Stripping Trim

It's something that almost every old home owner does at one time or another. We've been doing our hallway now since September. We've taken a lot of breaks, but it sure is time consuming. I've been using mostly Super Strippa, by LePage, it's the harsh stuff with the metylene chloride in it. The technique has been to put it on thick, and cover it in plastic, then let is sit for around an hour. This seems to work for the first 6 coats of paint. There is a thick coat of what I think is a shellac based paint. The stripper softens it, it doesn't bubble up though. When it's mostly wood I've been using denatured alcohol or methyl hydrate, as it's know here. I usually start out with a paint scraper and a 3" drywall knife. Then I use those 3m pads, the scotchbrite things, and a toothbrush to finish it off.

Does anyone have a better technique? I've looked at the heat guns, I just don't know if it's going to do a better job. Since I'm half done, I can't see myself springing for the silent paint remover, does it really work that well? compared to the harsh chemicals? I can buy a lot of chemicals for $500.