Linde HDA 300.. best way to test it out.. ?

[jlw]

Howdy all,

I just bough an old Linde - Union Carbide HDA-300 Tig welder for super cheap.. It came on a large water cooling cart with pump, but has no leads, foot pedal or torch with it.

My question is: Is there any way to test weather it works with out buying some/all of those items? I know i can get my money back, and then some, for scrap value so I'd rather not buy too much for it until im sure its works, or is reasonably repairable..

I have done some searching around and have found the original manual for it, which is somewhat helpful.. Also, from what i read It sounds like sourcing a compatible foot control for it will be difficult.. But thought i'd post for some extra advice.

I do have a friend i can borrow stick welding leads from, for testing purposes, and possible a bottle of Argon, but i dont believe he does any Tig work to borrow a torch from..

I have no experience with TIG welding specifically but do have a understanding of the process..

Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated, thanks.

Jason

here is picture of the machine in question (not mine, took it form another post) :