I’m a long term user of 3DSMax, actually I started before it was Max.
Blender seem very strange with all the different keyboard shortcuts and strange menu layout, but I like it so far.
There are a couple of questions i have not been able to solve by looking around.
Can I create an objects by dragging it like in Max?
Is it possible to drag out a bezier curve on the face of an object like the autogrid function in Max, I used to do this to create a circular cut out when modelling hard surface products, or is there a better way with blender.
This is probably going to be the first of many question while I transition over.
Until other Max heads reply here’s a few routine tips as a thread bump for ya.
Almost all shortcut functions and tools can also be found in the context sensitive menus. I say most because there are still some not-in-a-menu shortcuts lurking in Blender and also some header functions that don’t hint at shortcuts that are available for them.
Blender is built for speed via one hand on keyboard one hand on mouse. Blender has many quirks but many turn out to be good for speed once you get used to them. Some tend to infuriate folks but there’s usually some sort of workaround / alternate workflow available to get the job done.
There’s some good tuts out there for converts. Blender.org store has a CC licensed DVD for converts although I think it’s directed towards Maya users. Not sure about that you may want to check it out.
Bugs can be reported via the Blender UI Help menu. Expect fast response from devs if you ever have to use it.
You’ll get over the initial learning hump in a week or so. Not sure about your specific questions. Maybe Shift-D to duplicate objects and knife tools? Eh, other folks will be more help. Lots of converts / multi-app gurus lurking here.
And finally… Welcome to BA forums.
-Larry
Edit: Check out Blender Cookie for some good free Blender basics training. Link is in my sig.
I have used max for years myself 10+ years and switched to blender about a year ago. let me tell you the interface is the most annoying piece of garbage ever… until you figure it out then its hard to look back. once its second nature to you, you will fly threw modeling like mad. I am glad i made the switch.
I don’t really know about hard surface meshes using splines as i never really use them but blender has some really good spline tools, you should be able to do whatever you were in max with little to no effort in blender.