Plasma cutter with pencil lead - Little Shop of Physics

A mechanical pencil lead is used to make a small-scale plasma cutter, cutting shapes in aluminum foil.

Parts Needed

4 9 V battery
2 Clip leads
1 5 mm pencil lead
Aluminum foil
Box or tub
Rubber band

This demonstration is only for the experienced! Little Shop of Physics took several precautions to do this demonstration safely. Don’t try this yourself unless you understand and appreciate the difficulties and the dangers.

Credit: Little Shop of Physics, Colorado State University