How pencils are made

The picture illustrates the steps involved in the manufacture of a wood pencil.

FUN FACT: Most pencils today are made from Basswood.

1. It starts with a block of wood (most pencils today are made from Basswood).
2. The wood is cut into slats.
3. The slats are stained.
4. Grooves are cut into the surface of the slats.
5. Prepared leads are placed into the grooves.
6. A second slat is placed on top and bonded with the first.
7. This ‘pencil sandwich’ is then passed through a milling process.
8. Individual pencils are created from the milled slats.
9. The pencil is first painted.
10. After it is painted, it is then finished.
11. A ferrule crimped onto the end.
12. Finally, an eraser is crimped into the ferrule.