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While wandering around the fascinating website that is Instructables I found that, though there are a bunch of projects that require the usage of the graphite core of a pencil, there doesn't seem to be any suggestions on how to extract the "lead" besides whittling the pencil down or splitting the pencil in half.
Sure, these methods are okay and all, but for my first attempt at writing an instructable allow me to propose what I find to be an easier way of getting that sweet, sweet carbon center out of the also-carbon-based-but-significantly-less-sweet wooden exterior. My proposed solution can be summed up as follows: light it on fire!
Tools and Materials
A means to start a fire (I find that a lighter works best here)
A pencil (one without paint works best, but pencils with paint also work)
A ceramic plant pot plate with a diameter around the same size as the pencil
A knife (a small, easy to handle one works best)
A cup of water (for dealing with things that are hot)
Optional: A candle slightly shorter than the plate is deep
Since you'll be lighting things on fire here, you'll also want to follow basic fire safety, such as keeping something around to extinguish any errant flames or working in a ventilated, clutter free space. As you can clearly see in the first picture, however, I am a terrible example of the latter.
Sure, these methods are okay and all, but for my first attempt at writing an instructable allow me to propose what I find to be an easier way of getting that sweet, sweet carbon center out of the also-carbon-based-but-significantly-less-sweet wooden exterior. My proposed solution can be summed up as follows: light it on fire!
Tools and Materials
A means to start a fire (I find that a lighter works best here)
A pencil (one without paint works best, but pencils with paint also work)
A ceramic plant pot plate with a diameter around the same size as the pencil
A knife (a small, easy to handle one works best)
A cup of water (for dealing with things that are hot)
Optional: A candle slightly shorter than the plate is deep
Since you'll be lighting things on fire here, you'll also want to follow basic fire safety, such as keeping something around to extinguish any errant flames or working in a ventilated, clutter free space. As you can clearly see in the first picture, however, I am a terrible example of the latter.
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Signing UpStep 1Start the fire!
If you aren't using a candle:
Light the pencil on fire around the center and then lay the pencil across the center of the plate (see picture).
If you are using a candle:
Light the candle, place it in the center of the plate, and then lay the pencil across the center of the plate such that it cuts across the candle. If the candle is of appropriate height, its flame should light the pencil on fire and keep the pencil lit (again, see picture).
Either way:
You'll likely have trouble setting a painted pencil like the one I've pictured on fire because initially only the outer layer of paint will burn. With a little diligence, however, you too can eventually light your pencil on fire.
Light the pencil on fire around the center and then lay the pencil across the center of the plate (see picture).
If you are using a candle:
Light the candle, place it in the center of the plate, and then lay the pencil across the center of the plate such that it cuts across the candle. If the candle is of appropriate height, its flame should light the pencil on fire and keep the pencil lit (again, see picture).
Either way:
You'll likely have trouble setting a painted pencil like the one I've pictured on fire because initially only the outer layer of paint will burn. With a little diligence, however, you too can eventually light your pencil on fire.
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nice.