Artisan Archive

I have just returned to SWG after a very long break. The Combat Upgrade was only an idea being kicked around when last I played, if that helps give you an idea of how long I have been away. So i am asking all of you for some advice on what galaxie to play on. I would also like to know if you think Artisan/TKA is a decent combo? I enjoyed crafting when i used to play so I really want to go with an Aritsan combo. So let me know your ideas-good and bad. They will be of great help to me I am sure. Thanks for your time =).

PS.

Any advice on space mining would be great too. Is it worth the hassle of lagging into space? =)