I'm curiously looking at Blender and Sketchup for trying my hand at making 3D, of course because they are free.
Is anyone using 3D progs. and if so which and any recommendations for a starter ??

Thanks ahead of time.
Marty

google sketch up of course. . .
Like a mini game
but lack of feature
only basic box,cylinder etc

Autocad is fun to play with!

I have 3 programs and am awaiting 3D magix. This is a customised version of Blender which rates way up with the best like Maya. Blender is a top open source free program but a HUGE learning curve. 3D magix is currently being discounted at $40 + or -. Well worth that, and comes with several free lessons on a dvd as well.Great way to get going and there is some brilliant work being done with those experienced in it.

i do 3d modeling for a living but i use software designed for my field of work... tool and die. But i know the basic concepts needed for this type of thing....

What exactly are you up to? Or dont you have a plan yet, just playing?
That might influence your choice...

Anyway, i found this quite helpful, at least for directions:
http://forums.biorust.com/3d-modelling/666-free-3d-modellers.html

Quite old already that thread, but out of the list this one here seems... interesting:
http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/daz_studio3?_m=d

(and i looked 3 times... it says FREE indeed, at least for this 'normal' version)


If you are more looking for the pure CAD, consider this:
http://www.ptc.com/offers/tryout/pe2.htm

You have just to register, but then you can play with an absolutely impressive piece of software. It is, however, mainly for model generation. If you look for kickass realistic 3D, you could still use this, but would have to export the models and process them with other (free) render engines and whatnot.

Good luck and have fun.

*Edit* Or did you think about spending money?

Thanks guys great info, still looking through sites on some of this stuff. Some isn't Mac friendly but a lot of it is. I want one that is easy to use and can do incredible things with or without me participating.

I just want to find one to learn on easily and see where it goes from there.
Blender is interesting but it seems intense to learn, from what I've seen tutorial-wise. So some of these other ones will be interesting to explore.

...oh. never mind.[/img]