Here are the pros and cons of the two approaches:
Student A (mill steps first):
Pros: No risk of cutter hitting the holes during milling operation.
Cons: Drilling operation after milling may not be accurate due to possible deformation from milling. Chips from milling can enter holes and cause damage.
Student B (drill holes first):
Pros: Drilling operation will be more accurate as stock is intact. No risk of cutter or chips entering holes.
Cons: During milling, there is a risk of cutter hitting the holes if not planned properly. More careful machining is required.
Overall, Student B's approach of drilling holes first followed by