hi cathy,
we use a hydrometer to check the water content of the alcohol after
recycling.  we then add 100% to bring the distillate to 95% for use.  i
think the best we've even gotten straight of the still is 90%.
any alcohol contaminated by xylene (or substitute) should be handled as the
contaminate....not as alcohol.  you'll never be able to get the xylene out
of the alcohol but you can get alcohol out of xylene.
happy holidays,
carrie kyle-byrne
eire@teleport.com