Does anyone use the half cake pans for the really large pans, like 16 or 18?? If so, if you are making a tiered cake with the 18 being the bottom, how would I stack the bottom tier?? if it is two layers with buttercream, do I line up the layers or criss cross the stacked layers for more stability??

I use them. Criss Cross them - make sure the dowels don't go into where the "seams" are. I have never had any problems using them.

I criss-cross mine also, no problems.

ditto, and no problems.

Thank you for all your help!!