I would like to retract my statement regarding "acetone not affecting cured epoxy" and replace it with "unless someone can provide data pertaining to the lack of effect of "thinners", acetone, used sparingly, should be relatively harmless to the overall composite structure. I also announce my candidacy to run for the Australian Senate.....

: I buy my acetone by the 44 gal drum, it is indeed acetone. The "health
: risks" should be considered whether the product is "known"
: or "natural" such as limonene. Uranium is natural. It is all a
: matter of self preservation, I have been working for years in the
: composites arena, during which I have invested heavily in personal
: protection equipment, and have always read the msds pertaining to the
: commodities of my employ.

: I would disagree that acetone affects cured epoxy, unless absolutely soaking
: in it, I have had much to do with its use, regarding removal of amine upon
: epoxy laminates, and have found that it indeed damages certain cores, but
: not fully cured epoxy.

: Insofar as health concerns, I have worked in the Rigid Inflatable Boat
: industry, and have found many more nasties lurking, MEK and other solvent
: and adhesives pose a far greater threat.

: Personal hygeine plays a far greater part in worker contamination. Don't get
: me wrong, acetone is nasty poo, just respect it, and other supposedly
: harmless "thinners"

: I base my assertions upon acetone not affecting cured epoxy on conversations
: with a chemist at a local composite company, and apart from conjecture,
: would like to be informed otherwise.