(Aaron Trocola here, responding through the account of my new ThreeForm project)
The Zbrush hollowing method should probably start with a printable model,
then make it hollow. That may be why it is crashing. Unfortunately Z-brush does not offer a free demo anymore, and I already bought a great sculpting program, so this tutorial isn't possible at the moment.
I often hear requests about converting low-poly models from games to 3D printable models, so I will do something to address that. In fact, if it is popular enough It could be held as a class.
Hollowing models, and when/how to use booleans is deep topic, so I'd like to address those issues in the context of a specific application, such as creating customized pendants or other jewelry with lettering and small parts
Thanks! That's two ideas for classes/tutorials with topics that are a good balance between general and specific.
My recomendation to anyone though, is to find out what the appropriate tools are for the job, rather than finding out what everyone else likes to use. Programs like Zbrush, Rhino, and Sketchup all use completely different approaches that ease the creation of certain types of forms. This is why you don't see people using parametric tools for character modeling or sculpting tools for mechanical design, for example.
The curriculum for my intro class,
Modeling for 3D Printing, has evolved to aim squarely at this issue, since I noticed that the Q&A session at the end was often dominated by this topic.
[Edit: I have changed the title of this class from "Design for 3D Printing with Shapeways" to Modeling for 3D Printing with Shapeways" to avoid any confusion with the class Duann is holding, called "Intro to Design for 3D Printing with Shapeways" which, from what I gather, puts more emphasis on web-based Shapeways creators and a basic outline of the ideas involved. Someone who is still working to understand the concept of printing an object and creating your own shop and product will be better served by starting with the intro class.]