Restoring a Victorian Rocking Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome antique rocker. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
Пікірлер: 856
As always, your patience and skill transformed the rocker beautifully. I especially like the shots of your animals at the beginning and end of your videos too, Tom.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! have to have animals!
You need to get t-shirts printed with the phrase “I think it looks pretty good” I’d buy one.
@dlevi67
3 жыл бұрын
And Ella's portrait!
@gius1337
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome idea
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I know!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
That is a very good idea
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Yes!
One dislike? Seriously? Son, if watching a brilliantly skilled furniture restoration expert at work isn’t your thing, there are other videos on KZread.
@trustmemysonisadoctor8479
3 жыл бұрын
Sadly there are some who think it's old it must updated, chalk paint would help!!!
@dlevi67
3 жыл бұрын
Bots often leave downvotes - for no reason other than they are programmed to do so at random.
@rcdogmanduh4440
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe the "dog" that got blamed for "chewing on it" rigggggghhhhttttt blame the dog!
@kuhboom22
3 жыл бұрын
Right? With all the political discourse I think we can all agree that Thomas is fantastic, and so soothing to watch
@matthewthiesen6098
3 жыл бұрын
@@dlevi67 wow never realized. But yeah that makes sense of bots
Your videos are amazing. I also love the fact that in the end you show the restored item inside the house, so we can have a better idea how it looks in it's natural environment.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, me too
when you pulled out the yellow glue I said to myself "man he is slumming it with yellow glue today" then you cut away to talk about it. Laughed so hard. :)
@helenaneumann1872
3 жыл бұрын
I had the same thoughts :))
@arlenelamont5610
3 жыл бұрын
Me too. Where's the hide glue? Oh, okay. Learn something new from Tom every video.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, I needed to explain
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Since I retired, I've found a new hobby - woodworking generally, and furniture restoration in particular. I'm slowly going back over all your videos, learning so much in the process. Many thanks for your excellent and informative input. I hope one day to be able to look at a piece of my work and think "That looks pretty good"
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Barry! I'm sure you will! Have a great retirement!
Your decision on what finishes to use always seem to be spot on. Looks great.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, in this case less is more
Thanks Tom, you have a natural ability to make and present a video, that I'm sure, Media students would envy. Very impressive.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I like that
Nice restoration Tom. I was intrigued with your thought process to oil the springs - smart! Glad to see your guide block solution fixed the problem. Cheers. Scott
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! But when I watched the video, I realized that I should have had the springs facing each other instead of facing the same direction. But they were fatigued and needed the guide blocks anyway.
I love watching a skilled craftsman working on wood. ❤️ Thank you.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
I can’t remember seeing you tackle chewed wood in previous videos. I initially thought it would have to be replaced but you knew better. Another challenge overcome with the misalignment on the platform. Well done. A fascinating restoration. Thanks.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I have a least one video where I replace dog chewed wood and carve it
WOW! You made that chair go from dowdy to glamorous. That is really a transformation. It's so beautiful. Now maybe someone will think to dust it once in a while. LOL.
@johnsonrestoration
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I’m sure they will!
Your level of skill is always a joy to watch. How you established the level of finish needed to bring the chair back to life, and the subtle repairs you decided on. Great video, thank you Tom.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
This man is amazing I could watch him at work all day
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
So satisfying seeing this chair become usable again. Thanks for your videos.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
I'm gonna watch it later, but needless to say, I already gave it a thumbs up!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
That's great! Thanks!
I have missed you and your videos sooo much! Glad to see you back Tom!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I've put out a lot of videos this year! Look for them
Tom!!!!!!! Your videos are always the best to relax before sleeping. Sending you my love from Singapore 🇸🇬❤️
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Sweet dreams!
I always learn something from your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! My pleasure!
I always love watching your videos Tom. You have so much patience and put all of your craftmanship into all of the jobs you do with pride. Its quite calming watching you work. Kim from Australia.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate you watching!
Thomas: it was an amazing restoration. Beautifully done. It never looked better. Carol
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Tom. My wife and I love your videos. We generally watch one together each night before we turn out the light. We find your stuff very soothing and relaxing. Thanks for sharing!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! That's nice
Sat down for a bite of lunch. The YT notification bell is activated. Click. OMG a new one from Tom Johnson! Watched immediately. And, of course, it's another masterpiece.... the work and the video production as well. You've grown to be a master presenter and editor! I love how you're even more explanatory about exactly what you're doing, why, and what products you're using. Thanks so much, Tom !
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
I wish I had the same results you have when I let things dry overnight. Beautiful job! Thanks.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Often it's a couple of days - it can be a problem sometimes
Beautiful job on that beautiful chair. I love the animals at the beginnings and ends of your videos.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Me too! Thanks!
Beautiful result, Tom! Dog chew repairs and solving the alignment problem were real features for me. Thanks so much!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Greetings again, from Kenya. Another wonderful video, Mr. Johnson. Your skill with the furniture, and with the use of your tools, is amazing and beautiful to watch. Even more so your insights on how to proceed at each juncture, which show your years of experience. Something less noticeable (simply because the viewer is engrossed in your work) is your videography skills. If you have not already done so, some of us would love to see a video about how you make such great videos. All-in-all, your videos are a joy to watch. I am always eager to view the newest one as soon as it appears here on your channel. Thanks for being a blessing.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chip! Such kind words. And yes, I am totally into the videography, and let's not forget to thank my editor, Nick Barker
@ChipKingsbury
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration Yes! Hats off to Nick! Pongezi an hongera! (Congratulations)
For the rough gimp there a product called fraycheck which is a type of fabric glue that will prevent further fraying.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting! I'll look for it. Thanks!
I imagine the furniture comes into your shop and is relieved. ‘Oh thank goodness. Tom is here to save me!’ You are a magnificent craftsman, Tom. And your videos are a joy to watch.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! If this furniture could talk!
So simple,yet brilliant fix👌. Always look forward to your videos. Thanks Tom.👍
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Genius bordering on witchcraft. It’s always a pleasure watching a master at work. Thank you.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I like that
Masterpieces come in, worn down by years, and dogs. Masterpieces leave, restored by the master. A pleasure to behold.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's nice
I always look forward to Fridays to watch the masterful work you do. Cheers...
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
He is sooooo patient! I admire his skills, of course; but his willingness to go over and over and over the wood is wonderful. Thank you.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
It's beautiful. What a lovely surprise to have this appear before 'lights out'.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Thank you team Johnson for another great restauration and informative video. These things must take a tonne of work.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! They do! But we enjoy it
I love the "after" pictures back in the house it came from.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! (Except that is my house!)
Looks great Tom! I do furniture restoration and you have taught me so much. I have watched all your videos and shadowed your teachings, you inspire me. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, you have taught me so much!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! I value positive feedback from fellow restorers
Yes it is Mr.Johnson,pretty good like ever!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Another amazing repair and spruced up finish! Kisses to Ella!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Will do!
I love to see the artful and caring methods you use to restore furniture. You are respectful to the style and design of every pece of furniture that needs to be restored. I am so impressed by your shop, it’s so very well equipped. You have every tool and machine right there at hand. It is a joy to see how you figure out the needs of each pece of furniture. My grandpa was a carpenter i think that is the reason i can apréciate your skills so very much. Thank you
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! 😊
I love watching your videos, Tom. The chair turned out great. Thanks for showing us.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Great work! I enjoy the good camera angles you give so it's easy to follow the details.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I like doing the videography
That was an awesome restoration. Beautiful job 👏👌. Thanks for the video.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
I love that with your level of skill you still maintain humility and continue to learn new things instead of acting as if you know all. I really appreciate and admire that you express your decision making and you go over all your thoughts ideas and concerns when faced with something that you aren't immediately 100% sure how you're going to approach. You could easily edit that out and act like you're always just sure and always have the perfect answer and it's always just so easy and perfect with no mistake ever but you don't do that. To me that really shows you're true level of craftsmanship. You know things can and will go wrong no matter what skill level or experience someone has. Thats just part of woodworking to take it slowly and think it out then try what you think is best but be able to say ok ....well that didn't work out so .....plan b now. I love your humble attitude and really admire your work and dedication to the craft. Thank you sir you're a true artist and a master that is still learning to master the craft piece by piece. ❤️🐣🐤
@johnsonrestoration
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Well said. In my first videos we were determined to keep them short, but people kept demanding more detail. It is a lot better that way. I am trying to show the real world of furniture repair, and making a living from it.
@chickenlittle6756
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration you really do a fantastic job of that because it comes down to one problem at a time and doing the best you can on each item you work on. They're all different with all sorts of problems and sometimes the same solution won't work on a different piece. Planning thinking and just going a step at a time is reality. Every woodworker I've ever known was always intimidated by a hard piece or problem when they first encountered it no matter how long they had been at the trade. The same nervousness planning second guessing testing once twice three times then finally just going for it hoping it works out always happened and I never understood my popaw And uncle thinking about something for days sometimes before starting on it until I was doing the same thing. They both had so much time and experience compared to myself of course but now I fully understand why they would over think second guess plan different solutions do all the easy stuff "to get to know the piece, and think about what to do" before they finally tackled the hard part. Woodworking is a labor of love as a whole and it's building a love and understanding for each individual piece it's simple yet so complicated. I think these intricacies of the craft are why the ones who make it their life seem to become so patient and humble. Seriously enjoy your videos and thanks so much for responding because you have a serious multitude of comments and I'm just little ole me lol God bless and I look forward to watching you work in you next video as always.
Brought it right back to life, nice result!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
In the final scene, nice to see it in a natural setting - looking very much at home. Nice touch with the lab as well, also looking very much at home!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I like that too
Had to watch it as soon as it came on. Rare enjoyment, more please. Stay safe.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! you too!
Love how you took a piece that looked so dry and dead and brought it back to life.
@johnsonrestoration
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Wow! it was a big change between the old dusted chair to the new look with the reparation you made. Pretty chickens also and of course my favorite Ella. Thank Mr Johnson and blessings to you all.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Glad you liked it!
Thank you ,I have enjoyed watching this chair rescue ! I don’t mind eating the cool porridge that I have just remembered is in the microwave with some mango and strawberries it will be another good start to my day! Oh right I better add a spoonful of maple syrup too👍👍👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖🖖👩🏼🍳🤷🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Wow! That sounds good!
Thank you for another excellent restoration video. We look forward to the next. Congratulations for the video. A hug and lots of health
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Hi Tom, hope you're well, another excellent restoration and vid, thanks for posting, what an excellent colour and patina that chair ended up with, stay safe
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! We are fine, hope you are too
You have the patience of a saint. Looks amazing, you are a magician.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
Good to see some new content from you.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
That's a beautiful chair and now it looks STUNNING. Thank you again for another amazing lesson in how to preserve history 😊
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
So cleaning, oiling, waxing and buffing in all those nooks and crannies must have taken just about forever. I cannot believe the patience you have. And as usual it turned out a gem. But we knew that, of course.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I don't mind it!
Mr. Johnson, I was waiting for a new video. This rocker is so beautiful. You once again did a awsome job. Looks great! Thanks for sharing.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
It looks amazing Tom! Another beautiful result
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😀
Such pure pleasure watching you work. And your explanations are crystal clear and concise. This is one of my favorite channels because of your depth of knowledge and skill. That old chair is beautiful!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Another excellent job. Thanks for saving these wonderful pieces of our past. Your facility with tools and techniques is inspiring.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I can't believe you took that rough old finish and made it look that good without even refinishing it! The guides for the springs was a clever touch as well! Fantastic piece as always :)
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
You always know just what a piece of furniture needs!!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It seems that way!
I love that old chair, again good job sir.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
My Mother was given an old chair exactly like that. I lived it snd she promised me I would inherit it. Sadly it wasnt written down in her will and a distant relative took it from the house while "helping" to clear things out. It was lovely to see you restore thisbone so beautifully.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Oh wow! I'm so sorry to hear that! Thanks for watching
From roughened and dulled to a beautiful, elegant looking piece. Really liked that you showed us your problem solving efforts to get the chair operating properly. Always enjoy every detail of your meticulous restorations, even the prep stuff like the precise taping off of the upholstery. Thanks for another great video.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
You do such lovely work. It's very satisfying to see the pieces in their actual homes fitting in and looking excellent
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Another TJ master restoration, thank you for sharing it sir!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Looks great. I've never seen a rocker like that. Thanks for sharing. ATB : )
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Me neither! Thanks!
Love watching your work and the respect you give to these old treasures
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
As always, what a remarkable job, Mr Thomas!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Lovely job! She's ready to rock a few more generations now. Jo
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Good for another 100
Great job in giving this rocker a new life.
@johnsonrestoration
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I like this rocker!
Tom Johnson, "It looks pretty good." Anyone else, "This chair looks amazing."
@Brian-Burke
3 жыл бұрын
I say that pretty much every time.
@jcrefasi1
3 жыл бұрын
the master is way too modest!
@timd8470
3 жыл бұрын
AMEN!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@jeffj2495
3 жыл бұрын
I say that every time too. He is such an amazing restoration expert.
Bookmarking for after work! Can't wait!
@michaelsilva7085
3 жыл бұрын
Me too!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Hope you enjoy it!
Delightful as usual, and I learn something new from every video. Thank you!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
What a beautiful old lady and she cleaned up very nice. I just today finished a not so old rocker, replacing a cane seat and doing some minor repairs to the wood. This old lady cleaned up pretty good too. Thank you for your very informative videos. I have learned so much. And I second the notion about the T-Shirts with the phrase "I think it looks pretty good!" I'd buy one also.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Sounds like you're doing a good job! And yes, we should do the t shirt thing
Thanks again, Tom, for another great video. From one pro to another, I know the time it takes editing, etc. You have certainly have the process of conveying knowledge and skills demonstrations down to an art. Everyone should come away with a little more confidence after watching you do fantastic work.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate such good feedback coming from a fellow tradesman
Great job Thomas, well done.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Awesome restoration, oh what a beauty. This is indeed was a joy to watch. Thanks for sharing your skills and your level of repairs as to what will work with this rocker.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I appreciate you watching
Very well preserved, nice to see some one using a paring chisel, long time since I used mine. You brought that chair back to life it looked ready for the scrap bin but it has another 100 years of life again.👍👍
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes! Good for another hundred
Beautiful. Thank you for another wonderful & interesting video.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
A Cinderella rocker, from drab to beautiful! 💖😁
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! I like that
I really appreciate the work you do, Tom. And the time to explain what you are doing, how you approach the challenge, and the amazing results! Thanks for a great video of a repair to a wonderful rocking chair@
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I appreciate it
Nice job Thomas! Nice to see you ,thanks for sharing
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Your art is really at its best when you match and restore the finish. Excellent work.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Another quality repair. So glad to see you using tried and true products that have been around. Glad to see and understand the use of epoxy.
@johnsonrestoration
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate it
Sir you brought back life in this chair.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
For fans who don't know.... If you let the ads run for at least 30 seconds, Tom gets a little bit of money. I think he deserves it for all the effort he puts into these, don't you? Great time to get up for a snack or something, and come back to watch him, knowing you've given a little back to this kind, talented fellow.
@yeeeehaaawbuddy
3 жыл бұрын
Actually no, I'd rather not do that. I'd rather send him money/gifts directly. If anyone else would like to do the same, you can send gifts to: 187 Flaggy Meadow Rd, Gorham, ME
@stevenrickett4333
3 жыл бұрын
Nice thought but I don't think you should post his address.
@dlevi67
3 жыл бұрын
@@stevenrickett4333 Not that I disagree in principle, but the address comes up if you Google Tom's name, and it's at the top of the page on Tom's own website...
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes, I do need to get paid for this. I'm not sure, but I don't think how long you watch or don't watch the ads makes any difference. my job is to get the ads in front of you, and what you do after that is on them!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, especially in the form of Scotch or Bourbon!
Great work and great video...thanks, Tom!
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
That opposing spring problem is the sort of thing that drove me nuts as a kid. In this case, all you need to know is that both springs are wound the same way; and the only possible conclusion is that they will never oppose. You can't orient your way out of it.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! But I realized when I watched the video, I should have turned one around, facing the other
@myitbos1335
3 жыл бұрын
When you were explaining the spring situation the springs were oriented identically. They would be mounted opposed to each other. Mounting brackets to the outside, springs to the inside. Then perhaps the springs could be canted as you had hoped.
If it weren't for the upholstered parts on the chair, I would almost swear that finish (or lack of) looked exactly like most barn finds of antique furniture that I've run across. Fantastic video and your skills and experience are greatly admired 👍
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It did seem like a barn find, but I came to thinking it was supposed to look like that (except for the dirt)
Lockwood stains are my favorite, especially the water soluble ones. I thought you'd certainly have some on hand.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I do! But I don't use them much in restoration work - only new work
Thomas Another great video and it was great to see that patient of yours the rocker will make through another century !
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
It's nice to see some one take pride in their chisels, nice and sharp plus polished. All ways like watching. Cheers from Tasmania
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes, it's amazing how well they work when you sharpen them!
Amazing job, Tom. I thought the finish would never be brought back to life but you are diligent. Good job keeping springs working for pleasant rocking experience.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
The owner will be very pleased the way the chair came out and looks really good just show with a clean and a wax/polish make a massive difference 😀👍
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
I agree! Thanks
Excellent work and as always inspirational.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
The arm rest dog chew damage is probably the most "noticeable" repair and you made that totally disappear! Amazing.
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Hi Thomas, I know by the time you see this comment you will have finished this chair and it will be back with the owner. However, I just wanted to tell you about a way of sorting steel springs and any steel in fact. To get springs to work properly again try soaking them in vinegar, I have used this on lots of things and in 24 hours it removes all the crud and dirt making the part clean and it can remove rust. I admire your abilities and knowledge of furniture and your work always inspires me. Keep up the great work and please add this to your vast bank of knowledge
@johnsonrestoration
3 жыл бұрын
Hi John, yes, thanks! I will try that next time
@judithfairchild8620
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the suggestion there are a lot of us who do fix it work in our homes.