I just went through this myself a month and a half ago with the exact same set up and almost all the same questions except the vacuum. Just using my Rigid 6hp but will be purchasing the Dewalt Stealthsonic in a couple days. I agree with the cyclone setup for it (just haven’t spent the time to set it up yet. I got a less expensive one at Harbor Freight. Having too much fun using the CNC!)
A lot of good comments here discussing the table space:
Table space around CNC
I ended up with a table on rollers. I did a torsion box. GREAT for stability! With little space around it so I have easy access to the CNC from all sides. I still have a long ways to go including drawers, trim, and the back support. Thinking of having my vacuum in one of the sections.
My current set up taking up about 1/6 of my 24x24 shop. I can roll the CNC out of the way as needed to do other things if wanted. I REALLY like having it up against my work bench/ countertop area. The U is a nice setup for me.
Another useful thing I’ve found is a game controller for moving along the X,Y,Z axis. Great discussion here:
Game controller for carbide motion?
Ended up with the Rii Bluetooth Controller. Works great. I will make an arcade button jog controller some day!!
The Crush-lt Essential Clamp Set is great!
I kind of wish I purchased the Shapeoko Endmill Starter Pack bit set, but ended up needing some other specific bits for what I’m doing, so have picked and chosen some cheaper ones on Amazon until I know exactly what I need. THEN I’ll go with the better quality/more expensive ones (the less expensive have held up pretty well so far, BUT I’m using HDU mostly).
And welcome to the community! This is such a great place and a primary reason I feel like I’ve become successful with CNC work!