A self-baking electrode for an electric furnace comprises a permanent tubular casing which extends beneath the furnace hood toward the furnace charge. A ram located over the top end of the casing can be retracted for inserting electrode paste and can be advanced for compacting the paste and extruding the baked portion of the electrode from the lower end of the casing. The lower end is articulated in a region which is engaged by electrode contact plates that exert a pressure on the casing and the baked electrode to permit extrusion at a controlled rate. The casing is surrounded by a mantle which is insulated and defines an annular gap around the casing. Hot gas is forced axially through the gap of the casing to melt and precure the electrode paste prior to the paste passing through the region of exit and electrode contact. The usual apparatus for advancing and retracting the whole electrode forming apparatus and electrode with respect to the furnace charge is also provided.
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