Shears are the best answer. There are some available in the $100 range. I saw one at one of the home improvement stores a while back for cutting floor tile that might work. Here’s a benchtop shear from Grizzly Tools - I’ve used a similar one with good results.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/8-Mini- … ake/T23109
I’ve tried table saws and band saws in the past. The dust will cover everything in sight and isn’t good to breathe.
That being said, there’s a little 4" table saw at Harbor Freight that might not be too bad.