I use wax or super glue for the first dop. Make a flat spot on the stone with 600 grit. with wax, warm the stone. be careful not to overheat. investing in a dop-pot would not hurt. On the transfer I use 5 minute epoxy, and let harden overnight, it is too soft after only an hour or two. When I go to remove the first dop, I fill a cream cheese bowl with enough water to almost submerge the stone to keep it cool. Then take a butane torch, and hemostats or pliers to heat dop off. Welcome the school of hard rocks!