Newbie questions about laser cutters

So, I'm currently working on building a CNC router and I like the idea of making it so that I can also use it as a laser cutter / engraver. I saw some jTech kits for lower wattage diode lasers. As I understand those would work fine for engraving non clear acrylic, and other materials, and some very light duty cutting.. but that is a little under powered for my taste, especially considering the cost of the kits.

Thus I started reading about CO2 lasers. And while building my own CO2 laser...

Newbie questions about laser cutters