[IKE]

While there is some great advice out there, I have a few questions?

Historically speaking,

How much have the kids made in the past?
What parts did you make in the past that can't be made with a bandsaw and/or drill press?
What experience level does your team have as far as building stuff?

Looking at your previous bots, I would have to agree that if you can't find a welder (both machine and person to do it), you should try to plan towards bolt together stuff.

With AM and the state of the KOP (assuming it is good again this year), you can definitely get by without a Shop. That being said, make sure that you work on it for next year as there are a lot of good lessons that can come from working with a shop.