[peronis]

From what i'm hearing the shopbot might not be robust enough to precision machine aluminum.

It seems to be more geared for wood, but the company says it can handle aluminum fine. It would provide more flexibility as it will go in our schools woodshop where the other teachers could utilize it. I might commit to the shopbot buddy alpha if it can handle cutting and machining aluminum for our own custom parts. It would have a duel use, and the school likes to reach as many students as possible. I have seen a couple of videos of it cutting aluminum, but nothing as robust as I've seen with the tormach, which is why I am a little hesitant.

I would love to get a HAAS, but my school won't commit those resources, nor get a used one.

In all my primary goal though is to get students to see the product development cycle, and learn about the CNC process. Also, have students make some awesome parts.