I just found Anim8or easiest to learn to use. I tried a bunch of others, free and pay, and Anim8or was far and away the easist. I couldn't even follow a basic tutorial in Wings. But with Anim8or, I was making usable items within the afternoon. I uploaded my first free stuff that day. (I've since taken it down due to bandwidth issues, but it was a toy wind-up mouse, complete with poseable tail, wheels, and smart-propped key. :-)

YMMV, of course. But for me, Anim8or was the most user-friendly. Didn't need any tutorial or anything; I just opened it up and start modelling. I own Shade now, but still use Animor to make quickie props for Poser when I can't find something I need.