I keep this picture around to show what can happen with a table saw if you are not careful. DJ is a skilled mechanic with 20 plus years as a finish carpenter. The saw kicked this piece back hitting DJ in the stomach, no harm done. 
My youngest daughter wanted to install a laminate floor by herself. My best instruction to her was something my father told me many years ago. "No machine has any respect for a man/women". Doing basic cutting, if you are uncomfortable with the hold then don't cut it.
The only two items I purchased in addition to my "make a living tools" were a 9" band saw and a disk/belt bench sander. Most used is the sander.
I'm comfortable with those pretty hands using either tool.
Working my way through two Pinewood Derbies with my grandson, basic strength, hand eye co-ordination, and some common sence need to be learn at a young age or any age. Supervision is a must. The third and last Pinewood Derby will be this winter. Micah has done a good bit more each year, starting with just sanding a lot with a sanding block. There is a lot to be learn when you are 10/11 years old.
Even at my age, I practice a good bit before I work on the final project. If you don't use these tools every day there is always a learning curve when you start them up again.
