I second the importance of side/back access. It’s nice to be able to easily access every bolt without needing to pull the Shapeoko out of the enclosure. That is probably only a big issue if you have a XXL, just reaching the back of spoil board requires almost climbing on top of it. Having the back open is also nice for working with oversize stock, you can use tiling and have it hang out the front/back (but that means no sound proofing during those cuts).
My enclosure is for safety more so then sound proofing, it cuts down the noise a little but it is not quiet. I have windows on 4 sides (made with laser safety acrylic) and it is nowhere near air tight. It also has a smoke filter system which is probably leaking sound out the flexible hose. If I sealed it up better it might cut noise down a bit, or I could use the noise as an excuse to get a HDZ and a 800w spindle.
The height is 23.25" (590mm) which has been enough for me with a belt Z, I am not sure if the Z-Plus or HDZ need more clearance then that. More height would be really nice but I was very constrained with ceiling clearance. It is also helpful to have extra space on either side of the machine to make it easier to work on, clean around, and have less chances of the dust collection hose getting stuck between the Z carriage and the sides.
My shop vac is outside of the enclosure since it is shared with other tools and basement cleaning duties. I have not had any overheating problems with the router inside the enclosure, but like I said it is not air tight.
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