prr7688,
Many of the cnc machines available may be modified to add a laser module. The advantage of a cnc is the ability to cut much thicker materials.... I've cut thru 2x4s with my cnc, a laser is limited in thickness and the types of materials it will cut. I thought about it but didn't want to get into all the safety issues, eye protection required, etc.
Etching on the cnc is done with a diamond drag bit... router doesn't spin, just holds the bit. Then, as in my loco above, a router bit is used to cut it out.