Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Not sure if this is the right forum or if I should post this in dakka discussions or modeling area

Thinking about buying a laser cutter next year to play around with and expand some terrain making options that would be either difficult or impossible without it or to expensive long term to pay someone to make my designs and cut them.

what size would be good for home use? I hope to get a laser cutter that can cut up to 14" x 14"

can a laser cutter universally cut different materials depending on thickness? (ie can I get a laser cutter that can cut mdf, acrylic and brass?)

what sort of "cad" programs do most laser cutters use? is their a popular program or do companies make their own unique program used for a particular cutter?

are the cad programs difficult to learn? I once took a semester in auto cad, not sure that would help. I have a local community college as well as a university that offer classes that utilize 3D printing, laser cutting and cnc machines.

Not looking to star a business just further my hobby skills and learn a new craft.

I'd PM RiTides to see what he can suggest as I know he's got a fancy one and can probably give you some useful info about what's possible with what sort of machine as I know he did a bunch of work figuring out what he's need for his MOD cube KS... he's in the US so will be talking about machines you can get access to, and he's on Dakka a lot

(I'm sure several of the MDF terrain folks also have setups and could provide advise but most of them seem to be in AUS or Europe so may well be buying different machines from whats available stateside)

Isn't 1/8" pretty much the norm for laser cut buildings?