I'm not a fan of keeping the gasket on ever when cutting. Filter gaskets when not pulled off most Gaskets are deformed and cutter will walk up and down the gasket. Pulling the gasket off makes the cutter run true and flat make a easier time cutting it's direct on base plate and can in my opinion.I leave the oily gasket on when cutting, helps reduce friction and doesn't mar-up the cutter. Yes, cranking down on the cutting wheel with too much pressure is not the way to go. Go easy and take more rotations to cut through the can.