Rebuilt top end of engine now carb idles much higher?Please help

AJ/Forms
Is there any possibility that before I deg the cam I first find TDC with the piston stop. Then at least I know if the timing on the dampener coincides with the timing cover marker. Try to reset the timing maybe I did it incorrectly or the dampener is off. I have no idea how to deg the cam but I’ll have to learn if the first steps don’t fix the issue. I also bought a vacuum gauge and can check for a vacuum leak and check cylinder pressure also to see if that’s way down. I’m dreading having to degree the cam because I’ve never done it before.