Beginner team, where to begin?

[Robert Cawthon]

Most of the stuff I would leave till the build season starts. Most hand tools can be loaned to the team, in most circumstances, by the parents. What can't be loaned can then be purchased. There is not much need to pre-purchase expendables or parts. With a small budget, it is better to wait till you have a better idea of what to buy. (When you do buy, a large quantity of bolts and nylock nuts to fit them should be high on the list.) Our team is a low budget (drill, file, hacksaw, screwdriver and wrench) team ourselves. It would supprise you how much a team can do with just that. Granted we would do things differently with a good workshop, but we have always worked out of a garage. I wouldn't worry about buying things yet. My 2 cents.