m_c ... looks like we're of the same mind - our last posts are virtually identical!

My mill has about 0.45mm backlash on X and 0.3mm on Y and it's no problem when using the machine manually. You just make sure to if it's a bigish cut lock the slide that your not moving, and when you move that slide to the required position compensate for the backlash by approaching the point in the same direction. You will also generally want to use conventional, not climb, milling.

Quote Originally Posted by jcb121 View Post
you can lock the slides? D:

annoying when you are on your 3rd attempt of work and the line you are doing suddenly turns into a nobly line.
Look for some thumbscrews that apply pressure to the gib strips to lock it. Don't move the other screws on the gib strips ...