VENEER

FOREWORD

Steve and I have known each other for years. We both attended Rosewood Studio (though in different cohorts), where we learned the same curriculum and studied under some of North America’s top furniture makers. We studied veneering, and while I enjoy it, Steve completely fell in love with the technique. That love for veneer has influenced his work and he has truly mastered its use.

We have worked together many times over the years, including teaching together at various Canadian woodworking shows. We are known as the Vic and Steve Show—while sharing a stage to teach together, hilarity often ensues. We both enjoy educating and share a desire to pass on what we know so that all these woodworking skills don’t disappear. The best part about working with Steve is that I learn something new about veneering every time. He does things differently than I do, which challenges my techniques, encourages me to grow as a woodworker, and makes me think about how I do things in my shop.

Steve is a talented designer, woodworker, and furniture maker, and the woodworking world is better for having him in it. He is a laid-back guy with a passion for teaching that comes across in his many magazine articles, seminars, webinars, private instruction, and, lucky for you, in the pages you’re about to read.

There is a lot of not-so-accurate information out there in the world of woodworking. Some of these pieces of bad information are simply passed on over the years with no one testing them out to see if they are true or not. What makes Steve a great woodworker and teacher is that he isn’t afraid to try different things to learn for himself. Through trial and error, he figures out what works and what doesn’t so that all the techniques he teaches are successful.

The book you hold in your hands represents many years of veneering experience. While many books gloss over the basics to get to the complicated and showy stuff, Steve makes sure you, the reader, have a solid foundation prior to moving forward. He has dedicated many hours to veneering—both crafting and teaching—which you get to benefit from. So, are you excited? I’m excited for you!

Enjoy his book and prepare to learn all about veneering and how to incorporate it into your woodworking. Steve is a talented craftsman and a motivational instructor, and I’m proud to call him my friend.

Vic Tesolin,

Woodworker and author