[sdcantrell56]

I am by no means an expert however I believe a laser capable of aluminum in any measurable thickness would be over $100,000 and probably even closer to $150,000. Lasers really don't do well with aluminum even extremely powerful ones with anything thicker than about 1/4"

You could look into a hi-def plasma which would be a great deal cheaper (~50-75k) and still perform well or maybe just forget the idea altogether and get a production mill.

While Im thinking about it I bet you could get a smaller waterjet for much less than a laser. Check out Omax machines