Hey, Joe, you've just discovered how friendly all these folks are. You'll find lots of help available here.
If your friend Tom is willing to help you learn, that's great, because he knows the ins and out of the craft and could teach you very specific skills. If he doesn't have time to teach you the basics, my most urgent suggestion is that you shop around in your city for an adult education course in basic woodworking (often available at local vo-tech schools or woodworking clubs). There you will learn so many fundamental skills like sharpening tools, safe use of tools (there isn't a tool in your shop that won't hurt you if you don't know how to use it). Dull cutting tools are particularly dangerous because they'll skid or chatter on wood but they're still plenty sharp enough to cut you deeply. I learned this through experience. Dull or improperly tuned up tools will also be constant source of frustration to you and you won't know how to set matters straight without some help. Furthermore, if you locate an available class or club and you're up-front with the instructor, the person will be able to give you a lot of specific, hands-on help and training. In an adult education setting, you'll also have access to all the large machine tools in the shop (band saw, jointer, etc.) Once you get an idea of the tools you'd like to acquire (for example, a few hand planes) you might also spend some Saturdays kicking around at yard sales and estate auctions. You will be amazed at the quality tools you can often pick up inexpensively at those events. Of course, you also have to be prepared to quit bidding sometimes and have the patience to wait for the next opportunity. I came to this hobby pretty much like you. I already had pretty good woodworking skills and lots of tools, but had to learn through books and by trial and error on my first. That was before the internet. It's fun and fascinating. Best of luck to you!
Patrick
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