When I want to insert a tool that I just created into another tool with the meshinsertdot brush, the orientation of the inserted tool/mesh is totally wrong. I would expect to stick the inserted tool right onto the surface of the receiving tool, but instead the pivot of the inserted tool seems to be the global pivot. I choose the tool to insert using /brush/modifiers/mesh insert preview/.
Switch to the tool that you’re inserting and view the Tool>Preview window. The center cross is where the object will be inserted.
By moving the cross you can change the insert point.
For more precise control, use the Offset deformations You can keep the Preview open to view your updates to make sure you’re getting what you want.
Then return to the model you’re sculpting and use the brush. It should now do what you want.
Regarding object orientation, that is relative to the canvas/camera plane. If you need a different angle you can reorient the model you’re sculpting on. Or you can reorient the inserted model by rotating its Tool>Preview window and storing or by using the Rotate deformation.
Here is a really good video that details creating an insert brush that will orient properly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYFoxDe9R_Q
I am pretty sure that if you keep everything you want to stick in/out oriented to the positive Z axis (blue line on grid) then you should get more predictable results. Also, I have gotten better results with perspective OFF.
-nbreslow