I have an X2 and will offer the following:
If you can possibly get an X3 over an X2 I would do so, even if it means waiting a bit longer. I have the X2 and my friends have a X3, the X3 is a much, much nicer machine. I wanted an X3 but when I bought they were not available for many months so went with the X2.
If you are set on a X2 you will need to do something with the screws as out of the box, backlash is way to much to do the types of things you listed. You can likely rework the nut to get something that will get you started in the near term. If you look at installing new screws plan carefully as there is not much room unless you start hogging out the castings. Getting the gibbs and overall machine adjusted will take some time as the X2 is basically an assembled kit.
For drives my vote is for Gecko. For motors I used those from AutomationDirect.com |