I have cut a 1/2" disc of copper and a 5/8" disc of brass so far. I don't have the urethane pad, so I set it on a rubber drink coaster. I don't have a weighted brass mallet, so I used a weighted rubber mallet, a dead blow plastic mallet and a small copper hammer. I didn't have the 'Stay Sharp', so I used beeswax. I used a shim. One piece got stuck, probably because it shifted between blows, but I got it out. its top side looks OK. I assume I'll get better with time. :)