A friend has a 60 year old table made in the Philippines. It isn't very
well made, but is his only remembrance of his father. It is in sad
condition and he would like me to refinish it.

The top is easy. It is flat lauan with no discernable finish; I can just
sand and varnish it.
The bottom is bamboo with a black lacquer. The lacquer has flaked off a
quarter of it, and is loose on much of the rest. If I can get it all off
cleanly I would like to just varnish it. If it doesn't all come off, or
leaves a bad surface, I would paint it black.

So, how do I get 60 year old black varnish off bamboo?