I Didn’t Know That...

Q: How do they put the lead in pencils?

A: Pencil lead is a mixture of finely ground graphite--a form of carbon--and clay, mixed together with water and pressed at high temperatures into thin rods. According to the General Pencil Co., the wooden barrel of the pencil is manufactured in two parts, each with a groove down the center the size of the lead. The lead is placed in one side of the barrel and the second side glued on. The barrel is then sanded and given several coats of paint to make it appear to be one piece. For pictures and further information, visit:

https://www.generalpencil.com/how.html