Laser Engraving Machine - is $500 a good price?

[Ray Dillinger]

I have an opportunity to buy a laser engraving and cutting machine in
working condition, with 40W CO2 water-cooled laser cutter, stepper
motors, 20x30inch bed, controllers, blower, etc... for $500. I'm not
entirely sure I can shake $500 loose, but the price did get my attention.

The catch is that it's subject to some shipping damage; it's got a
cracked case which doesn't affect its operation. I care about safety
and protective enclosures, but not about easily repairable or merely
cosmetic damage.

It's been five (?) years since I was really aware of the value of laser
cutting machines, but this is about a third of the prices I remember for
similar machines - is this something that's gotten a lot cheaper, or is
this a really awesome deal, or some of both?

Bear