The present invention relates to a furnace (10), its method of operation and control. The invention overcomes problems associated with existing furnaces by improving the recovery rate of waste metal. In a preferred embodiment the furnace (10) comprises a cylindrical body of constant internal diameter. The furnace body (12) is mounted on a frame (15) pivoted to a ground members (16a and 16b), the furnace body (12) is adapted to be reclined or inclined or at various angles (α and β); a burner (30) to heat the furnace, and a door (19a, 19b) for sealing an open end (14). As the internal walls of the furnace body (12) are of a constant diameter, it is no longer necessary to incline the furnace (10) to such a degree in order to pour molten metal, because there is no narrow neck (which previously acted like a weir). In a preferred embodiment combustion air is routed through the door hinge to the burner (30). As a result the air/fuel delivery system has gas tight rotary and elbow joints is attached to the furnace (10) and tilts and moves with the furnace (10). An artificial intelligence system monitors process variables and controls the operation of the furnace (10).