How to use a rotary sharpener for 2mm lead loader

[admin]

‘ve got the Steadtler Mars Rotary Lead Pointer (read: sharpener) and most of the time, it gives me perfectly symmetrical points. But every now and then, the points come out asymetrical (one side is ground further up the lead than the other) and for the life of me, I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong when that happens.

I think I’m doing the same thing every time:
1. set the lead extension using the appropriate hole on the the top of the sharpener
2. insert the leadholder all the way into the sharpener
3. holding the pencil so that it doesn’t rotate relative to me (but does rotate relative to the top of the sharpener), make the circular motion until the grinding noises stop.
4. remove the pencil and inspect the results

It seems like step 3 should guarantee perfect results since the grinding wheel is effectively rotating around a stationary lead, ensuring that all sides are cut evenly, but as I said, sometimes things come out wrong.

Anyone have experience with these things?

–flatline

[Author]

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