Waterjet vs. Manual Build Process?

[Fusion_Clint]

Originally Posted by asid61

As somebody who has used the mill continually for 4 years: send those parts out! I have learned many more things pertinent to my Mechanical Eng. major through CAD than through the hours I've put in on the mill, and if you have the resources I would highly recommend going with waterjetted parts.
The CAD isn't going to make itself, and the robot still needs to be assembled, tested, and reiterated afterwards.
Just wondering, have you talked with your kids about the choice?

Not all of the kids want to be Mech Engineers, FIRST is about the kids trying what they are interested in and finding their passion. Some want to be Engineers, some want to be machine operators, welders, or accountants.

[asid61]

Originally Posted by Fusion_Clint

Not all of the kids want to be Mech Engineers, FIRST is about the kids trying what they are interested in and finding their passion. Some want to be Engineers, some want to be machine operators, welders, or accountants.

That's true, but for the kids who want it I think they should be allowed access to the waterjetting capabilities the team has. If somebody wants to do things by hand, all power to them- prototyping and the like can be by hand anyway.