Bill Noble wrote:
if you start him out with hand tools, including a hand drill (aka egg
beater), he will have much more skill and appreciation of power tooks

Maybe, but for learning one should start off easy and progress to the
harder things. Making it easier leads to more satisfaction & less
discouragement. A hand drill is for when you can't use a drill press G.

Regarding belt drive: I think it's better, as the belts can be adjusted
loose enough to avoid major ugliness. That & a smaller motor should
keep him out of too much trouble.

Bob