Originally Posted by zelda2
most old finishes that are original and are just lacquer(shellac), can be removed with just lacquer thinner, steel wool and rags. I did an entire buffet in about 3 hours and an entire closed sewing cabinet in about 1 1/2hrs. When removed, just wipe on your favorite finish (I like than wipeable poly satin varnish) and you're done. Much easier than messing with stripper, etc. I used to own a refinishing shop so have used this very often. Good luck!
My husband convinced me to use the same thing with some of our old pieces and it worked amazingly well. Changing the procedure by having 2 coffee cans of lacquer thinner (one for "dirty" rinsing and the other for cleaning) sped up things and used fewer sections of steel wool. Patience is key. We LOVE the wipeable poly satin too. Not period correct but the finish is gorgeous and wears like a dream.