Well as a side note today the auction finally occurred. We arrived early for inspections. The Miller 212 looked to be in good shape no outward signs of abuse. It was a standard machine with regulator.
When the time came for bids they opened with $500, that was followed rapidly by $900 then $1,000 and jumped to $1,300. The auction house added their customary 10% fee to raise the price to $1,430. If you add our sales tax the real final price is $1,508.65. To rich for my blood for a used "as is where is machine".
Just for giggles I priced it on Cyberweld, and it could be delivered to the door for a final of $1,726 after the Miller rebate. I just shook my head thinking they could have had a brand new in warranty machine for an additional $217.35
I guess for me auctions haven't changed that much, at least my luck hasn't!
Yesterday I did visit the LWS and asked for their price on the Miller 211. A firm $1,159 minus any ongoing Miler rebate. An 80cf bottle purchase was $149, and refill of 75/25 was if I remember correctly was $54.