I know of no one who has lost a finger in a sewing machine. I, as well as every one I know have sewn my finger at least once. After the first time, it is usually not repeated! Get a basic, good quality machine that is easy to thread. A used singer or something refurbed off of Overstock.com would be affordable, and can be passed on or taken along when one of them leaves home. Encourage the arts at every age.