J. wrote:
Another source would be to seek out a non-profit community
theater group and sign yourself up as an apprentice carpenter. (Look for
a group that builds their own sets of course. And groups that don't pay
their members are going to be much more likely to take you in.) They
usually have a couple of members who are pros, or just plain
accomplished amateurs, who'll show you the ropes (literally!), and
especially how to cover up your mistakes. :- Just be prepared to do
other things in addition to building sets (e.g. like carrying costumes
and props, selling tickets, ushering). You'll learn basic skills and
maybe make some new friends. After that you can grow your woodworking
hobby in whatever direction you like.

Great suggestion.

If your dad, granddad or uncle didn't take you under his wing when you
were a kid then your chance at a one-on-one craftsmanship tutorial is
long gone, I'm afraid.

Unfortunately my dad was not a "handy-man" type person and we lived
thousands of miles away from nearest relatives. My father worked
overseas when I was growing up and my family was in the US.