You have to target the machine straight on --- to either pull it or push it depending on whether your laser flow is coming or going <g>
There are 2 alcoves that should be opened behind the machine.
One you need to push the machine, this action will cover the other alcove. So this time you change the crystal flow to hit the machine (by the wall now) again but this time you have to reverse the flow of the laser to pull it away. This will then allow access to both alcoves.
