I pretty much use the combs all the time. I start with one that I think will cut short. If this doesn't take any hair off, I go one lower and so on. When I do their summer cut, I got directly for the 1/4 or 1/16" comb right off.
I would recommend though, if the dog has long hair start with longer combs or scissor most of the hair off first so as not to clog up the shorter combs. Best of luck...remember, the hair will grow back.
That's what I tell myself when I try something different. lol would love to see pictures.