In this paper, laser-assisted machining(LAM) has been employed to machine hot isostatically pressed (HIPed) Si3N4 work pieces. Due to little residual flaws and porosity, HIPed $Si_3N_4$ work pieces are more difficult to machine compared to normally sintered $Si_3N_4$ workpieces. In LAM, the intense energy of laser was used to enhance machinability by locally heating the workpiece and thus reducing yield strength. In experiments, the laser power ranges from 200W to 800W and the diameter of work pieces is 16mm. While machining, the surface temperature was kept nearly constant by laser heating except for a short period of rise time of max. 58 seconds. Results showed as feed rate increases the surface temperature of $Si_3N_4$ workpieces decreases slightly, whereas the effect of depth of cut is disregardable. With a laser power of 800W, achievable maximal depth of cut as 0.7mm and feed rate was 0.03mm/rev.