Vic Tesolin – Woodworker & Educator
Combines tradition with innovation to master skills and find joy in the craft.
Vic Tesolin is a Canadian woodworker and educator with a deep passion for the craft. Believing that mastering fundamental techniques fosters creativity, he encourages woodworkers to value the experience as much as the final product.
Vic advocates for a balanced approach to hand tools and power tools in woodworking – as long they are sharp. Sharp tools, in his view, allow woodworkers to connect more fully with their work, transforming each cut into an opportunity for craftsmanship. Good thing he has his Tormek!
The Road to Woodworking and Craftsmanship
Vic Tesolin’s journey into woodworking is as inspiring as the furniture he creates. After serving 14 years with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Vic transitioned to a new chapter, trading military precision for the artistry of woodworking. His passion led him to study furniture design and making at Rosewood Studio, where he trained under some of North America’s finest furniture makers. This foundation set the stage for a remarkable career that blends craftsmanship, teaching, and writing.
A Multifaceted Career in Woodworking
After completing his studies, Vic launched a small business designing and crafting commissioned furniture pieces. Alongside his work, he became a part-time instructor and craftsman in residence at Rosewood Studio, sharing his knowledge with aspiring woodworkers.
Over the years, his career expanded into various roles, including editor of Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine and Woodworking Advisor at Lee Valley Tools. In these roles, he developed tools, wrote extensively, and traveled the globe to teach and present at conferences, shows, and woodworking events.
Today, Vic focuses on his company Vic Tesolin Woodworks. A platform that has evolved from private woodworking instruction to a collaborative hub for international woodworking companies. Balancing his time between designing furniture, writing for publications like Fine Woodworking Magazine, and co-hosting Shop Talk Live podcast episodes, Vic continues to inspire and educate woodworkers worldwide.
The Tormek T-8: A Key Tool in Vic’s Workshop
For Vic, the Tormek T-8 sharpening system is indispensable. It plays a critical role in his workshop, making sharpening efficient and precise. Whether regrinding a tool or touching up an edge, the Tormek ensures consistent results, which is vital for his work and teaching.
His students often marvel at how quickly the Tormek transforms dull tools into razor-sharp instruments. Watching them experience that breakthrough moment when they master sharpening is one of Vic’s favorite aspects of teaching. As he says, “Sharp tools are the foundation of excellent craftsmanship, and the T-8 makes it accessible for everyone.”
Wisdom for Fellow Craftspeople
Vic is an advocate for the versatility of the Tormek system, calling it the most flexible sharpening tool in his shop.
“Every tool in my workshop sees the Tormek,” he says.
His advice to fellow woodworkers is straightforward: keep the wheels true, take the time to learn the jigs, and rely on the user manual as a trusted resource. For Vic, the Tormek is not just a tool — it’s an essential companion in his woodworking craft.
A Philosophy Built on Precision and Progress
Vic’s approach to woodworking is deeply rooted in precision. As an instructor, he’s seen how sharpening can unlock a student’s potential. Many beginners struggle with hand tools, not realizing the frustration often comes from dull edges. Vic views sharpening as a skill that not only improves craftsmanship but also builds confidence. The Tormek T-8 simplifies this process, providing an accessible way to achieve sharp, repeatable results.
“The moment a student has that ‘aha’ moment with sharpening, I know they'll progress” Vic explains.
What's Next for Vic Tesolin?
Despite his many accomplishments, Vic continues to seek out new challenges. His next endeavor is to master woodturning, a skill he has long admired but never fully explored. Under the guidance of a world-renowned woodturner, he’s ready to dedicate time to this intricate craft. For Vic, learning new skills isn’t just about growth — it’s about deepening his understanding of woodworking as an art form.
His journey is a reminder that woodworking is more than a craft—it’s a way of life, built on a foundation of precision, passion, and an enduring desire to learn and grow.
