Is it ok to try one of these in a 6" and 8" so if I mess it up it's not much wasted cake? Or can't you do a topsy this small? Thanks to all.

Yes you can do small topsy's...I have done them in 2 tiers
Edna

Thyanks JKalman and Edna- when you put it like that it seems easy-I guess I've just been too chicken to try

I say...It's only sugar!...
Edna

LOL Edna.. I'm glad I'm not alone too.. and I agree.. it's only sugar. Make one for yourself and practice.. if it falls over.. oh well.. I see it as a cake that just needs some milk and a fork.. no cutting involved..

You can make them any size you want. I always use central dowels with spikes to make sure they don't tip over or anything.

I also do them both ways depending on the design of the cake. I think that using the wedge method is probably the easier one since you are just using regular round cakes. And what I've been doing lately with the carved TT cakes is to cover the cake and let it set up a little BEFORE cutting the hole. I've had issues in the past with the fondant pulling down that top edge because of the hole... You really do need a firm cake to do the carved kind too. If the cake is soft don't carve in the sides as much or as much of an angle. I've learned that the hard way

Thanks for all the input, I've never dared to try one of these TT.