How do i efficiently remove old varnish from twisty spindle like wood?

Jacqueline Hyde
by Jacqueline Hyde

I recently acquired a beautiful old barley twist desk which there was no way around refinishing. I had a hard enough time successfully removing most the old varnish from the flat wood using chemical remover, a scraper, and hand sanding and using a sander. Now those pesky spindles are left and I can't be too aggressive with them. I'm worried I won't ever get it off because I had a hard enough time using what I did on the easier parts... Help! It's got me at a loss.

  5 answers