What is the best way to clean excess epoxy in both the glueing stage and finishing stage. What are the most readily avaliable solvents for me to attain to aid in cleanup durring the process.

Jay:
Denatured Alcohol works pretty good for both .
Tight Lines
Bill

Jay,
The best thing to use to clean epoxy is Xylene.
Warning -=
Xylene fumes are quite toxic, so only use Xylene in a well vented area.

You will find that Xylene cleans liquid and semi hardened epoxy much much better than alcohol.

Good luck
Roger

Isopropyl alcohol works too.

Don't let it dry. Whip off with clean paper towels. Then alcohol.

Here is a quote of a web page of an epoxy supplier with respect to epoxy cleanup.

"Q. What do I use for clean-up?
A. For hands-Soap and water works OK- so do most household cleaners such as Formula 409. All of the new Citrus and Orange based products do a good job, too. For routine cleaning, keep a spray can of carburetor cleaner around. For cleaning tools and spills, use solvents such as lacquer thinner, acetone, MEK, Toluene, or xylene."

Take care
Roger

Denatured alcohol works fore me.. I value whatbrain cells and health I have left to use anything stronger im ny house or shop.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike,
That is why, I only use the xylene out of doors with a bit of wind blowing away from me.
Take care
Roger

breathing those chemicals will for sure kill ya. I only like to have the LEAST of any of them around me.

And open flames.

Strange no one has mentioned taking care of the blank finish. Jay, whatever you use, make sure it wont eat the finish off the blank. On some blanks , isopropyl alcohol will eat the finish right off and I don't use anything stronger than 91% Isopropyl alcohol. Test your cleaning materials on an area that won't be visable , such as under the grip or seat.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I've been having good luck with citrus strength GOOF OFF, not much for fumes (actually a pleasant orange odor), gentle on the hands and it cleans off epoxies very well. It seem like it leaves an oily film, but it cleans up with water and doesn't seem to interfear with the finishes that I've been using.