Tools of Transformation
Chemistry, Woodworking, and the Art of Change
Transformation is at the heart of creation. In both chemistry and woodworking, we start with raw materials—elements, molecules, timber—and guide them through processes that bring forth something entirely new. Whether it’s the intricate balance of a chemical reaction or the deliberate shaping of wood with hand tools, the act of transformation is both an art and a science, steeped in intention and skill.
Me at a 2016 chemistry conference presenting research. Countless hours of labwork and data crunching compressed into a 48x36” poster.
Chemistry, particularly physical chemistry, is the study of transformation at its most fundamental level. Atoms and molecules, the building blocks of everything we know, interact and bond to create new substances. With the right catalyst, energy, and conditions, raw materials undergo changes that make the impossible possible. This controlled transformation is the essence of chemistry, where precision and understanding turn chaos into order.
Woodworking is no different. A tree’s growth creates patterns and properties unique to each piece of wood, but it remains raw, untapped potential until worked by skilled hands. With the right tools, the craftsman transforms this natural material into something functional and beautiful. Each tool—be it a saw, plane, or chisel—is a catalyst, enabling change and revealing the inner beauty of the wood grain.
The parallels between these disciplines run deep. In chemistry, transformation requires not just the right materials but also the right tools. Instruments allow chemists to measure, predict, and guide reactions with precision. In woodworking, tools are extensions of the craftsman’s intent, turning knowledge of the material into tangible results. Both rely on mastery of technique and an intimate understanding of their medium.
My first plane, a humble Fulton number 4 size hand plane and the tool that ignited my interest in traditional hand tool woodworking. Fulton tools were sold through Sears, Roebuck, & Co and were later replaced by the Craftsman brand.
But transformation isn’t just a technical process; it’s an act of creation. It requires vision—an ability to see beyond what is in front of you to what could be. A chemist sees potential in a molecule, just as a woodworker sees potential in a plank of wood. The tools act as enablers, bridging the gap between raw material and realized form.
Perhaps most profoundly, the act of transformation carries with it a ripple effect. In chemistry, a reaction’s products go on to interact with the world in ways that may spark further change. In woodworking, a crafted tool might shape not only wood but the life of the person using it, becoming part of new stories and new creations. A well-made saw, for example, isn’t just a tool—it’s a partner in the creation of other beautiful and functional objects.
This ripple effect is a reminder that transformation is not the end of a process but the beginning of many others. The tools and materials we craft and refine go on to shape the world in ways we may never see. As a chemist-turned-woodworker, I find deep satisfaction in this cyclical nature of creation: the tools I make from raw materials carry forward, enabling others to transform their own materials into something meaningful.
In both chemistry and woodworking, transformation is more than a means to an end—it’s a philosophy. It’s about seeing the beauty in potential, honoring the materials we work with, and contributing something of value to the world. Whether we’re splitting atoms or cutting wood, the act of transformation connects us to the core of what it means to create: to change, to build, to inspire, and to pass the gift of creation on to others.
