Smuckey41 I've used wheel weights for over 30 years. After they melt I make sure the crud is skimmed off the top. I bent a Colorado blade holding it with needle nose pliers and skim the surface then just smack it into a coffee can. The metal parts from the weights are easily removed. The only bad thing about them is they initially put off a lot of smoke. I never use wax or smoke the molds. I use 5-6 different molds and usually never have any problems. The main thing is don't open your lead pot until the lead is HOT. And make sure you keep it 1/2 to 3/4 full. I can count on 1 hand how many times it's fouled up on me. I use a spinnerbait wire .040 or as mentioned earlier a paper clip would work too. I got away from the electric handle ladle because the wire on the handle getting burning away. I found the production pot to be much easier. And while the pot is warming I place the mold on top of it.

And there is no safe way to pour lead out of your production pot.

Good Luck