3D modeling software

[oklahoma red]

I'm in the hunt for a basic 3D modeling package that is capable of rendering pipe shapes.
I'm good with 2D CAD via my years of making aircraft control panels but my 3D modeling experience is very limited. I've made some models of my control panels but no complex curves were involved.
Does anyone know of some software that is not a bank-buster, does not have a lifetime learning curve and will output an .stl file?
Chas.

[jogilli]

SketchUp 8 works fine for me

[The Smoking Yeti]

sketchup isn't going to work very well for a pipe shape. Maybe you should look into 3ds max. I can ask around as well.

[baiguai]

Blender 3D is very powerful - and FREE. It's a bear to learn, the UI/hotkeys aren't so intuitive - but when you get the hang of it it's AWESOME!

[oklahoma red]

SketchUp 8 works fine for me

James,
First, I hope you enjoyed your time at the Vegas show.
Can you show me (and anyone else that might be interested) a rendering you have made with this software?
Chas.