Timing question

I painted my balancer, installed tape and clear coated it so it wont peel off down the road. When I set my timing, I plug off the vac can, set my total at 34 -36 degrees, then I see where it is at idle. If it needs more initial you need to weld some of the slots in dist. or add a limiter plate. Also hook up vac can and see where it's at too. Maybe this isn't correct but it's what I've always done with new dizzy.