Thanks! Protip: Google [whatever material you want to use +] MSDS to get the Material Satefy Data Sheet. It tells you exactly what kinds of fumes might arise when lasercutting materials. MDF and triplex/multiplex is usually good. Every makerspace keeps a list of materials used (type of material, thickness, cut settings, results) and I highly suggest you do the same, as it allows you to get a good feel for how speeds, power settings and materials interact. I'm not even doing any 3D designing. Only Adobe Illustrator and imagination here. I kind of like the mental challenge of designing something that's not flat using only flat cuts and materials, but that's just me. By the way, maybe Autocad is something for you? Most lasercutters take DXF, and there are tons of 3D applications that can export to Autocad.