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Can the 151 proof of everclear can be used for french polishing. I live in California where only the 151 is legal. I don't want to use plane DA because of the toxicity. Is there any way to get the 190 proof stuff legally in California?

Thanks
Nick

Really? California, the frontline on the war against conservative values makes 190 illegal? Move to the bible belt (Alabama) wherever u find 4 Baptists, you'll find a 5th. And 190 EC is as common as hand pumped well water.

Easiest way for you to get it is to take a road trip. Head due east and start looking for a liquor store once you cross into Nevada.




Everclear 190 is legally sold in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, and in some military stores within the continental United States.

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Aoibeann

Our stance on conservative values is not likely the focus of such a law, I think too many college kids in the emergency room is more likely the motivation for such a law here.

After reading the other threads today, I was speaking with a friend, he told me it was illegal here in CA, didn't believe him since I saw it, but only 151, did not read that close, I can't imagine that it would be appropriate for FP, not that I know for sure. I am with you though, I just bought a gallon of DA and was thinking of returning it in favor of the EC, guitar making is a new chapter of woodwork for me, and with that turn of the page, I want to strive for a cleaner healthier shop.

Thanks for the list Lillian, Oregon is not too far for me, we go there to shop since there is no sales tax, but Nick, from San Rafael to Nevada, that is a haul, you may need to get a still.
Rob

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It can still be used while french polishing, it just takes longer to reach your desired buzz.

Thanks for the info. I did considered getting it in Nevada, as i go to Tahoe quite abit. But i heard its illegal there to of all places. Also Oregon is way to far of a drive, and i'm already having a hell of a time balancing luthierie and college, i don't need to add learning how to distill moonshine to the list.

Thanks,
Nick

Ps: hey mike I have no intentions of leaving the Bay Area. ^_^

In my French polish class with Robbie O'Brien IIRC Andy Z. tried the California 151 Everclear and it didn't work so well.... Switching to the full strength stuff solved the problems.

What works so very well about Everclear besides the lack of toxic chemicals found in denatured alcohol is the very high alcohol content makes the shellac mixture "flash-off" in only a second or two right before your eyes. This permits very light, even coats to be applied with decent results.

I can't get the stuff in Michigan either but Indiana is a short drive for me and visiting Joe White is always a great time.

Everclear is hygroscopic so keep the lid on tightly when not in use. My first bottle lasted 3 years before I thought it prudent to replace it with a fresh bottle although I had no reason to believe that it was no longer still usable.

Hesh next time go to Joe's let me know. I will bring the EC. Can you give me a ride home? To answer question, get the good stuff for FP.

Bay area nice. I have to say that since I was a San Jose guy growing up and stationed at TI for awhile. That said, Dang Mt. Shasta, now there is a beautiful place. I also did some time with San Jose PD, in the late 70's when they started FTO (field training officer) that is used nation wide now.

I would get the 190 and use it and not DA if possible for all reasons noted. Look for a PM

You got it Stan my friend - we could be like the Blues Bros.... Or maybe the Booze Bros......

If y'all want to meet up at Joe's I'd be up for that! I need some more 190 proof everclear, too.

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I'm in California too, and can't buy 190 Everclear. A few years ago, I called liquor stores in Nevada and Oregon, and had them look on their shelves and check the proof, before I made a road trip. All any of them had was 150. What's up with that? DA comes in a lot of different flavors. Many of them contain no methanol. One brand that worked well for several years suddenly stopped working. After a few calls to the manufacturer, I found that they'd changed their formula (but not the name or part number). The new stuff was only %60 alcohol. These days I use a denatured alcohol from Remet corp. in L.A. It's %88 ethanol, %7 acetone, %5 water. nothing else. Seems to work fine.

Eric,

Can you buy the Remet locally? My shop is close to you, at the end of the road by SCGC and Costco.

Tim

I was in Robbies French polish class along with Hesh, the general consensus is 150 wont work.

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Gregg

Hey Tim,
No, I have to order the alcohol from Remet. Their number is 877-939-0171. You want their
SDA 23-A.

Eric,

Thanks, I'll give them a call. Has to be better than what I am buying in the store.

Tim