Our team policy is that the students can't work the table saw or compound mitre saw. This is not a school policy but ours. Last year we had 2 minor accidents to the mentors using them. I understand your frustration as we have mills etc that even the mentors cannot touch because they are not certified (we are certifiable though
). We live with what we have and do the best. remember that the schools have people that know insurance and their policies. They do what they do not to hinder us but to protect the system. If there was an accident and if they didn't follow the proper procedures, there may be no more FIRST in your school.
Cheer up, Watch what your dad does, learn from him and build a GREAT robot (just not as good as mine).