I am sure this has been addressed before, but will using a Mercury Wand nick and scar copper or brass cups ?

Absolutely, yes.

If you hit them hard, obviously yes..

Wood is a much better material for use on copper, aluminum, brass or silver.

Also, examine the ends of the Mercury Wand, if you have one. You may find that the edges of the aluminum bar stock are somewhat sharp. You can use a file to chamfer the ends of the wand, and that will reduce the tendency for damage. However, it is still there.

Or use a cheapo plastic wand.

Thanks for the heads up. It is to be a part of a package with C and B videos I ordered and I did not know it was aluminum or whatever it is

It's a great wand, especially for the price. I absolutely love mine.

I second Andrew here. It is a great wand.

As others have stated, when coupled with a heavy hand, it can leave it\'s mark on your cups.

Yeah, I wouldn't suggest going to town on your cups with it if you're concerned about damaging them. Bill is absolutely right (as usual) in that the ends may need to be filed down. If I did more hitting of the cups, I would file mine down, but that's not as much my style so I've left it as is.

I have being using my Mercury wand on my metal cups for a number years all the cups are battered and bruised and I like to think every one of the dents has a story to tell.

Good point- I did not expect to keep my cups pristine

Please be careful doing the Williamson's strike vanish with that wand, I once bruised the "Mount of Jupiter" on my right hand something NASTY! A god-awful blood blister formed and it hurt like hell for three weeks straight (and I'm not exaggerating!)

Yeah the Mercury can be a killer if you get yourself too hard with it. Luckily I've been drumming for 19 years (geez I'm getting old) and have whacked myself with a drumstick on more than a few occasions. Always a good time.
I would suggest repeatedly abusing yourself with a mallet or hammer or some kind until you have lost all feeling in your hands. Once the nerve endings are sufficiently destroyed, you can strike as hard as you please. Actually that's about all you'll be able to do - but you'll do it the best!

I just received the Mercury Wand today. It feels and looks nice.

If the ends of the wand are sharp, be sure to chamfer them with a file or with emery cloth.

The ends are smooth and do not appear to need "work". Thanks Bill

I'm referring now to the edges at the very tip. All of the Mercury wands I have seen so far have had sharp edges. He may have changed that. If so, good!

I see now what you mean. I will try to round them a little before I begin tapping my Riser cups into early old age.

If you will just knock the edge off of them with a file or some emery cloth, that's usually enough.