurers!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! That's so nice!

Outstanding job Tom!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Magnificent job Tom! you made me LOL with “From a time when people took pride in their work.” Reminds me of my house... not one of the door strikers had been properly inletted and for 90 years none of the internal doors could be locked, or even stayed shut when a breeze was blowing

@dlevi67

10 ай бұрын

Mind you, compared to the RAAC debacle currently going on in the UK, doors not staying shut is not an issue...

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Some things never change!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

I haven't heard about this! Oh, I just googled it - I'll read it later - sounds bad

Amazing job! The look wonderful without taking away their long history - so honorable, Tom. Completely lovely work, as always and love the details~ 😀😀😀

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you Cat! I saw your response to one of Emily's post - that was cool! Thanks for following her

What a neat project Tom, and for another life given to those benches. Interesting pictures and history behind the building. That was a big glue up and was nice to have two more pairs of hands to tackle the job. Allot of history on those benches.They really look great. Thanks for the road trip. Take care and God bless.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! It was fun!

Masterful job as always. The benches look great.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

On gum "I guess we get to chews our own history." Nice job on this preservation.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

These videos are a wonderful treat, they are entertaining and exemplify superb craftsmanship! I wish I had a piece of old furniture that I could abuse as an excuse to have you restore it 🙂

@janvafa9959

10 ай бұрын

I have an old dresser that was I think my paternal grand parents that desperately needs restoration… unfortunately I’m on the wrong coast!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! That's nice!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! There has to be some one just as good out there!

Tom, They look terrific! Nice work!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Your work is fantastic. I have watched a lot of your back shows. Very Beautiful.👵🇺🇸😍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Wow Tom, what a gift you have, love the historical connection. Learn so much from you, thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

You did cut a lot of crud from these benches! Without them looking too clean. Beautiful!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, and I don't think they were ever going to be "too clean"!

What an interesting project for you, and by the sounds of it, 30 hours of hard work! Still the result is fabulous. I have never seen wood painted that colour but it is actually a great idea. Once cleaned the paint gave an even, attractive effect.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I had never seen that color on an antique, blended in perfectly with the natural wood where the paint had worn off

As a University trained artist (Studio Painting) I have such a tremendous admiration of your artistic sculpting and restoration skills! Your media is so different from mine but your experience outshines any trained artist I have seen in conservation of natural materials in my years of study. You mix colors like I wish I had the skill to do! I have absorbed so much information from your skills and experience from these videos! All I can say is .... "Thank you" for sharing your skills with me!

@johnsonrestoration

4 ай бұрын

Wow! You're very welcome! I appreciate it. The color work will come, it just takes experience and not overthinking it.

Always enjoy watching you take such care with each piece. The benches look amazing !!!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

At the end the benches looked amazing nice finish to them. The looked good against the white walls 😀😀👍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! They did look good!

@paulstanding7267

10 ай бұрын

@@johnsonrestoration would it be possible to do a video of where they are situated and how they are used when it opens to the public. It would be nice for those who don’t live nearby or like me over the water. 👍👍😀

Those benches certainly have lots of miles or kilometers in this case on them. Well done sir thank you.👍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes - which one?

You are such a masterful woodworker. I learn so much by watching your videos. Being an artist, I say thank you for providing this lovely gallery with such fine seating. The benches look so great. Great work Tom!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! They did look good in the Gallery!

Gosh, Tom. I think that restoration is my favourite so far (and that’s saying something in your vast array of repairs!) They look superb in the gallery. Beautiful to see, thank you. From a sub in Old England.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! They do look great in the gallery!

I love Thomas Johnson’s videos. He’s a brilliant restorer and woodworker. I just don’t understand why he doesn’t have more followers. What does it take?

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Good question! The popular videos are those where they take a piece of furniture, sand the daylights out of it and make it look brand new. I do the opposite!

Such great benches restored for a new life. I love how you managed to make the new spindles blend in perfectly with the originals. Outstanding work.

@boa1793

10 ай бұрын

Larry, He made them look dirty but then made them look clean. Fantastic work.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

The two benches now have their simple elegance restored by your multiple skills,Tom. Great work.

@johnsonrestoration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Tom, those came out fantastic. Perfect balance between restoration and continued utility. When I first saw all those spindles, I died a little at the thought of the re-alignment - but the guys sure made light work [under your expert eye] of the operation. I particularly liked the way that the new spindles disappeared amongst the rest. The job looked like a nightmare and turned out a dream!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I was worried about turning this job into a can of worms! It really worked out well

Such beautiful benches! Love the fact you always keep the character of the pieces you restore.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! It's so important!

Only 30 hours? I thought it would have been quite a bit more. Another great rescue.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I try to keep an accurate idea of the time

Fantastic work and dedication to your work Young Thomas! Phew! xx

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you Sir!

I actually cheered when you got the first crest rail off; found myself applauding when the three of you reattached it. Broad smiles throughout. You are a treasure, Mr. Johnson! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us all.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! That's great!

The benches look fantastic. When spraying the bench legs I noticed the mini sawhorses. They worked well for you. 👍👍👍

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! I use them a lot more than regular saw horses!

Such a great job once again, Tom. The poly was an inspired solution! I just hope these benches are not subjected to kids hopping up and down on them, and leaning on the crest rails. 😅

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Bill! I hope so too! But I doubt that will happen in the gallery

To watch your videos is always a pleasure! Your dedication to restoring old and used furniture is wonderful. I admire how slow and careful you work. So much so that I nearly cannot stand how rudely others do this kind of work. In my mind I always compare their way of procedure to your way of doing these jobs. There is noone who stands up to you . Already looking forward to your next project (and watching your older videos - again and again - in the meantime)... (sorry for my clumsy English, I'm german)

@janvafa9959

10 ай бұрын

You do very well in English! Much better than my one word in German (nein) 😉🤭

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate it!

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Same here! Oh, also “Gesundheit”

Great ...... great ...... No words... Great Job Thomas!

@johnsonrestoration

6 ай бұрын

I liked this job and I love the Light's Out Gallery

As always, wonderful job, Thomas. Your attention to details is inspiring.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Amazing restoration as always. Great craftsmanship and art work really.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Hey Thomas, Its great to see old pieces taken in and refurbished with such skill and empathy. Here over the pond (UK) we do refurb stuff but we ought to have a place where people without the necessary skills can deposit items for those who do. We do have clubs called ` Men in Sheds` kitted out with machinery where older guys can come and make or refurb items. Problem is each club is a self funding charity and we don`t have the funds to advertise for our needs or abilities. Anyway we do what we can and enjoy it. Your videos are inspirational, educational and very entertaining. Keep it up Tom and Thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! I love the idea of these "clubs", I need to start one up here!