Crucible-tongs
See LIFTING-TONGS.
Crusted-ladle is caused by the formation of scoria and oxide of iron on the surface of molten metal as it cools in the ladles. This, if allowed to remain unprotected from the cooling action of the atmosphere, forms an impenetrable upper crust, through which in time it becomes impossible to pour the metal, resulting sometimes in the whole mass having to be remelted. A plentiful use of broken charcoal mixed with dust of the same acts as a preventative of this by shielding the surface from the action of the atmosphere, and supplying a constant heat thereto as the charcoal is gradually consumed. When it is desired to keep metal in a ladle for a considerable length of time, let the surface be kept well covered with the charcoal, especially around the outer edge, where it is necessary to watch particularly, as it is at that part where the crust first commences to form. If the edge is broken occasionally, and the supply of charcoal kept constant, the operation of preserving the metal in a good fluid state will be helped considerably.