Hi @ChinaDave ,
snapping is really powerful, but can be tricky when you’re starting out. Make sure you watch the (snapping chapter in the ) Fundamentals of Modeling. There are no Preferences that need to be changed for this to work, but make sure that your Magnet icon is off (or don’t use CTRL) and that Project onto Self is enabled (should be on by default):

Let us know if you still have problems.