On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 21:55:25 -0400, (J T)
wrote:

I'm trying to keep away of nasty stuff, as much as possible, so
been googling for safe paint strippers.

If it removes paint, it's nasty.

TSP [Trisodium Phosphate] available at your local lumber yard or
hardware. I cleaned 80 yr old old varnished wood easily by brushing
on a supersaturated solution. Apply. Wait. Brush vigorously with a
stiff brush [a cut-down old paintbrush works well]. Hose off with
water. Dry in the sun.