Baking graphite

[stratego]

I recently bought some pencil lead, but I bought 4H (really hard lead) instead of B (soft lead). I can't return it because I've already used up several of them, but I want to make them softer. Would baking the lead make it softer?

 

[LLXerxes]

I'm not sure...
I think you should buy new ones, unless they are too expensive...

Bake3 em into pie and serve them to the people who won't let you return it...

 

[stormbind]

I think the graphite in pencils is hardened by mixing it with clay powders, so I think baking them would only make them harder or have no effect; except maybe warp or burn the pencils.

 

[Mauer]

Good gosh man just buy some more pencils

 

[Fetus4188]

You could see what temp. they begin to combust at, could be fun as they should be nearly pure carbon.

 

[stratego]

Good gosh man just buy some more pencils

Easy for you to say, you're rich. A tube of lead cost $1.50, I can't afford to just waste that money if I spent it.

 

[stormbind]

Well, you should really have seperate pencil for hard & soft, as the leads have different uses. I think the cheap (£0.50) pre-filled clutch-pencils have HB leads.

 

[Mescalhead]

Easy for you to say, you're rich. A tube of lead cost $1.50, I can't afford to just waste that money if I spent it.

If spending $1.50 is that much of a drain on your pockets, then the softness of a pencil is the least of your worries.

 

[Mauer]

Your "pencil" huh. Well, exercise and a cold shower might help.