[Cory]

What on earth are you going to use a 5 axis mill for?

That would be a huge mistake for FRC or even general classroom use, particularly as the VF-2TR is not very versatile and is only good for small parts. Not to mention that you could get 3 mini mills for the cost of the base model, or two VF-3's

I believe Haas offers schools a 10% or so discount.

We use Blaser 2000 Universal. It is what Blaser recommends for aluminum. If you keep it clean and run some air through it, it will keep pretty well.