The benefit of the turret punch portion is that they are faster and cost less to operate. The reason you would want the laser portion of a punch/laser machine is for cutting odd shapes, odd angles, etc. Turret punches are great and very fast, however every time you need to punch an odd angle, you need to buy a specially keyed tool. A feature called Auto-Index on some turrets eliminates this need to a certain extent; however this is generally only on a few of the tool stations. A laser on the other hand, requires no special tooling to cut any sort of angle. Also, if you were cutting unusual contours (imagine a wavy pattern), a laser could do this well, whereas a turret could not do so cleanly or easily. So basically, a combo punch/laser gives you the speed and low operational cost of a turret punch, with the flexibility of a laser. Another benefit of the turret punch portion is that you could work on materials like galvanized steel cleanly. I have not used a laser, but I have heard that the heat makes a mess of the zinc coating

I have a cutting mat, rotary cutter and templates. So, I don't know for sure what you are asking about here goes. When quilting there are many tools to use for quilting blocks. First you need the cutting mat. Mine is self healing. I have a optima 24 inch ruler that I use, add a quarter ruler. Then I have several templates that I use for cutting certain blocks: triangles, squares from 4 1/2 up to 16 1/2. You can go to any quilt store in your area as well as Joann's to see what I am talking about. I also recommend the Martelli rotary cutter it is great for people who have problems like carpal tunnel or arthritis. You can get it for a left hander or right handed person. Very comfortable to use. I switch this year and wouldn't use anything else. You can order the rotary cutter from Martelli online or ask at the local quilting store. Joann's does not carry this item. Most quilt shops have a web site to go to but it will cost less to go to the store (shipping charges can be more than the item you are ordering). Also look on the web for a sewing expo in your area through you civic center or expo center (whatever they are called). I get my best deals from the sewing expo in my area every year. Lastly check out craft fairs for local quilters if you cannot find a quilt store nearby they can tell you where.

If you don't remove the paint, you will regret it. You will just be topping over it. It will develop cracks and peel off. You could take out the wall board if it is the one room, then when you replace around the tub with green board, tile over that, and over the sink and as much of the room as you can afford. Lay down primer and buy good paint. I would bet that would be less labor intensive and provide a good moisture proof surface with good grout and new caulking around the tub. But then again, I would advise new fixtures as well, to really make it saleable.