Is there a 3D editing tool that cuts pieces from the whole?

[deadseasquirrels]

I see there are a lot of 3D editing tools that give you the intersection of 2 solids, or maybe the subtraction of two solids, but there has been a couple of times, during my past 3D closet design, where I could use one that cut a piece from teh whole.

For example lets say I have a rectangle that intersects the middle of a sphere (the rectangles width being larger than the spheres diameter). I wish there was a function that would basically find the intersection of both pieces and then cut that piece out of the rectangle (or sphere, depending on which I want to be cut). Often times I find that function would be useful, but as far as I can tell neither the union, subtract, intersection, or slicing, functions really do something like that.

Is there one that I just don't know of, or is there a way that people normall do this?

[fuccaro]

Deadseasquirrels
The "rectangle" it is a plain shape. Probable you wish to work with a sphere and a box.
AutoCAD provides the basic functions. If you wish to perform a more complicated operation you must use more functions in the right order. Usually they are more ways to complete the same thing, it is up to the modeler to use one or other.
About your example with the sphere and the ...box:
First method:
First use the INTERFERE command to create the intersection of the two solids. After that you may SUBTRACT the resulted solid from the sphere (or from the box).
Second method:
Create a COPY of the solids in the same place and move them on an OFF layer. INTERSECT the initial solids. Turn ON the layer containing the copies and SUBTRACT the result of the previous intersection from the desired solid.
Third method:
Let's say do you wish to make the subtraction from the sphere. Select the box and press the COPY button. When you are prompted for the base point click on the screen. Now you are prompted for the second point. Press @ than <enter>. You have now two boxes in the same place. Invoke the SUBTRACT command. As firs object (subtract from) select the sphere. As object to subtract select the last created box. For that last selection you may click on the boxes -just the last one will be selected- or you may enter from the keyboard L <enter> meaning "last created". Also P will work ("previous selected"). Windows, crossing selection will not work because we need to select just one box.
Happy modeling!