Most hobbyists are using generic Chinese 40W laser cutters because there are a few shareware software programs that run them very well and the software is basically what lets the Chinese product down. The shareware is all in good English unlike the crap software provided with most of them. Usually the machines themselves are pretty solid and excellent value for money.

Goggle "K40 laser" and you will find a heap of stuff including YouTube videos how to do it all.

UPDATE:

I just Googled and got this:

K40 laser
“K40” is a moniker for an affordable laser cutter that goes for about $300 to $400. ... These desktop machines can be modded to cut anything from wood to acrylic, and they're a great introduction to the laser-cutting world (assuming you're ready to tinker)