IR proximity detector

I was thinking about adding an IR proximity detector to my cnc router ((or
even an ultrasonic one) (to see how far the vertical axis is away from the
material.. so both transmiter and receiver is next to each other)
Something like:
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R132-IS471F.html
Just seems like a fun project.

Anyone know what would be the easiest solution? I need something that would
be easy to wire up.. as I am still getting use to electronics :)

thanks!-Lee