Easier queries?

Here's what I'm thinking, just looking to see if anyone has done this or similar. - I have a MySQL DB and I create an ODBC datasource for it on my windows box - I then open MS Access and link the tables from my datasource - Access provides a graphical relationship builder, so I build relations in this - Access also provides a graphical query builder that uses the stored relationships - So I build a query, view the SQL and use the SQL code in some mysql_ PHP functions - Maybe next I instead save the queries in a query table so I can get them via simple name, like 'All_Customers' Sort of analogous to MS SQL Views? Sound good, or is there a better way? TIA -Shawn P.S. I've also seen mention of some graphical query builders. Can anyone recommend a good FREE one?