Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus mold table supports a plate that in turn supports a mold extending through both. The table has opposite side walls extending above the plate, with each side wall supporting a shaft extending lengthwise of it between it and the plate and carrying lugs that overlap the adjacent marginal portion of the plate to clamp it on the table when the shaft is turned in the right direction and locked against reverse rotation. When the shafts are released, the plate and mold can be lifted past the lugs and removed from the table.

Abstract: Extending downwardly from a guide rod above the rear end of a cutting table that supports a continuously cast metal strand as it travels forward over the table are a torch arm and a feeler arm, the upper ends of which are slidably and rotatably mounted on the rod to permit their lower ends to be swung transversely of the table independently of each other. A cutting torch secured to the torch arm is directed downwardly from it, and the feeler arm extends below the torch for engaging one side of a metal strand on the table. The feeler arm carries means for engaging the torch arm to position the lower end of the torch over the upper edge of the same side of a strand that the feeler arm is engaging. Located forward of the guide rod is a stop for engagement by the leading end of the strand for movement forward with it.

Abstract: A flexible elongated strand-starting member curved lengthwise in a vertical plane has one end formed for temporarily plugging the bottom of a flow-through continuous casting mold. Extending from the opposite end of the starting member along one of its curved sides is a row of rack teeth. Spaced laterally from the mold and at about the same level is a storage housing that has a substantially vertical passage through it for the starting member, while a pair of reversible pinch rolls located about halfway between the mold and storage housing but at a lower level are in a position to grip the lower end portion of the starting member while its upper end is plugging the mold. The rolls withdraw the starting member and a metal strand attached to it from the mold and feed the starting member up into the storage housing passage where a vertical gear engages the rack teeth.