Yet another dumb question...

[Warfreak]

Well, i've used Blender a few times... not too difficult to get certain stuff done. It can import .3ds (if i recall correctly) AND most things that yo uwill NEED are all on one tool bar.

If i could remember which version supports OM's .xsi exporter I'd reinstall and do a quick video tutorial (cause i get SO bored). 

[TheJamsh]

i just found out i can use my CAD program and import models into max from it. Basically, i can now model!

once warfreak teaches me how to use the UV mapper, and animations a bit more ill be done. (still can make textures of course, but ill scab of someone else for that =])