X Files

I am VERY new to DirectX (just started learning -- program professionally, but mainly Java, so alot of this is new to me). I have started into DirectX before, but got frustrated with different issues or bit off more than I can chew (like crack open a book at 4PM and expect Doom by 9PM). I'm trying to start slow, and figured I'd turn here when I run into issues. This may need to go in the ART forum, but I'll start here. I'm running through the DirectX Tutorials (D3D9 -- running XP -- using Feb. release). Anyhow, I'm looking at the tutorial with the .X mesh file and of course the newest mesh viewer won't let me look at it (doesn't support 1_ps anymore apparently). That made me think about creating my own, and I was wondering how you guys go about getting models for your games, projects, edification? At one point I played around with different free/demo software, but really don't want to fork over a couple grand for some solid software I may not use beyond this year. I've used Blender, but remember having a VERY hard time finding a WORKING .X exporter in blender. Do you guys hand code the files or do you use a modeler to export to the file. If you use a modeler, is it one of the big ones, or is it either Free or affordable (read: under $100). Just curious to see how everyone deals with this issue. Thanks, and again -- I apologize if this is in the wrong place.