Any recomendations with regards to software for this?

thanks in advance

Adding bones to an existing model? new model? in Poser? in another modeling application?

Not sure that I understand the question. Could you please clarify.

Thanks.

Adding bones to my models. I have poser 4 somewhere but trying to avoid that. So i guess I'm looking for another app to add bones.
OBJ, LWO or 3DS formats

Most modeling applications capable of animation include some form of rigging system. What modeling application are you using?

How will you be using the completed figure? What you want it for may dictate how and in what application you rig it.

Thanks Phil
I am making a vehicle, for example, and it would be nice to be able to pose the steering without having to put null objects everywhere.
I think I see what you're getting at now. The bone info would't be stored in the obj file would it?
I'm modelling in metasequoia, which does do bones but only if you can read japanese - I don't and thats where the similarity ends. Do I see blender coming over the horizon?

You can do it in Poser without adding null objects. Just turn the bending option off for each object in its parameters window. That way you'll be able to turn the wheels or open the door without deforming the car.

Couldn't he also make morphs  for it instead of rigging bones? I guess it depends on what steps you wanna take and to what extent the functionality you want. Using the morph route, you could turn the steering wheel, and make the wheels turn at the same time. I may be wrong tho, as I am still kinda new at this. I know it may be the wrong way to go for doors, but you could mix and match between bones and morphs I guess.

                                                                                                                    

Poser 10

Octane Render

Wings 3D

Morphs will work in some instances however the vertices will move from their default to morphed location in a straight line. This may not be appropriate for angled movement.

Morphs would be no good for this project cause its mechanical bits. I think I am on my way to solving the bones coding in metasequoia so I don't have to resurect poser 4. Failing that, after UV and texture, I might see what the mighty blender has to offer - u?nless anyone can recomend anything else

 This har is freeware and although not useful for much else it does appear to be the boning mastah! 

www.insanesoftware.de/

Thanks for that MC

 Yer welcome. =)

Character FX
Does indeed do bones but it only works with tris and stuggled to import anything of any size. Nice and simple UI though. Aimed at low poly games I guess

 Hmm.....I think Mod Tools handles skeletal systems.

Blender should do as well.

Oh, wait...there's another freeware program for this. Will look up in a second.

Curvy 2.0 handles boning but not quite sure if using its boning system with an import would work.

 Here it is, I'm pretty sure this specializes in boning and animation and it's the free learning edition.

www.naturalmotion.com/ele.htm

Thanks man
I see blender on the horizon. I shall wait to see if they sort that UI out