Hey guys, I want to thank you again for your help and input before. I just wanted to update you since I've been slow to take action, a direct result from having a day-job that limits the amount of time I can dedicate to pursue these "hobbies."
I found a local maker space (
www.hackerlab.org) that has a laser cutter and joined to learn and gain experience with the equipment. They have an 80W CO2 Morn laser cutter, which is admittedly one of the most popular pieces of equipment there. There's apparently a local distributor nearby in Stockton, CA for Morn. With something like a 24x36" bed, rotary attachment and all the bells and whistles, I think they paid around 8-10k for it a few years ago.
It's been fantastic learning about it and getting to make stuff with it, and the cost of a membership is a lot easier to swallow than what I'd spend on my own unit which wouldn't pay for itself unless I really put it to work (time being my most limited resource). My first project was to prototype a lightbox with cut paper, for a friend's birthday (she's a professional mermaid). Check it out
20150131_212624.jpg 20150131_212942.jpg
It's about 8x8x2" Used the laser to cut the box, paper and acrylic. I also used a LED controller, so the colors can be changed or set to cycle, which gives it a cool, ethereal nightlight effect. There's a couple more background layers you can't see too well in the photos.
Cheers!