To variac or not to variac?

[ComboCompact]

...well, I guess that is my question.

Would y'all recommend using a variac to bring up an early-80s solid state TV that hasn't been turned on in about 20 years? And if yes, are there any special increment/monitoring considerations to follow while doing so?

I have a decent amount of hands-on electronics experience, but only recently delved into the wild-and-wacky world of CRTs (just the solid state stuff). So basically, feel free to assume I know *nothing* I'm here to learn!