As for which is better, there's probably no difference.  3DS files can be opened in 3D Studio Max and massaged in there, while OBJ files can be opened and worked on in Lightwave 3D.  Assuming these files were native to one of these programs, and not just simple ports, they will have textures and features that NeFabb simply ignores.

However, for printing purposes it probably doesn't matter.  Open both up in NetFabb and see if there's a difference.  There probably won't be any

n2ri wrote:

thanks, seems a few other file types like that also, including a few odd zip files and winzip is buy or 30day trial now. zip folders wont open some of those odd files

Don't bother with WinZip.  Use 7Zip instead

http://www.7-zip.org/

thanks thats what my kids said too. like it better and free

thanks, seems a few other file types like that also, including a few odd zip files and winzip is buy or 30day trial now. zip folders wont open some of those odd files

Don't bother with WinZip.  Use 7Zip instead

http://www.7-zip.org/

Then there's the real problem.  Most Max files are not meant to be printed, as 3D Studio is intended for animation not solid modelling.  If you do a straight export of a MAX file you usually find that it's not manifold, has loads of errors, and loads of open surfaces.

There are tools in 3DS Max to convert surfaces to shells (solids), close holes, and such, but they are time consuming, manual work.  There's no "automatic", fix everything.

So your options are petty much to see if you can find the same object in a different format, or get a copy of 3DS Max and learn how to use it (at least in as much as you need to learn for conversion purposes).