[evulish]

In the way of big tools, you probably have more than my team (84) has. We build our bot in a wood shop. We have 2 drill presses, 2 band saws, 2 scroll saws, and a disc sander. I think we have also acquired a mill.

From what I recall, handheld drills aren't all that expensive. If they are...some member's father must have one that he'd be willing to lend (or even donate).

If you are REALLY desperate for money...ask the members to donate $20. If you have 50 kids on your team that just donated $20 each, you now have a bit of money to buy tools.

We get our machining/welding done for free. If you search, you can probably find someone too. A good way to find someone is to write an article for your newspaper talking about your team and what you hope to accomplish but you lack some neccisities like a machinist.

Raising money doesn't take too many people. Get a group of 2 kids and 2 adults or something, create a pitch, and go around to local stores and factories. Also, apply for grants through the school.

To keep ego problems down, do what other people said and assign leaders. Create guidelines and rules. Even if it is just for fun, standards need to be set so things can get done. I can imagine the first year for a team must be hard...nobody has any experience so there is really no seniority. Maybe after a little while of research and ideas, you can get an idea who is "better." I don't like using the term better...but it's the easiest word to fit. To form cooperation, you could possibly do drills of some sort...things to keep your team close and be able to kinda depend on each other. Remember stupid games you used to play in gym class where you didn't really compete against each other? Try stupid stuff like that...it works.

Anyways, have fun...and hope to see you at a competition.