Although this post is many years old, I had to just say to @NitroLiq and @mtmckinley "Thank you!" I started off teaching myself Maya and 3Ds max years ago and now have made modeling a business thanks to tips, tricks, tidbits and tools from people like the above. Simply Maya in general has been invaluable to me as lover of design and a constant peak learner. Thank you again, these snippets of relief when you are stuck are just...invaluable.

Cheers!