I've repainted a few bikes and two motorcycles. I've always used chemical stripper (aircraft remover) just because I have no idea where or how to find anyone to blast, and I have a strong preference for DIY (read - I'm a cheapskate). I find it hard to believe, however, that there is any significant risk from residue. The stuff is highly volatile, meaning it evaporates entirely in a very short time, and it is made to remove coatings from aircraft. Intuitively, I'm doubting that a substance used for that purpose would still be around if it weakened the metal.

Also, I assume it's done, but I've always wondered how someone can bead-blast a paint like Imron off a steel surface without taking some of the steel off, too. Do they somehow choose media that are harder than the paint but softer than the steel?