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.

“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.

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!

The painstaking effort to make right what has been damaged while retaining the clock's history is admirable. To see Ella once again was a delight. God bless her.

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.

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.

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.

So sorry to hear of Ella's passing .. it's always very difficult when you loose such a devoted companion

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.

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 ❤️

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I love how you can repair and replace, if necessary, the veneer on these antique pieces. That is an art form. Excellent work!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Masterful, a delight to watch, and lovely to see your dear old dog with you. Thank you Tom.

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

An amazing restoration of an historic clock housing, which was totally in keeping with it’s original condition. It was lovely to see you and Ella again and I’m sure she’s still with you as you work in your workshop.

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!

Your videos are so calming to watch, yet very informative. I love how you fixed it, yet still feels antique. Talent!

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.

So good to see the pup at the beginning. And nice to see the meticulous care this piece received. Wonderful stuff.

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.😇

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.

What a wonder restoration Tom. Was lovely to see your beloved Ella one more time. So very sorry for your loss.

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.

Awww, the puppy was there... 💔 Another phenomenal job, Tom. Yes, it's pretty dang good if you ask me. Imagine, 1710? I actually wouldn't even care what it looked like if I had a piece that old! I like the part where you had all your clamps on and had to call it a day - classic! Blessed new year for you and yours, thanks for the video.

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!

I loved seeing Ella inspecting your work. I already miss her.

I'm very jealous of your huge long-reach clamps!

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.

I really enjoy watching you transform these pieces without changing the character of them. It’s like watching a magician!

Always nice to see you bring out the old clamps. You are an amazing craftsman. And a pretty darn good videographer too. 🙂

Stunning work, as usual. Monumental repairs balanced with maintaining the character. Lovely job. Thanks!

Your patience and attention to detail is amazing. This is a wonderful example of your craftmanship and I enjoy watching!

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.

"I think it looks pretty good." Always an understatement! 🙂

It's such a joy to watch your expert and patient work. I feel empowered to use your tips to tackle small repairs on my non-antique furniture. And to know when to call the pros.

I guess Ella was still ticking as well when this footage was taken. Great video, as always. I will always be appreciative of the things I have learned while watching you. Thank you!

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!

That was amazing work. The project of a thousand clamps! Not to see Ella along with you and your morning cup of coffee was heartbreaking. It must have been hard, still must be. I guess she's looking from above, now and always.

Since I was a child I have been fascinated by antiques (although I don't own any ☹️). I really enjoy seeing the restoration work you do but I am very curious to know how your clients react when they see their restored furniture. 🙂

Thank you for sharing one last moment with Ella. She is a good girl, and may she rest in peace.

Thanks Thomas. Your clamping advice is always inspiring and invaluable.

What a beautiful result from all your painstaking effort. Loved the 'big gun' clamps.

Absolutely masterful repairs that retained the character of the clock. I appreciate the careful attention you gave to matching the grain. This project also proves the old woodworkers adage that you can't have too many clamps.

Beautiful work Thomas, it must be very difficult making the character appear the same when repairing something like this and knowing when to stop I guess is probably many years of experience . Great vid thanks happy new year to you ad your family 🍻

Thanks Tom. Always a pleasure watching your magic. 💚👽

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. 🙏🏻

Watching your amazing mythical restorations has a almost hypnotic effect. Thank you for saving these beautiful pieces

Beautiful and sympathetic restoration as always Tom. 🧡

I'm wondering if that damage was caused by the shipping, but strongly imagine that much of it was more gradual over the past three centuries. Your circular veneer cutter kind of reminds me of a pizza slicer, Tom. Congratulations on a great restoration job, Tom.

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.

Fine job on such an amazing old piece. The Ella cameos were heartwarming. Such a sweet girl.

It's good to see Ella again. I miss her.

Thank you for the before and after, that was perfect, you do such good work.

Such amazing work! Thankyou for sharing your skill and devotion!

Absolutely beautiful. You've taken a 300+ year old clock and given it another 300 years. Great work!

It's fascinating to watch you work, and the close-ups are great...THANKS!😃😃

Your patience and skill are remarkable, excellent work, stunning outcome.

Oh Ella.

I cannot overstate the constant and enduring clamp envy you inspire, sir!

Hi Tom! Great video as always! Fascinating to see these old pieces come back to life. One question. Have you ever used infrared heaters to remove glue or paint? I used one on an arm which freed up both hands and made it easier. They also do not burn the wood nearly as fast.

Oh, sweet Ella! I will miss seeing her in the shop. I hope you and your family are doing well.

It is amazing to me how strong hide glue is. You were using a saw and a plane on that bottom piece and it just stayed there. Excellent work as always.

Beautiful restoration & an excellent video - sort of 310 years in the making.

Awesome job Tom! It looks great!

The thing that most surprised me on my transition from joiner to cabinet maker is not pinning ‘everything’ that’s glued, and just cracking on. Fine finishing with glue only means you also have to think and programme the sequence so you don’t have to park up work for 8-12 hours. It looks like you just do this instinctively now. Experience is a valuable tool.

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.

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.

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 Tom! It’s great watching your renovations!

Once again great JOB!! Thank you for taking the time to show the tools and products used, that info is just as invaluable to me as your knowledge and know how.

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 🥰👍🇨🇦

You can see Ella was such a special girl, we'll all miss her.

I give you a lot of credit. I don’t think there are many people who would be able to do that. Very impressive. Thanks

Until I started watching your brilliant videos I never knew that I needed a side-cutter ground flat 🤔 I use them pretty regularly now 😆 Thanks for that and all the other great knowledge and techniques that you share.

I must say i have enjoyed your videos over the years and have learned so much. And I have a box fill of different shapes pieces covered in that plastic brown tape which I’ve keep as they can be used over and over again if you wipe them down. thank-you for sharing your knowledge . I think that all the jobs I watched you do have all turned out pretty good.🧐👍🏻

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!

Fantastic repair work! Most these days never take the time for veneer matching like you do. Beautiful to watch...Thank you for sharing!

Just found your channel, love love antiques that are saved ..great work sir

Happy New year Tom & Family. Enjoyed the video. What a disaster. You said it right. I'm glad many things aren't made like they used to. Makes me wonder why in the world would an experienced furniture maker that could make a clock case like that would do what they do in constructing a piece of furniture. You sure made it look beautiful again for a 312 year old clock case. Thanks for the video. You all take care and God bless.

I'm so impressed by your imprvisattions!! Beautiful work.

I watch a lot of channels on youtube, but yours continues to be my favourite Tom 😊

Absolutely breathtaking. What an amazing restore/repair. Beautifully done!!!!

Great job as usual Thomas. I was convinced that it was going to be a two parter!

Wonderful work as always. A joy to watch

Ooo, thanks for showing your materials at the end! SO much work goes into making invisible repairs! Looks great!

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.

Brilliant, thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge, happy new year from Wales.

A beautiful piece, lovingly restored. Before epoxy, I assume that the only way to deal with worm damage would be to replace that area entirely with new wood? Thanks for sharing these videos with so many insights into your skills and abilities. And a few lovely shots with Ella. thank you for those too.

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.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Happy New Year!!

Couldn't agree more with you on "They don't make them like they used to." So many people think age means craftsmanship and value but much of the time things were done with what they had on hand... No home building supply centers in the day and I imagine 300 years ago even lumber yard/mills were few and far in between. An amazing job on this clock case!