Lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, the usual stuff. I prefer mineral spirits. It
takes a bit longer, but the vapors are less hazardous. If you use regular rags,
it will be quicker than paper towels, and will elave less residue.

I use TopCoat on my cast iron tops, but it has to be resprayed on a fairly
regular schedule.

If you want that saw to cut really great, the one thing more you want to spend
on now is the blade. Make that blades, get a good rip blade, like the Amana 20
tooth Euro ripper, and a generic crosscut, like the Freud 50T all purpose.

Then, come January, upgrade the rip fence if you feel the need. Bies, Unifence,
a friend loves the Vega, they are all good.

Then you can change the pulley to a turned steel one and the belt to a link
belt, but that's really much less important than the blade.
Enjoy!