Mojo,
Hit your plugs with a coat of spray clear enamel and let dry, then heat the plugs in your drying wheel before you epoxy, this should cut down considerably on the drag. It will also keep the dimpling down (caused by oils from your hands). After I hit the plug with the spray clear I don't touch them again without powder free gloves I don't thin my e-tex so I can't comment on that, but if you use it after you mix you should have plenty of open time.
Go to HF and invest in a $10 heat gun. If the e-tex starts to thicken up too much hit it lightly with the heat gun on low, that will let you finish the plug your on. As soon as you finish adding the e-tex to a plug hit it lightly a couple of times with the heat gun on low (don't get too close), this will get it glass clear with no bubbles.
Sorry to get long winded, I've almost stroked out at times with anger at the epoxy step.
Good luck,
MS