Like everybody else said, avoid any current production Poulan/Homelite/McCulloch like the plague. Complete junk. Sure, there are occasional people who have good experiences with them, but they are a definite minority. The Husqvarna 1xx series saws should be avoided, too. They are simply rebadged Poulans that Husqvarna provided some (limited) input on. They are better than Poulans, but not nearly as good as the true Husqvarnas. As I'm sure you're finding, at $200 you are at the very lowest price bracket for a decent saw. If there is any way to stretch your budget a bit, I would save/skrimp a bit. You will be much happier in the long run. For saws that are worth considering at $200 or less, Stihl's 180 is a good choice and it gets a good report from a lot of users. Just don't try to use it like a big saw. It is probably the best sub-$200 saw you'll find. Also, the tail-handle Echo saws like the CS346 (not the top handle ones, those are for use while in trees and not on the ground!!!) are extremely durable and will tolerate a great degree of neglect and still work. They are not extremely powerful, but they are as durable as can be. One point of critique and a quick solution: the internal-tensioner "Intenz" feature of the Echo-supplied bars is annoying and problematic. A conventional tensioner screw-and-pin can be obtained from any Echo dealer for about $7. It can be retrofitted to the saw in less than 2 minutes and used with the Intenz bar to make a much happier setup (just use this in place of using the Intenz feature to adjust the chain tension). Beyond that, if you can swing the extra dollars it a Stihl MS250 is a superb choice and will last the average homeowner a lifetime. It is an excellent saw for homeowner use and can be reasonably expected to run a 18" bar in a pinch (16" being a better everyday setup). It is the same physical size as the 210/230 saws, but packs a bit more oomph. If I was limited to one saw for homeowner-type uses and couldn't justify the cost of a pro-grade saw (like the Husqvarna 346, Stihl 260pro), the MS250 would be my choice. The Husqvarna 340 and 345 are also good little saws worth considering for your purposes, though I would give the edge in this size/power class to the Stihl MS250. And whatever you choose to buy, don't forget your protective gear - eye and ear protection, good gloves, and protective chainsaw chaps or pants. Seriously, don't skimp out on the leg protection. Sure, they cost a couple bucks, but they're a heck of a lot less expensive than having your leg sewn back up. For loads more chainsaw information, you might wish to look at the chainsaw forum at arboristsite.com.

Saw this on Craigslist this morning....new listing. Just in time for fall cleanup. Probably would need a little tuning up after sitting, but still..... Here is a link that might be useful: lawn vac

I will cross post this in kitchens as well. I'd taken a free techniques class at a local W-S recently, and saw the 4 qt soup pot with lid on display (and later, in one of their catalogs). It seemed like a good size/pot to have in my "arsenal" so I decided to check around for the best pricing; Amazon.com, Fortunoff's (had a 20%) coupon, Chef Central (another coupon).... There was no listing for a 4 qt soup pot on any of the above-named locations, nor was that pot listed on the A-C site. The closest thing I could find, was a 4 qt casserole pot (also with lid), which looked to be pretty much the same size/pot. I got the dimensions of the casserole pot off a couple web sites, and then contacted W-S to confirm their A-C's soup pot's dimensions, and they were identical. The clincher, was the sku or model # on the soup pot box (5304), which is also the # for the 4 qt casserole. Why go to all that trouble, when I could have clearly purchased the same exact pot (with a different "name") at a number of other places? Price! The 4 qt casserole is selling for ~$185 everywhere. Even with a 20% off coupon, the price would be $148. The price of the pot at W-S is $134.95 ($14 less than the coupon price at other stores), AND, you get the A-C large ladle with the pot (retails for $25 at W-S, ~$22 on Amazon)! Now, I realize that this isn't quite the bargain one might find at a HomeGoods, or TJ Maxx for example, but it still seemed like a good deal for those who want the pot (like me), but don't want wait for it to possibly show up at discount stores or outlets.

Thanks arkansas for posting this. My Aldi store did not have a good selection either. The free shipping got me to purchase it. I ordered it and I will report back when I have used it. I will be doing alot of stove top cooking now that my oven is broken. I want to take my time deciding on a new range - there are so many options. Teresa