Weight lifting question

As a person who has access to most home gym type of set-ups, I would suggest the following.  Power-rack (with chin-up attachment), bench with incline and leg attachments, and dumbbells.  In addition get elastic power bands, inflatable balls, and mat.  With these items you could use something else, but there is no "need" to.  I've done Smith machine -waste; I've done pulley systems - elastic bands are a cheap and suitable substitute; I've done treadmills - get out on the road.  I still have a elliptical/large paper-weight.  Your mileage may vary, but those are my suggestions.

Well, the one nice thing about bowflex is that you can find them real cheap in the classifieds.  Then again, maybe that tells you something....

Adding mass vs. toning is not a result of the type of equipment you're using. You can achieve either goal (mass/tone) with either type (free/machine). Higher weight + lower rep = greater gains in muscle size. Lower weight + higher rep = greater gains in tone/efficiency.

That said, your body responds best to variety in the stresses you present it.  A good weight plan will mix up the types of workouts to keep your body from plateauing at any given time.

I think you should also keep in mind that strength to weight ratio is the key to performance in most sports. Adding extra pounds without greater gains in strength is most likely counter productive. Though, in your line of work a more formidable pressence is probably just as important. Giant cannons hanging off your shoulders definately help with that, but won't make you bike or run any faster.

That's not a bad plan.  The manufacturer says to use weights at 37-42 degrees, which is around fridge temperature.  I personally like my weights a little bit warmer, so I take them out a few minutes before lifting.

I like mine somewhere closer to 50.  And I don't go for any of that light stuff.  Hard and heavy is what I prefer.