A couple of things

Do not melt this lead down in your new pot ... you need to melt it down in another pot such as a cast iorn one ... best to heat it with a gas flame (I use a Deep Fry Cooker Burner) ... Do the fluxing thing (Very important) add most any wax (after it has melted) .. for the amount you mentioned a Small marble size will do ... it will smoke and if it does not ignite it self take a lighter .. match what have you .. light a piece of paper and stick it in the smoke and be prepared for it to ignite ... it is best to STIR WHILE BURNING ... after the burn is complete dip off the residue on top ( helps to scrape the sides and bottom of the container as well and dip again) I use a big Kitchen Spoon. ...... now then pour into ingots .... a cast iorn Muffin pan, some use other than cast iorn.

You need to keep the lead in the Pouring pot as clean as possible and when adding to the old in a pouring pot do a "Fluxing" on it ... Yes you are advised to keep the pot full when not in use .. cuts down on corrosion.

Hope this helps

JSC