Are there any other (desides Wings and Blender) free apps that can import 3ds and export OBJ/Lightwave?

Thanks!

Alias' FBX converter app can - although you'll have to convert to FBX as a middle step. It should be available somewhere on the Autodesk website, although you probably have to register to download it.

there is a converter application for Mac OSX from http://www.kalsaya.com.... this can convert between 3DS and OBJ. It's called Pipeline 3D and it's REALLY inexpensive (15 dollars)... if you would rather not spend a cent, you can still use a free 30 day trial before you decide. It also support some other formats.