A method for making or repairing lugs and trunnion members for ingot molds by forming a casting space or cavity corresponding to the shape of the lug or trunnion member on the side of the ingot mold where the member is to be secured, forming a casting material feeding chamber above the casting cavity, introducing a predetermined amount of an alumino thermic mixture to the welding chamber and reacting said alumino thermic mixture whereby the molten metal produced from such reaction feeds into and fills the casting cavity and upon cooling forms the desired lug or trunnion. The apparatus for carrying out the process comprising a welding chamber composed of a lower casting space or cavity and an upper casting material feeding chamber is also disclosed.