On 2008-10-31, RWL wrote:
I spotted this on Craigslist within driving distance from me. Comes with
the torch, pedal, self dimming mask, etc, but no gas cylinder. Listed at
$1500 which probably isn't a real bargain.

Definitely not.

If you are within driving distance from me, I can sell you a Miller
Aircrafter 330ST for the same price if you pay in cash. Note that I
have not yet brought it home from auction, and did not yet test it, so
this is a provisional offer.

In doing a little scanning on the net I've seen some comments that this
machine is no longer produced, so parts may be a problem.

I rarely weld anything over 3/16", so this probably would fit my needs. I'd
probably hang onto my AC/DC thunderbolt for awhile in case I needed to weld
heavier material. At some point I'd likely want to weld thin aluminum, such
as in a canoe repair (don't own one but that's the sort of thing I could see
doing)

Decent machine or are there known limitations?

Decent machine, but not too powerful.

Price reasonable or high for a used welder without the tank?
(higher than I'd like to pay, but used relatively recent TIGs don't seem to
come up all that often)
Will parts / repairs become a problem?
Any idea of when these machines were manufactured? What were they replaced
by?
I'm on the road, so can't check cost of cylinders. What does it typically
cost to buy the gas cylinder? Refill like Oxy Acetylene - just tank
exchange, or do they refill your small cylinder?

You can buy a small tank or rent a bigger one, as I do. You need to
put a rental deposit, around $200 or so.

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