I've lost count of the times I've been in the Options dialog but I've never noticed that option before. Funny the things you miss. Thanks, Wabe!

I agree that object duplication is power hungry but sometimes it works so I offered it as an option. Its efficiency depends on the complexity of the scene generally and the object specifically. My business partner is the AutoCAD wiz and he reckons that it's a doddle to create a "far, far simpler model" (his words) containing only those elements needed for the boolean.

Ultimately lucacolan's query highlights my major frustration with 3D applications: I can't find just one to do everything. Unlike 2D work where PhotoShop, or even PaintShop Pro, will do 99% of what I want, I find I need 2, 3 or more apps to complete a 3D project. Plus there's the extra work in finding the right export / import settings between apps.

OK whinge over.

Cheers,
Mark