How do I start a TIG arc?

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I got this Linde HDA-300 welder at an estate sale a couple years ago and I am finally getting ready to use it. I drained the water cooler tank and cleaned out all of the rusty sediment. Surprisingly the tank itself was not rusty as it seemed to be coated with something to prevent rust.I fixed a small leak near the pump and re-filled it with fresh water. I plugged it in, turned it on and everything seemed to be ok. I was able to start an arc with the stick welder, but not with the TIG torch. It has a control pedal which I plugged in and I set the machine to "remote." I have never TIG welded before. There is a good chance something needs to be repaired or replaced inside the machine since I don't know if it was working when I bought it. But is there anything basic that I could be missing? Attached ImagesLincoln AC/DC 225/125 Stick Linde HDA-300 MillerMatic DVI MIG Miller Dynasty 200DX Hypertherm Powermax 1000
Reply:Try a scratch start.  Scratch the tungsten on the metal and then lift with the pedal activated.  I don't know much about that machine, but that may be how that one works.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Turn your high frequecy setting to start only for mild steel and stainless. Set it to continuous for aluminum and all other AC welding. When you depress your pedal, the arc should start if your tungsten is within an inch of grounded work piece.
Reply:Ok thanks guys, I'll give it another try. I'm assuming that the metal should be clean. I was trying to start it on a 1/4" thick piece of steel that had mill scale on it.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Stick Linde HDA-300 MillerMatic DVI MIG Miller Dynasty 200DX Hypertherm Powermax 1000
Reply:Make sure you have gas flow..My machine will not arc unless there is gas and if it does with no gas it's instant death to the tungestion..I hate when I forget to turn the knob on the bottle.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Not to mention the cup.  Ask me how I know.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterMake sure you have gas flow..My machine will not arc unless there is gas and if it does with no gas it's instant death to the tungestion..I hate when I forget to turn the knob on the bottle.....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterI hate when I forget to turn the knob on the bottle.....zap!
Reply:I'm just glad to know I am not the only one to do stuff like that.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Ok, I got it to work. I think zap was right. I turned the switch from "Inert Gas" to Metal Arc" a few times and I could hear the gas flowing when switched to "Intert Gas" like it was building up pressure. Then I tried to strike an arc and it worked. It must have needed to be primed since it had not been used for such a long time and the gas hoses were disconnected. Either that or there was something wrong with the switch itself.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Stick Linde HDA-300 MillerMatic DVI MIG Miller Dynasty 200DX Hypertherm Powermax 1000
Reply:My old dialarc of similar vintage "primes" itself when you turn it on. But for this to work, of course the bottle has to be open BEFORE you switch the power on, otherwise as you say you start it with no gas in the lines.
Reply:Originally Posted by CapnbondoMy old dialarc of similar vintage "primes" itself when you turn it on. But for this to work, of course the bottle has to be open BEFORE you switch the power on, otherwise as you say you start it with no gas in the lines.