Salvaging a Bow Front Chest - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration 

Thomas, I just wanted to say how much ALL of us watching appreciate the No Advertising part of your channel. I watch your vids several times a week, and so enjoy them.. Thanks so much for ALL the camera work/editing you do.

This is the only channel where I can always give a thumbs up even before I watch the video.

These videos make absolutely addictive watching, especially when you take something that might, in an other situation be destined for the junk shop, and restore it back to an ageless beauty. Superb work. Thank you.

What a beautiful dresser. I paused the video at the end, to just look at it for a moment. Your work is truly what this furniture needs, a refreshing not a restoration. Thank you.

Just want Thomas to know that I often let his videos play over and over when I want some soothing background noise, and watching you salvage heirlooms is very pleasurable. Thank you.

For all you wanna be restorers, this is the KING. This man is a gentleman and a knowledgeable person. Mr Johnson, you remind me of my father in law,Jim Coyner. He was a True Craftsman. I miss him so. Good golly, I am 70 myself burt he was my mentor and so are you. Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do it right....... DB

absolutely in awe of your artistry, and kudos to the cameraman and editor, superb work as well. Thank you so much for work.

This took me back to my childhood, my father was a cabinet maker he had a small workshop at the backyard, and would restore pieces for the big houses here in Glasgow Scotland Always loved the smell of the work shop and would sit quite watching him transform a piece ,into a work of art he passed away some years back but left me a few nice pieces,which I polish now and again and think back to then ❤️

Another small miracle performed by Thomas in Gorham Maine. Lovely transformation!

One of our favorite RU-vid presenters. Instructional, educational and genuine. My husband is a pretty good wood worker, himself, but we both learn from your patient, thorough and careful approach.

Oh Yeah! I left the last video in my bookmark bar because I was busy lately and now I have 2 videos to watch, 37 minutes each!!! Oh you made my day! Greetings from Greece.

I love seeing these battered old pieces restored to their former glory and no one could do it better.😀

Maestro Johnson, this is one of your most outstanding results! You taught me, as well, an entire course in veneer repair, encompassing everything I needed to try on a project for a retired friend of mine on a unique sewing table that is 100+ years old from Europe. Thank you!

I lived in New England in a turn of the century 19th century house, where the foundations were stone with lime mortar! First Spring there, the entire basement flooded and we discovered that was “normal” to have some flooding, more or less depending on the amount of snow the past winter. It destroyed a bunch of stuff stored there! This channel is therapy for me since I enjoy woodworking and finishing. Binge watching since last week!

I don't know what it is exactly but your videos are wonderfully soothing, wether its your narration, the fact that the antiques are beautiful works of art and are lovingly restored, the shop lends its own patina as well as the great camera work, never jittery always smooth almost gentle, Always a pleasure to watch, enjoy and learn to from a master. Thank you Thomas. (Edited for spelling)

The pride that you take in your work is just amazing. It's sad that you don't find that as much today.

I really enjoy your restoration videos. The meticulous work you put into these pieces is always amazing. Your classic "It looks pretty good" is such an understatement.

Thomas you are the most understated craftsman I know! The difference is unbelievable. Thank you for sharing this.

Just gorgeous! What patience and care you take with each piece. I'm learning every time I see your videos. Thank you, Sir.

From a Portuguese from Aveiro. Your videos are getting better and better. The latter is fantastic. The restoration is excellent but the video, the explanation and the simplicity with which it is done are a pleasure to see. I liked the detail in this restoration without changing the history of the furniture. For a layman who likes bricolage, and the images, the restoration was perfect. Once again my congratulations. Portugal for its long millenary history is very rich in antique furniture, both for regular use and for religious purposes. Much of that wealth is now spread across the world. Even today, the north of Portugal is very strong in the construction of furniture. One of the maximum exponents of our carpentry is in our coach museum in Lisbon or in our royal palaces that you can see on the internet sites. A hug

Thanks for the long run-time! Very enjoyable.

i have learned so much from you. I can't thank you enough. I rescue furniture -- i don't think i have a piece of furniture less than 75 yrs old.. as i say i rescue furniture. clean decades of old spray polish residue and reveal the grain in the piece. Now, from watching you i'm going to try more complicated repairs- Thanks again!!!!

Lovely restoration. I’ve never seen veneer patched ... thought it would look like just that - a patch ... you have MAD restoration skills ❤️

I think I’ve watched this three times. You are an astonishingly good craftsman. Thank you for sharing with all of us!

Wow! I had no idea that brass would clean up that well! Thanks for doing what you do! ❤🌅🌵

Fine work Tom....your methodical approach gets to the heart of the issues....and your dog sleeps the sleep of the innocent! Best wishes.

Wow! been waiting for this video to come along. of course I watch them all. but this one had everything.! veneer repair. drawer repair, molding, patching, I loved every minute of it. as always. your tutorial skills and craftsmanship show through Tom. you teach us and give us pleasure in every video. Thank you for doing them and above all thank you for sharing.

You saved that antique chest it looks fantastic and old not refinished and new. Every job I see you do is so well done you care about the furniture and it shows I have learned so much from your videos Thank you for being a great teacher your craftsmanship shows through in everything you do.

Pretty good???? This one looks outstanding!! As Always, Great Work Mr. Johnson!!

Another 'pretty good' job by Tom Johnson!! I'm binge-watching a few of these on a holiday weekend (I classify it as a 'learning review' to keep from feeling lazy). That is fabulous, Mr. Johnson! Thank you for all you do!

One of your best ever. I so admire your patience as well as your skill.

I love your videos. The care you put into each piece is something that has been lost in todays world. I also like that you dont try and do to much. Leaving an old piece looking old, but a fantastic old.

I'd love to see the client reaction to the restoration...that would be cool.

I love watching restoration techniques.....you've explained a lot of techniques and why you did it that way without a overdoing it. Your the first restoration video I have happily watched from start to finish without being bored. Well done Sir. 😁👍🏻🇦🇺 More of the same please.

This is absolutely amazing. Especially the before/after-comparisons are stunning. Great work - and I think, your customers were impressed!

In a world were we build to throw away, its awesome watching your talent restore pieces with real life to them.

Great job. I always enjoy watching the “Master” at work. Thanks .

Mesmerizingly hypnotic moments of pure comforting joy hearing your subtle but determined confident narration. Reminds me of a renowned surgeon performing miracles in his operating theater. Your extended recording time increases, with every extended moment, my excited anticipation of your masterful results! Thank you Mr. Johnson for so generously sharing all the time and effort you expend bringing us into your wondrous world of a Master Craftsman!

What a beautiful piece of furniture! I love seeing your eye for detail and patience in your restorations. Another really amazing job. Thank you for sharing

That dresser is a work of art.....which makes you an artist! Love your videos. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this episode which is one of my favorites.

What a stunning piece! Cherry is such a gorgeous wood and you let it shine while keeping its history. It looks simply elegant and classic. Beautifully and sympathetically restored rather than stripped bare. Always love seeing your work but this piece reminds me of my late great aunt and uncle's home on England. They had some stunning pieces from Queen Anne and other periods but the best was their dining table and chairs which were early Chippendale with incredible mahogany and wonderfully carved. Its provenance went directly back to the original documents from Chippendale's workshop. Although it was a very valuable antique, like all the others, it was used everyday from reading the papers at breakfast to playing Scrabble to formal dinners for visiting dignitaries. Your work brings back very fond memories so thank you.

Lovely work as usual. Have you ever fallen in love with a piece that you've restored and offered to buy it from the original owner?

Another wonderful restoration. I'm having so much pleasure watching you handle the antiques with love and respect. I think your videos are lessons in life. Thank You Sir.

Wow! That is gorgeous 👍

Another awesome job, Mr. Johnson. I greatly admire the patience and love, as well as the skill, which you put into each one of your restorations. I would like to say too that the videography and editing are superb. The camera work captures the artistry of your amazing skill and conceptual processes without drawing attention to itself (the animal footage, more artistry, I consider lagniappe!), this is extremely professional and tasteful. And now that I think about it, the videography is perfectly suited to the style of your presentation. You speak in a manly, straight-forward manner--no frills, no mugs, just plain talk--efficient communication. Harking back some sixty years, I am reminded of how grown ups spoke to each other. Thank you very much indeed, sir. God Bless you and yours, stay well and all the best.

Awesome job as always. Many years of knowledge. I could only hope to learn a fraction of it by watching your videos.

It's all about your techniques using your tools that I appreciate. One of my favorites is the tools you use when scrapping the old glue, I love the sound of it. How silly it sounds but so true!!

Maister Johnson....that was a really nice job. Great balance between recover the original looks of the piece and still mantain the antic aesthetics.

I literally gasped when you used tape to make a perfect stencil pattern for your veneer patch. Brilliant!!! And it was refreshing to see how many clamps and tape strips you needed for these curved pieces! As a newbie, I try to place mine where the lines of force and tension seem to indicate, and my repairs end up studded with clamps and crisscrossed with bungee cords, tape, and even elastic bands, looking like they are being repaired in a Tim Burton movie. 😂 I'm very relieved to see your professional use of a large number, which somehow looks much more intentioned and sane when they are used such an appropriate variety and size! 😅

Amazing job! Thanks for all the lessons you are passing along to everyone!

Wow! Another of Tom's superb restorations. That's a beautiful piece of furniture.

I think it looks pretty good. That is one fine piece of furniture, and seeing it brought back to life was very satisfying.

Another phenomenal restoration, Mr.Johnson. Thank you. I couldn't believe you were able to restore veneer that was so damaged to such beautiful condition. I always like seeing your shop assistant on hand (your sweet Labrador), even if he was taking a break when you were showing the finished product. :)

Beautiful workmanship. Thank you so much for the videos, I really look forward to watching them

It looks Very Good in my opinion. At the end Thomas said "it looks pretty good". What a humble statement, for such a nice refinish job.

Lovely piece! Your loving touch was what it needed!

So happy to see the Clampmaster back in action. I really had my doubts about the less is better (except when it come to clamps!) approach of restoring this chest and once again was glad to be proved wrong. I really enjoy seeing every step in detail, and yes, it looks pretty good.

Sometimes when I see the tape too sticky I press it against my pants a bit, either it’s lint or dust, it often solves the adhesive on the tape leaving residue.

Mr Johnson, your quiet and calm lends itself to making a really good video.

Inspiring as always. Well done sir 👍

Very pleasing indeed to see this beautiful bow fronted cherrywood dresser restored...love the hardware which looks fabulous brought to its original glory on the finished piece!

That turned out a stunning piece, love it!

It is so satisfying to watch you work. I appreciate your comments as you go along. Thank you!

What a beautiful transformation. Great work Tom!

Amazing. I learn something new every time I watch your video's. There are hidden gems everywhere.

Nice job, can’t wait for the next project

You did a REAL nice job on that piece Tom. BRAVO.Glad to see you didn't try and fix all the imperfections . That's a sign of experience right there.

This is really great I always relax whit your beautiful nice restorations 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

It is just great to watch a master craftsman at work. A certain method is not returning the desired effect, so instantly go down another avenue to obtain that seemingly elusive finish that would leave an unskilled person clueless, bewildered and frustrated. Wondering why not so many customers are coming forward for them to carry out restorations.

That job must've taken quite a while. Good work and wonderful finish!

I greatly admire your pains-taking patience, Tom.

You do some amazing work, love your content!

watching the miracle worker perform another restoration beautifully done SIR!

Amazing job, as always, Tom! What patience to deal with the veneer repairs on the drawers. Amazing results with the salt and vinegar on the pulls. Are those Hepplewhite pulls?

Another Great Restoration! When restoring some old saws, I tested a couple brass restoration recipes on the saw nuts. Here's what I found: Mix equal parts of Flour, White Vinegar and Baking Soda into paste and coat the parts. Then seal it in a plastic bag for 30 minutes. Alternatively, try mixing equal parts of Flour, White Vinegar and Salt into paste and coat the parts. Then seal it in a plastic bag for 30 minutes. My test showed with salt, to be slightly more effective than baking soda. Note that when using vinegar (an acid), a quick rinse with baking soda diluted in water, is a little extra caution.

Meticulous as always. Kudos to you, Thomas.

Always a joy to watch Tom's videos. I see him doing things exactly as I do, so I must be doing them right! I have a decent size workshop with some good tools, but I don't do enough restorations to justify adding more. I did a lot for myself and never counted the hours, but sadly when asked to do work for others they just don't understand the amount of hours in preparation and think they're being ripped off, so if I restore a piece, I either find a place for it or sell it. It's not about the money, it's the satisfaction that a well restored piece will still be around in 100 years or so. I'm in the UK,and can't get the Old Brown Glue that Tom uses, next time in the US I'll take some back with me. Using the old hide glue is a pain having to heat it. Keep up the excellent videos.

For those tight glue spots under the veneer, I took a football air needle, filed it down long and flat then retro fitted it to a small glue syringe giving me an applicator that puts glue way back clean and neat. Thanks for all your great work, much appreciated my friend.

You are an artist and a magician! I still say the most difficult skill you have perfected is the gluing and clamping. And then the stain matching on veneer patches. The hardware cleaned up so beautifully. I've seen other refinishers put the pieces in boiling water. Have you ever done that? So glad to see Ella Bean at your feet near the end of the video. Give her a pat (or kiss) for me!!

I like your shop dog. He's doing what shop dogs do. Thomas, another excellent restoration.

Thank you for the wonderful content, you are truly the Bob Ross of furniture repair. I'm an extremely beginner woodworker and I've been binge watching your videos. You inspire others to try and to learn. Just this week my kids and I shaved down a piece of roasted maple to make an amateur veneer patch on one of our chairs.

Lovely work Thomas! I love how the cherry came back to life in this restoration.

Watching putting pieces back together, not covering troubled spots but actually looking for them. Such a good thing to see. ( I was looking for antique drawer pulls- )

What a difference from start to finish. Once again so many useful techniques and restoration products so really well explained. What a lovely chest of drawers..

I enjoyed our time together on this project. Thank you.

I find myself falling in love with every piece of furniture you restore. This piece looks dazzling now. Wonderful work. Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship Tom. 👍

Thing I like most about your videos is you show the thought process that goes into tackling various problems and often you leave in the times something doesn't quite work. This is all really good information for anyone interested in restoration. Really great work on this piece by the way.

What a beautiful piece after you finished it. I’m glad I found your channel and I like the way you do your videos. You don’t talk too much but just enough, I like the way you really show your work. I’ve only watched about five of your videos so far And will watch many more in the future. Wish I found you sooner than some of the other restoration videos on RU-vid. 👍🏻👍🏻

It didn't look like much to start with. It is so beautiful now. Lucky are the pieces of furniture that go through you hands, Tom.

Beautiful finish. You are tenacious. What a mess the dresser was!! Congratulations. I've worked at restoring old boats, old houses and old furniture. Don't know what's the most challenging. They all have their foibles. God Bless. And I really enjoy your videos. You give me hope and a more positive attitude re: old things.

I can't believe what you were able to do with such a damaged piece of furniture! It looks absolutely beautiful while still retaining that anqtique look and charm. I am enjoying watching your channel, I'm learning LOTS of stuff about finishing, repair, and woodworking!

I’m always in awe of the before and after.

Another excellent restored piece of history..I watch your videos to Relax and chill after a stressful day..thank you Thomas..

This might be my favorite video of yours. What a beautiful finished product. Must be really satisfying to be the guy who did that.

I think you must be an absolute genius sir. You have a gift.

The dresser looks pretty good, but your dog looks comatose. Thanks for the videos, I really enjoy learning how you approach the problems in old furniture.

time is never wasted watching your work

Once again you have totally impressed us ! Revealing a beautiful piece. Thankyou for recording your unique expertise. Delightful viewing!

I really look forward to these videos and appreciate the effort you put in to making them. They are very informative and make a lot of us into armchair restorers. I'm an antique market and flea market enthusiast, and now find myself looking at old decrepit furniture in a whole different way.