Safety first! What's your go-to PPE for saw work?

Hey all, just had a close call with my circular saw yesterday - dust got in my eyes and I nearly messed up a cut. Made me realize I've been skimping on safety gear. What's the bare minimum PPE you guys use that won't break the bank? I'm mostly doing weekend projects with a circular saw and jigsaw.

Dave, I feel you! Almost lost a finger last year being cheap. My budget setup: safety glasses from Harbor Freight ($3), basic ear muffs ($15), and a dust mask from the hardware store. For saws, I'd add gloves - but NOT the bulky ones that get caught. Found some tight-fitting ones for $8. Total under $30 and it's saved me multiple times.

Guys, as someone who does this daily: DON'T CUT CORNERS ON SAFETY. Dave, that eye incident could've been permanent. Minimum for any saw work: ANSI-rated safety glasses ($10-20), proper hearing protection (muffs over plugs, $20-30), and a RESPIRATOR not a dust mask if you're cutting anything but clean wood. Gloves are debatable - I don't use them with spinning blades. Budget $50-75 for gear that actually protects you.

Wendy, $75 hurts my wallet but you're right about the eyes. Sparky - those Harbor Freight glasses any good? Saw a 5-pack for $10. And what about shoes? My sneakers got sawdust soaked through last time.

The HF glasses work fine for me - just check for the Z87 mark. Shoes: I wear my old work boots. Any closed-toe shoe is better than sneakers! Wendy's right about respirators for treated wood or MDF - I use a $25 half-face one for that. But for basic pine cuts? Dust mask works for me. Gotta balance safety and budget!