[Leo.G (Leo)]

Finding a 50 watt co2 laser tube for under $100 new may yet be the key and my son found one in Aus with free freight.
Buying bits and pieces as affordable is what we'll do, a nice PSU yet to be found but we'll search Aliexpress for multiple things like mirrors and power supplies. NEMA steppers aren't overly expensive there either and there are some good quality units available (and some very cheap ones, no idea how they work.


The laser diode type machine you linked to won't cut acrylic, I need a co2 laser for that purpose.
My son suggested trying thick steel under acrylic sheet and a plasma cutter which I own but I think it would more melt the acrylic than cut it cleanly.