Thanks for the tip on the splice.... I'll look into that.
I haven't gotten to the Z axis backlash issue yet.... Just playing with it today, I suspect the thrust bearing.
I tried to tram the mill today, and it seems the spindle isn't parallel to the column
I "trammed" the mill with an indicator on the table and adjusting the "big nut" on the back, but the vertical travel is out .003" over 3" when running the indicator along a 1-2-3 block. I'll double check the 1-2-3 block
I'm still doing research and looking at the issue. I'd love suggestions.... I don't want to have to pull the whole head apart to shim it.
-Jeff