an apparatus for feeding molten metal at a substantially constant rate of at least 3 pounds per minute is disclosed . this apparatus includes a receptacle for holding a maximum volume of molten metal therein , a heater to maintain the metal in a molten state , and an overflow runner through which molten metal flows from the receptacle as the amount of molten metal exceeds the maximum volume of the receptacle . the apparatus further includes a system for advancing a solid charge of metal toward the molten metal holding portion of the receptacle and a control for the advancing system to insure that the melting rate of the solid charge that is advanced toward the receptacle is substantially constant . in the operation of this apparatus the receptacle is filled with molten metal at its maximum volume and subsequent control of the melt rate of the solid charge by controlled advancement thereof results in a substantially constant molten metal feed rate through the over - flow runner .