Well, I did exactly what you should not do. **WARNING -- DO THIS AND ANY BAD OUTCOMES ARE YOUR OWN FAULT, NOT MINE**
I opened up the top plate (except the one stripped screw they installed at the factory
). The contacts that turn the thermostat on and off were too far apart and disconnecting (breaking the electrical connection) too often as a result. I played with it but never got the pot to get to enough temperature to melt lead consistently. So, I just pushed the contacts together with needle nose pliers. I used the electrical plug as a means to regulate temperature. It was not perfect, but I was able to melt the ingots and ladle enough pretty round balls in several sizes.
**DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK** But I figured in the day they would put pots over fire, so plugging and unplugging is kinda sorta like pulling it off or over a flame. I will replace the pot with a LEE pot for dipping. I already have a Lee PRO pot for mixed lead. I now have enough round balls in proper sizes (that sounds dirty) to have fun with my BP firesticks for a while.
Now I have to figure out why my Lyman dipper was a magnet for lead, even after getting it up to temperature -- thing was a glob of lead after a while and the pour spout clogged after just a few uses.
I have to say I love my LEE bottom pour pot, but this dipping thing is for the birds (So far).