I teach at the Sound School in New Haven, CT. We have an after-school fishing program for these high school kids that teaches rod building and fly tying in the off-season.
Lately, I've been seriously considering plug-building as another activity. The administrators' main objections have been about lathes and safety. Would using a duplicator alleviate these safety concerns by taking students' hands off the tools and away from quick-moving parts?
If so, any recommendations out there for somewhat small and reasonably priced lathes and duplicators?

Spin up the bodies yourself and have them do the rest

You should get some plug kits from NJ Tackle. They will be much less than the cost of building rods...

You will generate alot of dust. You will also need a minimum amount of safety equipment just to get started turning plugs. The suggestion of turning yourself and using the bodies to "finish" is a good one.

Maybe a sponsor will be willing to part with 'seconds' for short money, which would also get their name in front of another generation of fishermen.......

I would contact NJ Tackle and explain to John & Norby what you are doing, they have the best kits around for a good price, The could buy 3 kits each for around 21 dollars. they also just sell the blanks