[James Tonthat]

Welding resources aren't that hard to find. Just get your students to run around and find a machine shop or welding shop that will do it for you quick/cheap. Preseason, we explained our situation to a local welder and he gladly did it on the spot and after a few more hours, he gave it to us for free.

Welding a robot doesn't take a lot of time if you have all the parts properly cut and fitted.

Edit: FIRST is about making connections. Any car repair shop, machine shop, welding, metalworking shop is bound to have a MIG or TIG welder.