Yes the mercury wand can dent the more inexpensive aluminum and copper cups that are on the market. (For example the morrissey cups) I did this to a set while doing the "wand through cup" bit. I never use those cups, so it wasn't a big deal.

It didn't hurt the other sets of cups that I own and use. All and all its a good starter wand for a more than reasonable price. If you don't own a good set of cups, just be careful or don't use it for the "wand through cup" bit and you should be fine.

Coat hangers and dowels may work, but this wand has some weight and spins quite well in comparison to the others.

MM

Just use a spoon, some coffee cups and strawberries.

I had two objections to the Mercury wand when I first saw it. One was that the ends of the wand were not chamfered. They were sharp. Also, I felt that it was actually a bit light for my tastes. That's why I decided to issue the GoldenRodâ„¢ Wands.

Almost any wand can dent a thin metal cup, whether it is copper or aluminum. You just need to be careful how hard you hit with it. I won't use a metal tipped wand with any of my silver cups. Silver is just too soft to risk the possibility of denting a cup with it.

I'm having someone make some "thumpers" that will look great and give/take a beating.

They're meant for the street, ren. faires, or
any more casual setting.

I am currently using one made of Canarywood.
Cocobolo will also be available as well.

They will be heftier than a normal wand.
They will be 9/16" in diameter and 13" long.

They'll be $39.

The only pic I have so far is on my website.

http://www.theambitiouscard.com/pouches/pouches.cfm?ref=cafe

It's the canarywood wand, sticking out of my pouch on the pouch page. You can only see the top 1/3 of it but you can see how awesome the color is.

If you want one, let me know so I can order one now.
I'm only having a few made to get the project started unless I hear otherwise.

Frank