Ok, so idiot here (me) ... is trying... to build some clubs (1st timer)

You are familar with bastard file?  Well you ought to be because it's long and skinny and a bastard.  File inside of ferrule to open it up.  Or you can qtip it with acetone to melt away some of the ID.

I don't slather the tip with epoxy because it creates a mess and is overkill to keep a ferrule down.  Epoxy the inside of the ferrule then sit it on a hunk of cardboard skinny side up.  Ram it in from the top like Ron Jeremy in Master of the *><><><* Flex.  Push down the shaft and the ferrule will flush with the shaft tip.  Then use your head (club) to push down the ferrule to it's final resting (in peace) place.  If the ferrule is still tight, heat it with a gun on the skinny side lightly for about 5-7 seconds. Careful not to over do it or it will deform. Don't heat the fat side as it will mushroom when you push the head down on it.

Sometimes shaft paint is an issue if it's really thick like Pooforce Gold or some Accuflex's. 

Just my 3 peso.

Apparently.

it's on hold until we get a warmer, dry day.

only have the balcony to work on .
 

I have had semi good luck by placing them in a small glass of water and blasting in the mocrowave. Started with short cycle & increased until they slid on easily (non- tapered shaft), They return to tight fit when cooled. Thats the good side. 

The bad side is my wife informed me that I would eat the next batch. 

I microwave the water without the ferrule in it.  Before that I stick the ferrule on the end of the shaft, just enough to get it to barely stay on the end.  Dip the shaft and ferrule into the hot water, take it out and push the ferrule up until it's flush.  Then use the clubhead to push the ferrule further up the shaft to the right spot.

Another thing you want to be prepared for before you mix epoxy.  Do you know how you are going to clean up any excess epoxy that squirts out between the hosel and the ferrule when you insert the shaft?

I use a cloth to wipe excess epoxy off the hosel and ferrule of each club as I assemble it.  I then use a cloth lightly moistened with naphtha or mineral spirits to wipe all the hosels/ferrules better (and as my last chance to get stray fingermarks and whatnot).

Spaceage, are you at all concerned about spraying on too much alcohol and having it penetrate into the shaft-bore space?  Or are you spraying the paper towel?

I first use a small piece of dry cloth or paper towel.  Then I use another piece of cloth or paper towel dampened with grip solvent.  I started out using mineral spirits but the grip solvent seems to work fine.