There were some interesting comments made on the Hacker News post about this. First, the main unique feature I see is the built in camera which apparently gives you a preview of cut/engraved finished part on your computer screen with the material as it's positioned inside the machine. This also (apparently, it's not clear), allows you to correct for misaligned material inside the machine. These are nice features, but it's perfectly possible to cut and engrave without them. One big problem with operating this inside your home is the fumes. Now, they do mention that the base unit needs to be vented to the outside. What this means is that your neighbors (and you, if the wind is right) will have to smell the exhaust from this machine. It's not a nice smell if you're cutting acrylic. Though I personally got used to the scent of vaporized acrylic over time, your neighbors might not be so inclined. So they also offer a $500 add-on ($1000 regular price) to filter the air so you can exhaust inside. The add on is smaller than the already small laser cutter. This is quite a feat and I would really like to know how they got it to work. You see, the fumes/smoke from a laser cutter can really clog up a particulate filter pretty quickly. Wood produces wood smoke, and acrylic vapor is quite sticky when it settles. So you have to have a powerful pump to draw the fumes through the filter. Then you need a good amount of activated charcoal to get rid of the smelly stuff. If you look at the professional model air filters, they're $2000+ and you have to buy filters and media regularly. Laser cutters get messy inside, so if you buy one, be prepared to clean it out regularly to keep the optical and mechanical components clean. Problems with operation can START A FIRE, so be prepared to watch the machine 100% of the time while it's cutting.This looks like a decent laser but I thought I'd post a few thoughts about this package which might give a potential buyer pause.
Thhhbbbpptptpt. Any scale modeler worth his salt knows that burning anything produces fumes and shit oh well. Your neighbor probably enjoys his cohibas on his porch so he can fuck right off. Filters? Your Hacker News guy is seriously arguing that you need fuckin' HEPA to clear out some burnt leather? Messy inside: It's a fucking laser cutter. Compared to any other manufacturing process it's goddamn sterile.
They do that so you can use it in a room without venting. The guys at Epilog run theirs all day long in the middle of a trade show floor and I've never once seen them so much as wipe the thing out during the day. It also doesn't smell. That the site with the air filter recommended for the baby Epilog sells the filters recommended for the baby Epilog for $100 for a 6-pack should tell you something - there are economies to be made in this industry segment. Especially considering furnace filters are like $8 for a set of 4.