A molten ink supply for a solid ink printing machine includes a container for storing solid ink pellets and a withdrawal tube having an inlet end disposed within the container. A vacuum generator is disposed at the outlet end of the withdrawal tube operable to draw a vacuum within the tube. A feed conduit is connected to the outlet end for receiving solid ink pellets drawn therein by said vacuum generator and conveying the pellets to a melting station operable to melt the solid ink pellets. An assist tube is provided within the container with a discharge nozzle disposed within the withdrawal tube at the inlet end and operable to provide a flow of air into the withdrawal tube to agitate solid ink pellets and facilitate withdrawal of the pellets by the vacuum generator.