I have heard of folks using epoxy as a finish for bows by brushing it on. I was just wondering if I should thin it with MEK or a similar solvent, Or just mix it 1:1 and brush it on? 

Basically, I'm looking for the cheapest finish possible and figure I already have the EA-40 to use so it'll be "free".

EA-40 is damn thick. You would have to thin the crap out of it to get it to flow off a brush. But hey, why not try it on a small scrap of material and see what happens? I'd be curious to hear your results.

I haven't tried it so not sure how it would work.  I have had good luck with VHT paints though.  Check your auto/marine parts stores and Fred Meyers for them.  Any of the matte or satin clear versions work well and sell for $10.50 up here.

you might have to get the wife's cake mixer out to mix in the thinner.

Some guy on here (Al Dean) used, and I have too, "Devcon 2 ton epoxy.84 oz." with 2/3rd's cup Acetone.
I used 2 of the .84oz. and 1-1/3rd cup Acetone, makes a gloss finish

Finishing epoxy and acetone. Already thinner than EA40. 50/50 mix and snear it on. let it cure and sand smooth. makes a real good filler for porus wood but takes a lot of sanding.

I have herd good things about the epoxy/acetone finish from some of the natural bow guys ,I bought this Bsi thin finish epoxy a while back thinking about using it as a finish its pretty cheap , but never tried it yet !

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Why not just use thunderbird.  You can carefully brush on the glossy, a nice coat or more, sanding by hand between coats with 320, and then to finish hit it with 400 grit by hand, then 0000 steel wool and it's good to go. Comes out perfect. Just wait the appropriate time before sanding. You'll go through about a sheet per bow sanding. I measure by plastic spoons in a glass, and basically one spoon of each part, then thin by 25-30% and it's ready. This is easy and no sprayer necessary, and a little goes a long way. I spray the satin..