My opinion is it depends on the temperament of the child. I loved the "domestic arts" and my mom was a great teacher. I was sewing, ironing, baking, and cooking meals for the family at age 9, am 50 now. I didn't need any special equipment, just education about how to properly use the tools with a warning about what could happen.
My youngest son is 18 and people are amazed at what he can do and what I "allow" him to do. I think wrapping our kids in bubble wrap to keep them safe and protect them from harm is a mistake - I've seen so many his age too scared to go out and actually do something for fear they might be hurt. It's a sad way to live life.