Introduction: Make Wooden Pencils
Quick and easy woodworking project anybody can do with a tablesaw and a router. A perfect way to get rid of the scraps you have lying around.
Step 1: Cutting Pencil Blanks
Cut two thin strips of your favorite wood. Size doesn't matter yet as we'll be cutting down to size in a later step.
Step 2: Route Groove
Using a v-groove bit route a very small channel in each piece. This will be used to hold the pencil lead.
Step 3: Drawing Leads
For the graphite I'm using drawing leads I picked up from Amazon.
Step 4: Gluing Up
Add plenty of wood glue to each half and insert the drawing lead in the groove.
Step 5: Clamp It Up
Now clamp tightly and let dry for at least one hour.
Step 6: Cutting Down to Size
Now you can cut your pencil down to size. I found an existing pencil and used that as my size guide.
Step 7: Cutting to Length
Then cut the pencil to length. Here in the photo I'm cutting all my pencils at once.
Step 8: Sanding
Using a jig with adhesive backed sandpaper and two pieces of wood angled at 120°, I sand some angles to create a hexagon shape.
Step 9: Finishing
Optional: add a coat of polyurethane to bring out the beauty of the wood and add a bit of protection.
Step 10: Dip in Paint
Optional: Dip the end in white paint for a decorative look. I angled my dip for an added effect.
Step 11: Sharpen Your Pencil
And finally sharpen away! I did find that some exotic woods are very hard and takes a bit of force to sharpen.