Grades K–2 · Machines
How does a little sharpener make a pencil point?
A blunt pencil has a broad end. A little hand sharpener makes the end narrow by taking material away. It does not squeeze all the wood into a smaller space.
In the diagramA thin slice makes the pointThe drawing opens up a hand sharpenerPencilCutawayBladeShavingTurning brings more wood past the cutting edge.
Inside the hole is a sharp blade beside a cone-shaped guide. As the pencil turns, new wood meets the blade. The edge slices off a thin shaving. More turning brings more of the pencil around to be cut.
The angled blade and guide help make a tapered end. Near the middle, the blade also cuts the dark writing core into a point. That core is usually graphite mixed with clay, even though people often call it lead. The shaving shows where some of the pencil has gone.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Recognize turning and the difference between adding and removing material.
Sources
- Faber-Castell — Sharpening Pencils