This is my latest modeling tutorial, specifically geared toward creating an interesting and complex polygon math model for 3d print, with only the basic modeling tools available in 3dsmax. I also have a Blender version of this process on my channel, for those of you who model with Blender.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPlygNa38Xw
You can also find the Blender version of this technique here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pw-677D24k
Also, a friend and prolific Wings3D modeler, Micheus Vieira, took my tutorial and converted the strategy to Wings3D. So if you use Wings3D as a solid modeler for 3d printing, you can follow along and create this model from his video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpMEByXGqAs
Hope you find this useful! Thanks.