thanks and I completely understand. Just checking to see if I missed anything.
I'm currently using Alibre which seems to work but has other limitations. just looking for something better suited to dimensionally accurate models for 3D prints.

I guess its about work arounds. Boolean make it easy to poke features in to the part and I'm impressed how this program works. the workaround could be to save a copy with tools in place so you can go back to that point in the design if needed. I'll keep playing with it.
Dean