Hi Poppy Ann, welcome to the forum. It does sound like you have lead an interesting life, and great to hear of all the "boys toys" you have had to play with.I am sorry to hear about your disability, but it does sound like you will need a bigger kitchen table. Once into CNC (be it router,laser or 3d printing) I am sure that you will love it and will wonder how you ever survived all these years without it!!! Personally I would go for a small router first, then after some fun building and playing with it think about adding the other facilities later. The router can probably do most of the laser disciplines, and as I see it the main advantage of the laser is that it does it far quicker, which will not be the case with a "universal machine". Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide. G.