A nice problem to have..

[114Klutz]

If you don't mind buying chinese goods - you get get a minimill, small lathe, and multiple other tools for $1000 from www.homier.com.

7.99 Cordless Drill anyone?

Also - I recommend getting a lathe - if your interested in buying from a more well known manafacturer.

[TubaMorg]

What!?! No Segways!!!! It's really cool that your school was able to provide some funds to your team! We just got an answer back from our school when we asked them to give us a food allowance for our regional....DENIED!

[Katy]

I'd stock up on lexan, sheet metal, extruded Al, and other stock material. You can never have too much of that stuff and I don't think there will be a year when you won't use it if you have it.

Why not talk with your neighboring teams? If the school administration will allow it you can make several massive orders but do it on the behalf of many teams. Then each team takes the portion of the order that belongs to them and gives you back the money for their percentage (along with a percentage of shipping). Everybody wins. You now have the freedom to make several smaller purchases in given areas and the money that comes back you will be able to spend in whatever increments you wish (and perhaps at later times as well). The teams you partner up with will also benefit because you bought in bulk and bulk is cheaper. Organizing all of that would be a great service if you can pull it off...what a load off the minds of rookie teams. Personally doing FedEx-related choreography is the bane of my existence.

I don't know I just think this set of restrictions (if I understand them right) could be a great opportunity to set up something really wonderful for everybody.