I use the Mainstay from WhipMix for single crowns mostly. Still pin (with pindex drill) for bridges and multiple.
WithMainstay, throw the directions in the garbage. After you trim your imp and line it up marking with a Sharpie your pin positions, spray with Wd40and blot off excess, stick your pins in the chosen holes. Then pour the opposing side first. That allows you to see that the pin knurl is not on the margin. Let stone start to set so when you put in place it doesn’t flop over. Learning curve is about three models.