[AceDeuceNoUse]

I too can vouch for the ethyl alcohol method, worked great for my St. Jo's (non .50's of course).

Some tips for large quantities of chips:

1. I recommend using gloves (dishwashing or cleaning) to avoid any over-drying of your hands (mine happen to be prone to such).

2. I used 2 plastic containers, put in about 10-12 chips each. I covered the first batch with enough alcohol to cover, waited about 3-4 minutes, then covered the second batch with the same amount. Then I started with a (very) soft toothbrush on the first batch, 1 at a time under slowly running water. By the time I finished the first batch, the second had finished their soak, and were ready to go. I then added another 10-12 to the first container and started working on the second batch. Repeat as needed, refreshing the alcohol every 2-3 batches. (stay clear of any open flames!) After a few passes, you'll start to get a feel for how long each batch needs to soak.

[Vince]

Thanks for that!
And don't forget to oil the afterwards!
I guess you've to take serous care on the white ones and change the ethyl bath more often, huh?

[dajebriza]

Any advice on what to use or how to remove the hotstamp from the .50 St Joes and leave the original hotstamp underneath relatively intact?

[Vince]

No clue.
Maybe you can take it all of and then you redraw it with some golden pen. I mean, the marks from the hotstamp still remain.