I would certainly say to have a go, but with guidance.
Last year I decided to invest in myself, rather than my old Buescher TT soprano that needed a complete going over. Rather than give it to a tech to overhaul, I asked one to teach me, step by step, on a one to one basis.
I have to say it was a fantastic experience. He was very generous with his time, preparation and encouragement (he could have just as easily told me to bog off). Although more expensive than him doing the horn himself, it was money well spent. As it was, I had a very relaxing, thought provoking and illuminating 2 days in a workshop that I had never seen so tidy before!!
One of the reasons for doing this, I have to admit, is that with a growing collection of instruments (2 sops, 3 altos, 1 tenor, 1 bari, 1 C mel, 1 bass clari, 2 alto clari and something like 10 clarinets, 3 of which are metal) it was silly to be ignorant of some basic repairs, but I was given so much more.
Time is always the enemy, but I have since done many running repairs and tweaks to my instruments, and quite a few for friends. I have completely overhauled a clarinet and just doing an alto sax now.
As with anything, the secret is knowing your limitations!
He wrote about his side of the venture on his web site:
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Notes/sax_doctor.htm
Chris