Hi, Glen-

I'm also a hardwood builder. I'm looking forward to you pictures!

Two years ago, with the same bonding concerns you have, I called up West and talked to a helpful rep. He suggested that stopping sanding at a coarser grit would be the preferred method, as it would result in a better mechanical bond between epoxy and wood. Is it has turned out, I've always used MAS slow. But I have also always gone no finer than 80 grit, and usually stopped at 60 on the inside, and also on the outside of the hull. Knock on wood, so far, so good.

Having written that, I don't know if going finer that that is a problem or not. I'd suggest making sure you do a final sanding immediately prior to epoxy, and also a generous seal coat, to optimize the bond strength.

Enjoy! Mike