[KrazyCarl92]

I've attached a picture of Team 20's machine shop, which we share with the school, where most of our machining takes place throughout the season. Missing from the image are a table to the left with 3 small table top belt sanders, 2 manual lathes just to the left of the black door that never see use (they are not well taken care of), and a large band saw just adjacent to where the picture is being taken. Also barely missing from the image to the right is a table with 2 or 3 CNC machines. We use one of the mills occasionally. Between those, what is seen in the picture, and our materials closet, we are able to fit this all in space about the size of a classroom. The ceiling is quite a bit taller than a normal classroom, but the dimensions are rather close.

In the picture we have a 3-axis bridge port mill front and center, a work table with underneath storage to right of it, and a drill press behind it. We have a rather nice manual lathe that we use for most lathe work in the back right corner. In the back left corner we have a welding table and the appropriate exhaust setup.

This is just an example of a shop set up that works for us and can reasonably fit within the space of a classroom. There is also a woodshop in another part of the school that has table saws, more band saws, another drill press, and a break. It's important to think critically about what machines will actually see use. We use our band saw, drill press, manual lathe, belt sanders, and bridge port mill frequently. Less frequently we use our break or CNC mills. We bend aluminum, lexan, and sometimes steel on the break. We have made poor use of the CNC mills in the past (only using them for bumper mounting brackets of all things until last year), but we are starting to change that.

From my experience, I would definitely suggest a nice band saw, drill press, and mill along with 2 small table top belt sanders. Add a lathe, break, and/or CNC mills as your manufacturing requirements and experience expand. It is important to understand machine upkeep to protect investments. Look for good value, but at the same time you often get what you pay for unless you find really good deals.