From an artisits view skinning tools are pretty rank. ok fair enough their really good if u cant uvw map yourself. but for better results do it manualy.
heres a good uvw mapping tutorial.
http://www.planetquake.com/polycount...-mapping.shtml
i know its an organic but everything still applies.
ok guys i must encourage you to download the demo of max 6, even if ur just gonna use it for the 30 days trial period....or do somin about that length of time

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guys just download 3d studio max 6 demo from
www.discreet.com or if it works
http://nct.discreet.com/fulfill/0049...49ac491ab85f-3
This is a good skinning plugin in for max.
http://www.chuggnut.com/scripts/unwr...nwraptools.htm
just adds some very useful tools to max's standard skinning module.also includes a very handy dump map option.