: As I got to FLASHFIRE I found myself trying to imagine what human malady that
: is!

I've used Behlens Solarlux a couple of times, and it doeesn't seem too bad to me. While it is toxic, It is also alcohol based, causing flammability, and almost all of what we work with is toxic in some way. I thought mixing two colors with a reducer was the easiest mixing I had done on the boat, easier than mixing epoxy or dookie schmutz.

: I must now find out what a cabinet scraper is, but I too find power too
: stress increasing.

I'm not sure a cabinet scraper would be the best too to use before staining. A cabinet scraper creates a very different finish than sanding, and if you miss a spot, it will be noticeable when you've stained. The scraped spots will be lighter than rough or sanded spots. While I agree with using a cabinet scraper normally, this may not be the best time. Use it after epoxying.

Other than these couple things, I agree with everything else Jay said. Good luck with staining, I think it always creates a distinctive boat.
-Chuck