Bugs
The name given in some places to the small shot-scrap made in the immediate vicinity of the cupola, and along the track of the ladles during the time of casting. No description of scrap is so difficult to manipulate as this. If charged in bulk at the commencement, no end of trouble is caused through the accumulations of dirty slag left behind, and which materially impedes the regular working of the cupola throughout the heat; whilst if it be used in small quantities with each charge, there is a possibility of more or less of the fine stuff falling through the openings and finding a lodgment near the tuyeres, or, what perhaps is worse, being carried past the melting-point unmelted, to be again resurrected by the tools of the machinist--a too frequent occurrence where such scrap is used indiscriminately. The best method of utilizing this foundry pest is to choose a time when everything is convenient and before the last charge of good iron has got too low; charge the bugs along with a heavy proportion of some good softening pig or special compound, taking care that an extra charge of fuel is used for the purpose. By running this mixture into pigs, to be remelted, there will be no risks taken, and all annoyances previously spoken of will certainly be obviated. See CUPOLA; CHARGING THE COMMON CUPOLA. Building-rings. See BINDING-PLATES.