Rotary table will make your life much easier but if you dont have it you will have to do what you have to do. I also use a carbide cutter, only the surface is really hard, id guess about .040" or so after that it machines pretty easy, just keep the coolant or oil on it and take your time. As far as reliability, this will in no way change that. The stock set up only ever has 3 dogs engaged anyway. Why yamaha even put 6 on the gear is a mystery to me. good luck