I want to learn subdivision modeling to complement my 3D modeling knowledge and explore it as a quick drafting 3d tool. I came from a CAD background (Alibre, Rhino, MOI, SolidWorks) so subdivision modeling is a new experience to me. Can anyone recommend good cheap software to start learning subdivision modeling? I have been playing with Blender and Silo. There seems to be plenty of material for learning Blender on internet but the user interface is rather complex. Silo is friendlier but documentation and tutorials are not as extensive as in Blender. Any other suggestion?

Usually most people seem to think Silo is about the easiest to use sub-d modeler that's out there, so it kind of sounds like you're already focused on the right area. You also might want to take a look at Modo.

Check out here for some general overview advice videos: http://vimeo.com/user904568

- Michael

You might also want to look at wings3d and see if you like it: http://www.wings3d.com/

- Michael

Another cool free one is Hexagon
Maybe the more easy! :) And there is a very good manual!

http://www.daz3d.com/products/hexagon/hexagon-what-is-hexagon

Here a Silo-book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/3D-Modeling-Silo-Official-Guide/dp/0240814819/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357887535&sr=1-1

I second using Hexagon, and coming from a Nurbs/CAD background it has a lot of tools that work similar to Nurbs since it came from Amapi.