[ZOMGVTEK]

I'm looking for a cheap unit to basically screw around with. Maybe cut some 1/4" wood or plexi, occasionally some thin gaskets, that type of thing.

Would the cheapest unit I can find be good enough for this? It wouldn't get much use, and cost is the only concern. The budget is <1K, I'd like to spend $600, even this $740 unit is a bit expensive since I don't really need it.

CO2 LASER CNC ROUTER ENGRAVING CUTTING MACHINE CUTTER ENGRAVER USB ECPUR.COM US2 | eBay

Would something like this get the job done? I feel comfortable dealing with a low quality unit, and spending time making it work right. I was thinking of offering $700 shipped for this. Sound reasonable?

[Robot Dude]

I have read that a laser tube is happiest when it is on and operating. If it's not used regularly it's not likely to last very long.