Thanks, LInda.
Paula, I'm definately going to pick up the next used one I find if it is cheap. (and if it "works" and all). I know how all the gears and guts of things are made out of plastic (or nylon as you said). It's the same way with Kitchen Aid mixers, and I have one that is just a couple years old. I'm scared it will die. Everything else I get tears up! My DH told me I was going to have to stop being so "hard" on appliances and such! (jokingly)