The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in the commercial production of a lead pencil, beginning with tree cultivation and ending with the finished, packaged product.
Overall, the process is predominantly long-term and labour-intensive, starting with the growth and harvesting of trees, followed by several manufacturing stages in which wooden slats and graphite are combined to create the final pencil. The sequence involves both natural and industrial procedures.
The process starts with trees being replanted, which requires four months before initial growth and approximately three years before they are sufficiently developed. After this, the trees are thinned, and they continue to mature for a total of fourteen years before being cut down for timber.
Once harvested, the wood is treated and sliced into thin slats, which are then dried for 60 days. In the next stage, grooves are carved into each slat, and black lead is applied. Another slat is then glued on top to form a sandwich, which is subsequently hard-pressed and heated to ensure firmness.
After pressing, the wooden block is cut into individual pencil shapes. These pencils are then painted, sharpened, and stamped with branding or product information. The process concludes with the completed pencils ready for packaging and distribution.