Youch... Yeah, you 've got a lot of work to do..
There are SO MANY different setups and designs that there is no way to even guess about what is the best approach.
Obviously, a CNC requires computer control, so you will need a way for the X, Y, and Z axis to be motor controlled. Stepper motors are most common.
The required step-resolution is what determines the motor control type.
There are many pre-existing programs to control the CNC once you have the motor drivers and motors set up.
Mach3 is popular in the DIY crowd..Google: CNC control software for many free and expensive programs.. They will make your life that much easier.