it just seems like a render on a white background should have an easier method that could be used to cut it out

Is the render a .png or a different file type?

Also could you show me which render you're talking about so that I can tell you what to do for that render specifically as an exmaple?

Another thing, are you using PhotoShop Cs2 or 3 or 4?

Use the pen tool (for photoshop) and trace along the edge roughly what you want to render, try to only make a new line when their is a significant change in direction. After you have outlined the render go back and modify the lines so that they curve more precisely to the image, once that is done Right Click -> Make Selection -> Copy -> Paste and your image should be rendered :] It takes a few tries to get it right when you start but it gets much easier with practice :] Feel free to pm me if you have any further troubles