Desktop Laser Cutter

[RosscoPCole]

I use a large bed laser cutter at work and was thinking of buying a smaller desktop one for use at home with the long term aim of setting up a Etsy type business to make and sell different items.
Looking around at what's available is a bit of a minefield and I'm not sure what machine to buy as the one at work has always been there and works without any problems. I'd like something that is desktop sized and the X Tool machines always seem to pop up. I want to use different materials including plywood, acrylic, slate, etc. There appears to be a diode and a CO2 machine, what's the difference? Also, working in education I use Techsoft Design software. I, maybe wrongly, presume you can link your software package to the laser cutter quite easily.
Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get things right first time and not make any expensive mistakes.

[S6PNJ]

Take a look at Ortur for another 'desktop' brand - or Two Trees.
Briefly - diode - low power, CO2 higher power

I have an Ortur LM2 (5w diode laser) and whilst it can cut 3mm plywood, I have only been using it to engrave / mark various items from slate, brick and wood. It will easily cut paper / card etc so can be used to make 'home made' gaskets etc. Mine will also mark glass and metal (slightly...) but I haven't used it to do so yet.

[Billy Eyelash]

I have a Creality Falcon 2 Pro 22W which ticked all the boxes for me about 12 months ago. I have it exhausting through the wall of my shed.

I use it mostly for scale modelling, and it will do everything I need. The cover is essential for safety, both from exposure to laser reflections and fumes.

It will cut 12mm plywood, but with a lot of burning. I use up to 6mm ply and beech which cut cleanly, but mostly thinner materials. MDF Plywood, Card, paper, abs sheet, leather and opaque acrylic sheet.

I did consider a CO2 laser at the time, but the extra expense for the same cutting area wasn't justified and I don't need to cut clear acrylic.

Fibre lasers are getting cheaper. The ability to cut mickel-silver or brass is interesting...

[RosscoPCole]

Thanks for the replies. The Creality machine looks interesting, though I might go for the more powerful one as it will cut through thicker plywood and thin metals. I use a Creality K1 3D printer at work and it has been fantastic. I might have to get the smoke purifier as it will be in the garage and I don't fancy drilling a big vent hole through the wall.