The present invention contemplates a process for preparing a feedstock for carbon artifact manufacture comprising treating a carbonaceous pitch, which has at least a portion of the polycondensed aromatic oils normally present in the pitch removed, at temperatures in the range generally of from about 350.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C. and for times ranging from several minutes to about 10 hours. Optionally an isotropic carbonaceous pitch is heated at temperatures in the range of about 350.degree. to about 450.degree. C. while simultaneously vacuum stripping the pitch to remove at least a portion and generally greater than 40% of the aromatic oils in the pitch thereby simultaneously removing the aromatic oils from the pitch while conducting the heat treatment.