model posing

[micheus]

... and make a copy I can pose and still model from the original orientation

it looks like instancing.
Wings3D doesn't have this option.

Usually, I finish the model, save it alone in the file and then I merge it in a new scene project where I pose it.

Minor adjustments on the mesh can be done even after it be posed.
Mirror can be applied at any moment, so if the item being mirrored is causing that need it may not be a problem - it can be set after posing.