Well, isn't this the 101 Forum? This is where those who are a bit leery of posting in the commercial forum are SUPPOSED to come and ask questions and seek advice.
I really think some of you guys need to lay off the flaming a bit, I mean is it impossible to suggest to a new person in a calm and reasoned manner they route that they might consider taking?
I popped back over here from some of the other sites for a look see, and the flaming on the commercial thread is understandable, if you think you have the guns to post there that take it like a man, or a woman in my case!
But here, why the wars?
Squirriel...if you want to but a cheap stand in saw for bashing around the chipper, you go right ahead, you know how long it will last, and you will buy the good stuff when you can!
Bent bar eh...someone must have really layed on that 250 to do that! Perhaps using it on too big a tree, or got it stuck...
BTW, I still have my 290, until I can afford a 441 or 562, I'll use that orange handled sucka on any job!