what are the advantages/disadvantages of a cnc laser versus cnc plasma machine?

and which one is more expensive?

can you put a router head on a cnc laser machine?

There are a lot of choices in plasma and with laser.

A 5 x 10 plasma machine with a 60 Amp air plasma (for cutting from gauge to 5/8")... expect tolerances of plus or minus .020" and cut speed on 1/2" steel around 45 inches per minute....can be purchased for around $18,000.

A similar sze machine with precision cutting capability and a high definition oxygen plasma (260 Amp)...which can provde cut part accuracies of plus or minus .010"...and will cut 1/2" carbon steel at 140 inches per minute....will sell for approximately $150,000.

A similar sized laser machine with a 3 kw laser, with the ability to hold plus or minus .005" tolerances, and will cut 1/2" carbon steel at about 25 inches per minute....would sell for approximatel $350,000.

There are a lot of different power levels, table sizes, tolerance capabilities. You really need to determine the thickness and types of material you want to cut....the speed that you would require to produce enough parts....the tolerances required for your parts....how much money you have to spend to purchase the machine...then how much money you want to spend to run the machine....then we can help you choose the correct system for your application....maybe plasma, may be laser, may be abrasive water jet......or may be a milling machine!

Jim

generally speaking... how do these machines all compare to each other in price..

is it usually from cheapest to most expensive.??

plasma
waterjet
laser