When you're supporting the engine (e.g. to do a belt change), without using an engine hoist or crane, do you use an across-the-wings type engine support bar or a jack under the sump?

If you use a support bar, are there any particular makes that you would recommend? The Elsawin pictures show a "T" shaped bar, but most of the ones for sale are simple straight across jobs. Does this mean that there are clearance/access problems with the simpler (and I guess cheaper) straight types of bar?

If you use a jack under the sump, what precautions do you need to take re padding etc on top of the jack's head? The aluminium alloy sump pan looks like it might be soft and prone to bending.

I normally use a block of wood & trolley jack under the sump as the wing to wing type get in the way when im doing timing belts,they are good for clutches etc.