Recommendations for 3D modelling code for 3D printing?

[Robert Huff]

Arthur Chance writes:

>  I need to make some parts using 3D printing, and was wondering
>  what software I should use to do the modelling. Does anyone have
>  any experience and/or recommendations about this? If it matters,
>  I'll probably be using shapeways.com to do the actual printing.

	I was under the impression the 3D printers used proprietary
software/formats.
	Am I mistaken?


					Robert Huff