Make Your Own Carbon Paper

[Dave]

I often use carbon paper — the kind used for making duplicate copies on a typewriter — to transfer patterns from paper to wood. The process is as simple as placing the carbon paper on the wood, then the pattern on the carbon paper. Finally, trace the design with a ballpoint pen. In a pinch, you can make your own transfer paper. Take a plain sheet of paper and cover every bit of it with pencil marks. Next, dampen a rag with a little lighter fluid. Wipe the surface of the paper with the rag to spread the graphite around evenly. Your homemade carbon paper is now ready to use.

[Camper6]

At one time carbon paper was a  big industry in Canada. Huge spreadsheets were copied and held while the original was sent to head offices. And that was the day before ball point pens as well.  Heavy duty pencils were used.  Yes I'm that old.
But I saw one of the first ball point pens in high school.  And then they caught on.

I also witnessed one of the first microwave oven.  It was called Radar Range. The store that was introducing them was cooking hot dogs.  What else.  Television sets. Black and White. Small. Only a couple of stations available that signed off at midnight.