I am thinking about purchasing a laser cutter to make some 3/16"-1/4" thick parts for bicycles from 4130 chromoly plate. I also make .049" thick stainless steel badges to be brazed onto the front of the bicycles.

I currently use a waterjet guy who is local to make these parts for me but due to the diameter of the waterjet stream it is difficult for me to design detailed artwork for head badges where there are tight inside corners. i find myself having to radius every inside corner to 20 or 25 thousanths so that the stream doesnt make a funky mark in the corner. This is unacceptible to me so I am looking at laser to answer my questions. I apoligize in advance for the amount of questions and yes I have searched around but find it very difficult to find the info I need.

Now for the questions:

How much should I be looking to spend on a machine that can cut 1/4" 4130 chromoly steel?

What minimum wattage laser should I be looking into?

If I get a more powerful laser will that mean I can cut faster therefore reducing HAZ?

What other features are important when considering a machine primarily to cut steel?

What are my software options?

and finally, if I just wanted to cut stainless .049 sheet what size/type of machine should i be looking for?

If you're looking at CO2, you need something in the kW range... for YAG, you may get away with a couple hundred W for a decent cut speed.