Feeding-rod
A wrought-iron rod, from 1/4 to 3/4 inch diameter and of a suitable length, for use in keeping open the communication betwixt riser and casting. When it is necessary to feed castings, these rods should be kept clean and hot, occasionally changing the one in use for a clean one that has been previously heated. By this means the hole can be kept free until the casting has completed its shrinkage; otherwise the hole congeals prematurely, and the casting suffers in consequence. See FEEDING.