"Sticks" are the huge graphite electrodes that are about 2 feet in diameter. The furnace operator here guides the crane operator in properly putting a new stick into the electrode holder. The three sticks conduct up to 80,000 amps at 700 volts into the steel to melt it. This is the last stick addition getting ready for the last heat the shop will make for some time... or forever. So, it's over. The steel mill where I've worked for 22 years has closed the "melt shop" where now steel is made by melting scrap and refining it into new and better steel grades. No more. I went in early AM to catch the last heat melted and followed it down the line. Most photos taken with the Fujifilm X100S and some with a Fujifilm X-M1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. Please like my Facebook Artists page: entropic remnants photography on facebook Also, please visit the Entropic Remnants website, my Entropic Remnants blog, and my Entropic Remnants YouTube page -- THANKS!