Eberhard Faber Pencils
How They Are Made

EBERHARD FABER : NEW YORK Varnishing After sandpapering, the pencils are taken to the varnish machines where they are given a thin coat of color, then slowly carried on an endless belt through a steam-heated compartment and deposited into a receptacle, dried and ready for another trip. This opera- tion is repeated from six to ten times, thus insuring a fine, glossy coat. Another method, used largely on odd shaped pencils such as conic, etc., and for penholder handles, is that of dipping. The pencils are held by the ends in frames and immersed in deep pans of varnish from which they are very slowly withdrawn. A rather heavy coat with an enameled effect is the result of this treatment. A third method is that of hand polishing. This, on account of its high cost, is resorted to for the finest grades only. The color is applied and the pencils rapidly though lightly rubbed. The repeated rubbing and applications of color produce a lustre not obtainable in any other way. Sizing The varnishing process leaves the pencil with an accumulation of color on the ends. This is removed by passing between revolving, sandpaper-covered drums, which not only clean the ends of the pencils, but also makes them uniform in length, or, in factory language, “sizes” them. Heading The pencil ends are subjected to a further trimming by being brought in contact with a rapidly revolving circular knife with razor-like edge, which literally shaves them clean and smooth. Page 10 THE OLDEST PENCIL FACTORY IN AMERICA