If you build an enclosure for the pump you will need to take cooling into consideration as, unlike vacuums and such, there is typically very little positive airflow to introduce cooler air into such an enclosure. You may even find that a muffin fan (with a respectable CFM figure) is required for adequate cooling. That, coupled with the fact that most people just run these pumps continuously, means that they can get quite hot after awhile once the vacuum is achieved.
If you add a vacuum reservoir (and check valve) then you can also add a vacuum switch to automatically cycle the pump so that it only runs when needed. You can use simple Schedule 40 PVC (not the lighter-duty sewer and drain) to build smaller vacuum reservoirs. You can also use most any air compressor rated tank as a vacuum reservoir, if more convenient.
You will also want to get a filter suitable for vacuum use to prevent debris from getting sucked into the vacuum pump where it can contribute to premature failure. I ordered mine from the following Yahoo! storefront:
VacMotionOrders. Be sure to order spare filter elements to keep on hand, and I suggest ordering at least the next larger size filter so that the filter has less impact on your maximum vacuum displacement (improving your draw-down time) and so that you can run longer between filter changes.
Last year I purchased all the needed parts for a venturi style vacuum pump -- venturi pumps are non-mechanical vacuum pumps that are powered by positive air pressure provided by an air compressor -- so that I can build a proper vacuum press for veneer work (and likely other tasks like vacuum clamping down the road). I haven't felt up to spending much time in the shop lately, so I have not yet gotten around to actually building it (other than a rough test mockup to verify everything works). So, hopefully, soon I'll feel up to getting it built, then I'll have to shell out some money for a couple of good polyurethane vacuum bags.
I wish you luck in your build and look forward to your upcoming thread on the subject!