My Summer Missions - Calling 3D experts!

Hey,

Over the summer when I have some free time I am going to learn how to use a 3d program, I have 3d studio max v6 and I would appreciate any help, especially in lighting as it ruins my scenes,

Do any of you know any good resource and tutorial websites, I've googled thousands of times but have never found any good detailed websites that take you through and explain the processes step by step.

If any 3d experts could offer help on a one to one basis that would be Ideal but I would not expect you to devote hours upon end just to help me,

Thanks,

Kind Regards,
BoxedPixels.