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
![Holysheep](http://castboolits.gunloads.com/images/smilies/custom/holysheep.gif)
). 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).