First of all I set the dice and control shoot. I do my best when the tables are empty and can get into my rythm ( 2-3 players max). I can set the dice so damn fast that I never get heat about setting them. You absolutely have to know where all the number are on the dice when the stickman sends them to you. Example the 4 is opposite of the 3, the 2 is opposite of the 5. Once you get this down you will receive less heat heat about setting the dice.
As far as does it work...well it doen't work all the time thats for sure, but if you can keep them on axiss one out of 3 shakes well then you have the odds in your favor. Chefjj can give you alot of info on this subject. I've played within the last 3 months at the Bellagio with the Dominator and Frank Sclobete if you're familiar with them, and even those guys crap out in 2-3 shakes alot. I myself disagree with the hardway set, even if you keep them on axis you still have a 1 in 6 shot of a 7. The set that I use mostly is 1 in 14 if you keep them on axis. Get some dice study them and forget about that hardway set.
Good luck.