Thanks mksj. For the backlash, we're not talking a few thou here, were talking about 10-15 thou in the x and y. Way more than there should be and I've had a 1/2 end mill already grab a few times. I'd like to get it down to a few thou like I have on my Taig which I think is doable, just needs some tuning. I agree about the ballscrews, I don't want them on a manual machine. Worst case is I buy pre-loaded lead screw nuts but that probably wont be necessary.