Toying (arrr, humor) with the idea of taking up a new hobby. I built a dollhouse for my great-granddaughter and the kit was really, REALLY bad. Yeah, I know, you get what you pay for...

Anyway, I'm thinking of a laser cutting machine so I can design and cut out my own pieces. Researching options shows a wide variety of capabilities and prices.

I'd like to stay in the neighborhood of $500-$750 and I think a 20 watt machine would do what I need.

This one interests me.

Anyone with experience on the technology in general kindly post your experience/thoughts/recommendations.

I've used a much larger, pricier Epilog FusionPro CO2/fiber laser system at work for years. There was quite the learning curve to it. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to try to always have at least one sacrificial/test piece before you mark your final piece. Fine tuning the settings can often take a few tries, but it ensures that you get the best end result.

Keep it in a well-ventilated space. Cutting/marking plastics can get very stinky. Be cautious with wood or some foams when leaving the machine to work without you present. While I have not had anything dramatic happen, some materials produce decent flames when being cut.

Keep an eye on the lens/reflector assembly, especially after cutting plastics or foams. They can begin to get a coating of sticky soot/residue that will not only affect the resolution of your pieces, but it will start to heat up their surfaces and eventually may crack them.

SECURE your pieces. Large sheets usually aren't a big deal, but other, small items can move. This is especially true if your machine can work and move very fast. The back/forth motion will screw up your final piece if there is any movement. I've used tape, bracing, and a few other techniques. I'm not sure how fast the one you linked to goes, but I'd at least make sure it's on a solid, workbench-type surface.

Think about accessories that are available, especially one that can do round items like tumblers, flashlights, etc. You'll start itching for it once you start engraving/cutting things. I'm not sure if your model has such options.

Think about all of the functions; these typically don't just cut or mark. Engraving, anneal marking (if possible), and even metal polishing can often be done, depending upon the laser type.