Jerry's way is the correct way to set ign. timing.
I like his posts as he is just like my favorite shop teacher back in 63. A retired Air Force mechanic that was very understanding but did not take any guff!!
But I usually do as so many here have suggested just pull #1 plug.
Listen for the compression to build then confirm the rotor is pointing to under number one plug wire in the cap. Remember that all pistons are at TDC twice but only once on the compression stroke. You need TDC #1.
You can have it running, just recheck the fundamentals.
