If the piece still has the original finish, keep in mind what you learned in
chemistry class. That is, likes dissolve likes. For example, if the piece
was finished with shellac, denatured alcohol was used to cut the shellac and
will easily dissolve it from the piece.
Some experimenting with turpentine, boiled linnenseed oil, etc. may prove
successful.
Keep in mind that some finishes are chemically changed after applying by
oxygen like poly, so this rule will not apply here. You'll need stripper or
heat, etc. for poly --dave





"Alexander Galkin" wrote in message
...
I just bough an antique hutch that is in good condition except finish. I
want to completely strip old finish and then put new finish that I have not
decided yet which one. I never stripped finish from old furniture, what the
best way to do this?