Dog Grooming Tools - Whats best?

Question
Hi..
I am taking on the task (for cost cutting) of grooming my 3 Shih Tzus and 1 pekingese at home. I have watched endless videos of the HOW TO nature and think I pretty well have the cutting techniques down. My question is..in your opinion...what is a better thinning shear to use on the dog's coat...the 30 or 46 tooth thinning shear and why?!
Also, I see out there, ball tip and pointed curved shears! Which of the 2 would be best to use and why?
I don't expect my babies to result in professional styles, (at least not for awhile ..lol) but I would like to know in advance what is the better tool to use, so I can learn straight on!
I am following a grooming video on how to achieve that rounded face on my Tzu's and they used the curved shears to MOLD the hair around the face then use the thinning shears at the edge of the rounded face to feather it in a little! I heard the 46 tooth shear is better...what's your pro opinion?
One more question...(thank you for your patience...newbie needing help..LOL)
I also would like to know, to get a lamb cut (shorted body, longer legs) what would be the ideal # blade to use, for the contrast of hair lengths and to trim up!
I have the #4 & #4FC as well as the #10.
I was told #7 / 7FC were also good length blades to use on the body!
So, any advice on tool(s) recommendation?
One day I plan to upgrade to a table with arm and noose. Boy, that will sure make grooming less a hassle than my kitchen counter..LOL
Thank you so much for any help you can offer.
Blessings,
Vicki

Answer
I prefer the 46-tooth thinning shear... Miller Forge makes a very nice one. It feels good in the hand, and does a lovely job thinning.

As to curved shears (or any shears for that matter), I have never used ball-tipped; mine have always been pointed, so I cannot help you with that one.

As to the blade to use on your dogs, that really depends on what YOU want. The #10 cuts the closest (SHORT!), the #7 is slightly longer, and the #4 will leave the coat a bit longer yet. You could clip the body with one of the shorter blades, and then use the #4 on the legs, or you could use the #4 on the body so that there is a bit of "fluff" to the dog, and then scissor the legs... or even clip everything with the #4 blade. There is no right or wrong way when you are shaving down a normally long-coated breed. Since you have three shih tzus, you could even groom each one differently and then decide which style appeals to you the best. Personally, I prefer them a bit longer (#4) with scissored legs and shaved ears (#10); I find that look absolutely adorable.
http://www.petedge.com/library/library.jsp?pageName=se_clipperbladeuse