If you are modelling 2 objects that will parent child together makes sure both of them have there local orientations correct and delete all history before combining.
Also once parented make sure the parented objects global position is centred and zeroed and try again.
Forgive me if I wrong but it has been a long time since I did this.
publicFunction (Chris) - Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
Twitter
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will truely know peace - Jimmy Hendrix

Winner SM VFX Challenge 1

3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)