Basic Intros to 3D Modeling?

[DaveServo]

I'm new to 3D printing (and this board!). I recently bought a FlashForge Creator Pro and have been having a great time with it using files downloaded from the internet. I really would like to start playing with modeling some original ideas but it has been confusing finding a place to start. I've downloaded Blender and SketchUp and was instantly overwhelmed. I know Photoshop CC is not ideal for 3D modeling but I'm familiar with the interface so I thought I would try it. I got much further than I did with the others but I still ran into a wall at some point. I'm trying to start with something simple which is basically a coaster with a raised image. I tried finding some instruction but I think I was having an issue on how to even search for what I wanted to do. There seems to be a lot of information out there but it's quite hard to navigate and find a good starting point. Between 3D modeling for Printing, Animation, Web Development and other applications, I just don't know where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to get some good tutorials on 3D modeling for printing and/or software that is more 3D printing focused?

[STRYKR]

http://cadjunkie.com/welcome

While much of the software covered is for more advanced users (read: willing to pay more) the free tutorials have some value in teaching the basics of CAD. I use SolidWorks and often reference this site for advice.

http://cgcookie.com/blender/cgc-cour...for-beginners/

This site is also good, although I never got around to completing many Blender tutorials but from what I've seen it may help. Blender can definitely be overwhelming if you jump right into it.

Good luck and have fun!

[STRYKR]

In addition, DesignSpark Mechanical is a very nice free modeling software that includes access to 100,000,000 free component models... Kind of a sweet package without having to pay and definitely much easier to use compared to professional CAD software.
http://www.rs-online.com/designspark...age/mechanical