Like another poster has said, I have a set on my computer desk and even fondle them when not playing poker. I mainly shuffle and do the thumb roll. I am just as good doing both using either my right or left hand. For shuffling I keep 20 on the desk but most often I cut them down to 12.
For any beginners I suggest you start with 6 chips and learn the mechanics of it and then increase the number. I also started with a front-to-back technique where the stacks are closer and further from my body. After I mastered that I switched to a side-by-side shuffle which is harder to do. With the f-r shuffle I use all five fingers when dropping the chips into place, with the s-s shuffle it is primarily just my outer ones and the middle finger only is there to start the lift and also catch the stacks if they try to bulge towards the front.
I use 2 colors and enjoy trying to make them do the whole rotation and return to two stacks of the same color. If your chips are clay they will eventually get little spots of built up clay on them. A smooth shuffle happens best when the chips are clean. I just love the feel and sound when it is a smooth and uniform shuffle. It is just like anything else, practice makes perfect. Now if it helps at a live table or not, I don't know.
