[hsusmann]

My only advice is to at least get a light bulb in series
with the line cord for initial power up. This will limit
the current if there is a problem.

I also have a variac which I ALWAYS use when working
on these radios. This is a variable auto transformer that
lets you ramp up the AC line voltage manually. I do so
very slowly at first power up!

I will always monitor one or more of the high voltage
points while ramping up the line voltage just to make
sure they are reading some reasonable value.

If I detect a voltage not doing what I expect or
taking a sudden nose dive then I hit the kill
switch right away!

Always always always treat tube devices with great
respect due to the potentially lethal DC voltages used!
One hand in the pocket, insulating shoes on, etc...

Herb, Ithaca NY