[CNC_Kid]

\r\n \r\n this is normal. apparently its not a static subtraction using it this way. i dont quite get the functionality, seems to be the same as two solids intersecting. it can be made static by Edit >>> Remove Links from the 1st solid. but doing this removes other things, which may not be desirable.
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[BurrMan]

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this is normal. apparently its not a static subtraction using it this way. i dont quite get the functionality, seems to be the same as two solids intersecting. it can be made static by Edit >>> Remove Links from the 1st solid. but doing this removes other things, which may not be desirable.

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What you are seeing is a history, or "dynamic geometry"..... The sphere get an attribute of "be a cutter on this object" (The link)..... When you move the sphere away, it is no longer cutting the object. In your first scenario, if you move the cylinder away, you will see it is indeed cut..... (That\'s what you are describing in the second scenario...
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\nYou found the answer, but you also mention that removing links was "undesirable" in circumstances.... You described using "edit-remove links", which is kindof a global operation... What you want to do is go to "window-concept explorer" and then select object, to view it\'s "history" so to speak.... You should be able to find the "single link" you want to remove, without removing "all links" like you described...
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\nAnyway, become familiar with the concept expolorer....\r\n \r\n

[Bob La Londe]

\r\n \r\n Often I need to do a subtract and still have the original subtracted object. I use a Ctrl+C - Ctrl+V in place. Its not elegant, but it works. It can be quite slow if its a complex object.\r\n \r\n

[CNC_Kid]

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Often I need to do a subtract and still have the original subtracted object. I use a Ctrl+C - Ctrl+V in place. Its not elegant, but it works. It can be quite slow if its a complex object.

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i see the need to add a control key, perhaps ctrl+alt when selecting the 2nd object, this would do static subtraction w/o linkage, which in my mind is a simple subtraction w/o deleting the 2nd object. voila, a no fuss fix.\r\n \r\n

[CNC_Kid]

when i hold CTRL when selecting 2nd solid, shouldnt it subtract from the 1st and 2nd stick around, but when i move 2nd object the subtraction goes away after i let off mouse button. v8 or v9. am i doing something wrong? if i select sphere 1st, then CTRL click the cylinder, a portion of sphere is subtracted off and when i move sphere the subtracted section is indeed subtracted.