I had TSA refuse to let me carry on an antique brace (drill) with no bit. You cannot carry on any tools.
Too much to ask for one decent project?
On the pin board, use either something sacrificial behind it to stop the tear out or use a board wider than you need and rip it to size after cutting the tail to remove the tear out. Make sure everything is clean of dust and chips to help eliminate the rocking.
The old North Star Horizon from the early 1980's had an optional wooden case ... 8 bit z80 processor that connected by an rs232 serial port to a dumb terminal. No USB ports back then, you got out a soldering iron to change the serial port settings like the baud rate. You should be fine building a wooden case. Just make sure you got enough air flow to keep it cooled.
The only time I use the sears molding bit is cutting large coves. Put the cove bits in it. Use it on the table saw running the wood at a diagonal Warning, this is not a rookie thing, lots of guides clamped on the saw, use push sticks, be very careful. Several passes and it does great.
I'm looking at Snowbirding in AZ when we retire. So last week we went to check things out. Take a look at Tower Point in Mesa AZ. They have an awsome shop, fully equipped with Powermatic tools.
I find it online and take the add to the borg.. They normally will match the price, especially amazon prime prices. Then there is no wait, Normally when I'm buying a hand held its because I need it now and the old one failed. Most everything stationary is an upgrade, so normally I have time to be patient searching for the right deal. I prefer to always buy local, Festool, always online for the tools, accessories local. Festool everything is the same price, and normally ships from Indiana. So why pay close to 9% sales tax.
I have been to Eric's yard many times, with his boss or Eric. Never an issue, the main reason I see to pick through a stack is to match color and grain. I do try to match measurements to about 20%. And I always buy extra to cover for a screw up. UPick always has some type of discounted piles too. I try to grab a few pieces of that just to have around. I try not to mess the stacks up too bad, but I'm sure I do. Last year they changed business hours to be more hobbyist friendly. Great place to buy from.
My wife works at one of the big box stores. I just look at the 10% as buying tax free. That's about all it is. Much of the stuff at the big box is homeowner quality or less, a few gems but not at a discount. Like Eric said, shop online for better price, The big box will match online stores like amazon. .