Jaden Korr wrote:
What modeling program would you recommend for someone wanting to get into 3D printing
This is one of the top two or three questions everyone getting into 3D printing asks. I'm going to give you several options from smallest learning curve to highest. I am also only going to cover free software.
1. TINKERCAD (www.tinkercad.com)
This is an in browser cad tool (doesn't work with Safari). I use this for simple quick projects, like a door sign or a plate insert. It fit your stand needs exactly. The fine modeling controls aren't here, though some people are able to make amazingly detailed things in tinkercad, but I'm not one of them.
2. SKETCH UP (www.sketchup.com)
More power, but very limited resources for learning
3. 123DESIGN (www.123dapp.com)
Along with tinkercad and the later mentioned Fusion 360, this is made by the autodesk people. I started with this program. It has decent tools and a quick to pick up interface. Also iPad versions. Ultimately it just didn't do enough things for me.
4. BLENDER (www.blender.org)
LOTS of online tutorials and books. I didn't like that the measurements are in BU (blender units) and didn't want to learn how to convert to mm. I have seen, and even printed a few, amazing things designed in blender. I printed the gun from blade runner and its author modeled it in blender. There is even a lightsaber tutorial on the web for blender for a simple hilt.
5. FUSION 360 ( via www.autodesk.com)
This one is free for small business and hobby/enthusiasts. More tools than I can count. Model settings, sculpt settings, render settings. This is the one I use, and the only one I have ever seen that will do threading. It's not super easy but the basic modeling part is easier than blender. It's after blender because it does so much more stuff for 3D design that I can't even figure out.
Hope this helps.