Josh:
That depends on what your planning to do with it. I have a Glentek Warthog, which is now LA Enterprise. Mine is a 50x100 table with a 5hp Columbo spindle with 10hp vacuum pump and a 5hp dust collection system outside my building. I run Enroute 3plus software. I make signs and cut parts with it for various projects. Investment $25k at the time. It was a demo machine and had been used a limited amount. The controller is WinCNC and it works good.
http://www.laenterpriseinc.com/index.html
If I had to buy another machine, I would spec out an automatic tool changer. I think I would consider a larger vacuum pump for hold down. The Enroute software is an absolute dream to use, very user friendly. I had never run a CNC router until I purchased this one and I literally was making toolpaths and parts within 24 hrs of installing it. I have a pretty good graphics and software background, so the Enroute was really easy.
As far as the brand goes, be sure and get a good solid rigid table regardless of what company it is. Several good manufacturers out there, but for me to recommend a brand, I'm not qualified. My brother-in-law just bought a mid size Multicam with Enroute 3plus, auto tool changer, 60x144 table, 12hp spindle, 30hp VP. That machine is $75k. Rep was close by and I think that was the deciding factor.Depending on your needs, the Shopbot may be just the thing for you, but look around and do your homework before investing the $.
I just put in a larger dust collector. I cut and process a lot of MDF. The one I got, I bought from LeNeave Supply Co. in Charlotte, NC. We had been using just the 2hp stand alone collectors and they just weren't cutting it. The new is a 5hp machine installed outside in an enclosure with the switch on the inside 220v single phase. We will run additional pipe to add other machines soon. Cost me about $2000 including the outside enclosure.
When I bought this machine, the company I got it from was the pits from a response standpoint. They were in Georgia, I am in SC. and I was looking for a relatively local company. However, having gone to place where they were made,and dealt with the owner of the place, I got pretty good service from them. The company has since sold and has a new owner, and they are seemingly good people. They have sent me some bearings I needed and said they were there if I needed them. So, service is very important with one of these things. I like to deal with companies that are fairly close by to me geographically, so that their local outside service people can help me if needed. As it turned out, after this company was purchased, their rep lives about 40 miles from me.
I hope this post isn't too long and this information is helpful. Good luck with your purchase.