Thanks for all the replies, this site abounds with knowledge. I couldn't sleep last nite thinking about woodworking. Seriously.
I did decide I want the smallest piece of equipment that will do the job. And no restoration projects because I'd rather spend that kind of time on my 1980 truck.
The most important things I need are to make perfect straight and 45* miter cuts. And do half lap joints. I thought about a router/table and how useful they are. I watched a video of a guy making trim and dowels with one. But I think a 10" table saw should be my first piece of gear.
I've been saturating myself with youtube videos, this one looks slick, but what do I know.
Flipping through the Shopsmith online catalog right now.