I have used lexan in the past it is denser and so therefor does not melt down. you will notice that the carvewright spins very fast and it is easy to glob on plexi when it goes deep at all.
give lexan a try and then try and get some corian or staron it comes in many colors but not clear so when you put light behind it the effect will blow your mind.
good luck to your class it is nice that they worked for the money to be able to get it. keep this in mind though if you start to have trouble and it is getting close to three months exchange it at sears or before the warrenty is up.
again good luck
I know there is no point in reinventing the wheel, but reinventing myself is a worthy goal to be sure.
Tim