Phrontist and DanArgent -
As you can see, there is a strong consensus recommendation that you skip going to CNC for a while. If you want to bump up your manufacturing capabilities, consider a manual mill and/or lathe first. It will do the vast majority of the type of work you are likely to need for the FIRST competition, and provide a more gentle introduction to heavier fabrication techniques and capabilities.
That said, if you (or any of the other DC-area teams) are seriously interested in picking up a mill or lathe, consider a used production machine. There is a used machine tool auction held down near Fredricksburg late every spring. You can usually pick up a good piece of equipment there for about 10-15 cents on the dollar. Just be sure to take someone with you that knows what to look for, and to make sure that you don't get ripped off.
Also, consider attending a meeting of the
Chesapeake Area Metalworking Society (CAMS). CAMS is populated with a bunch of retired machinists and metalworking hobbyists, and they are always happy to talk with new folks. They would be a perfect resource for you to learn about machine tool use, and how to make the best use of a new one that you pick up.
Actually, now that I think about it, it would probably be a good idea for a bunch of the DC-area teams to get together and put on a FIRST demonstration at a CAMS meeting. Let them know what we do, and see how many of their members might become team mentors. (slapping self in forehead) I should have thought about this a LONG time ago!
-dave