Hello to the group

Hi name is Bill & i am a mold maker by profession. I just got a 5400
mill from Sherline & already I want to convert to cnc. The very first
thing is to run it manually until I get enough info on the conversion
of the mill. I have looked at some of the popular kits & can not
choose.
Questions
1. anti-backlash lead screws
2. cad/cam software
3. while still manual a better z axis lock


thanks much
bill j.


p.s. i have ran all type of controls & have no problem with learning
something new !