"Ken Moon" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hi,
This is a flat wood question, but I know there are enough knowledgeable
people here to get a good answer. SWMBO has a hutch base that is to be
refinished. ( I expect to display some turnings in the completed hutch.)

I took the existing finish (varnish or poly) off the top with a 1/2 sheet,
dual action pad sander, but it took hours. The wood is combinations of
solid oak and oak veneer plywood. I'm now thinking about using a belt
sander for the removal of the finish on the ends and front. The big
question is whether or not a belt sander is advisable on veneer, or is the
problem of cutting through to base plywood too big a probability? What
grit belt wouold you start with on veneer? The belts I have here now are
80, 120,
150, and 220. All opinions appreciated.

No belts. They'll make a mess of the paint as they heat it into the veneer
then remove the veneer altogether.

If you can do cabinet scrapers, that would be my first choice. Great on
flat surfaces, but not confined insides and carvings. If you've got a lot
of those inconveniences, you'll have to go to the strippers. Now a warning
on them. Some of the older glues won't tolerate water-based strips, and
methyl chloride varieties are dangerous to humans. Take your choice based
on ventilation.

I'd rather build furniture than refinish it. Did that when we were fresh
married, and vowed never again after the fourth piece. Think I only did two
or three after that.