This is from someone who owned a cabinet shop for 25 years and did alot of finishing.(and stripping)
Go with the stripping! Be sure to tape off any area that you don't want stripped and check it often
that the stripper is not getting under the tape. After you have scraped off all the goo (and try to scrape
with the direction of the wood grain) wash the area down with laq.thinner . You can use a stiff bristle
brush for stubborn spots. DO NOT USE A WATER BASE STRIPPER. This will raise the grain and make your life hell
not to mention make alot more work for you. After you have it all stripped and washed then you can sand it with some fine
sandpaper. I would say # 220 grit no rougher because your dealing with maybe 1/16'' ven. Again only sand with the grain.When you finish
sanding blow everything off with an air hose and then wipe the whole thing down with a tack rag. Then you can stain and finish. Don't use a
water base stain or you will raise the grain again. You will get a much nicer finish if you are good with a spray gun for the finish coats. You can use a water base
finish coats if you want over the stain but, I really don't like them much, and I really don't know a good finisher that does.
Choctaw