The next step will free the lens unit from the focus barrel. If you don't properly support that big, bulbous, expensive front element it will fall clunk to the table top.

Take a blob of plasticine or playdough about the size of a tangerine. Stick it into a baggie (baggies are your friend!) and mold it into a flattened ball with a dent about the size and shape of that big front element.

Take a clean lens cloth and lay it on top of the baggie. Nestle your lens into the dent. The plasticine should support the entire lens off the table. I.e., the lens hood should not be touching the table.