Buying a DNA synthesizer- advice, tips? - (Jun/19/2013 )

I am thinking about purchasing a DNA synthesizer. I am thinking I might go with used, maybe new if I can find the $. Any helpful advice or tips would be appreciated.

Think carefully about the cost of reagents vs. ordering oligos from IDT, for example. The main benefit is the ability to make small numbers in an afternoon, but you will pay for this privilege. It's pretty easy to run, though the chemistry is pretty toxic. You want good ventilation and good hazardous waste disposal. It will help if your climate is reasonably dry. Moisture is a real problem for the reagents. You might consider putting the unit in a dry box.