On the scale you seem to be considering, you'd do just as well
to stick to hand-saws and a miter-box, and spend the money on
a really good workbench.

Fleemo wrote:

As I build my tool collection, I'm wondering what I'd get more use out
of (and thus buy first) -- a circular saw or a miter saw? I'll be
doing occasional basic honey-do projects like birdhouses and shelves
and stuff.

Also, any suggestions on brand names?

-F