I realize that you can link to an individual post by snagging the URL from the number link on each post, but this pulls it out by itself. Is it possible for me to create a link to a post within the tread and just have it go to that location in the tread. It'd be handy at times for the reader to get the context.
Yup. Just find the post number (the number after the p= on that number link) and stick it on the end of http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?p={here}