Take a look at my post
http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=30080&b=10
The best tool may not be the one everyone recommends, as each person has their own likings and needs about a tool, and there's a better modeller for some sort of models than other ones, for example, 3D Studio MAX (not free) is good for models, but it sucks somewhat for levels, and cartography shop (not free) was done for levels, but it sucks at game models, so there, it's better to experiment and see which one suits your needs and commodities.
Also, Joe, wouldn't you mind if I add a link to your tutorials in my post?
Quote: "
-= 933 Mhz - SiS 630/730 8Mb - 128 RAM - 2.1Gb / 6.2Gb HDs - Sound: C-media CMI8738/C3DX PCI - CD-RW 52*32*52 - Windows 2000 =-
"