Refinishing the Vintage Siemens Stereo Cabinet
Ideas, anyone? I tried denatured alcohol and steel wool as a friend suggested, and then a mesh scrubber. Some of the old varnish came right off, but much didn’t, and I don’t want to scratch the veneer. I hate to take it in to someone… or use intensely nasty chemicals while preggers…. I’m open 
Did the denatured alcohol do anything to it? If not, it probably isn’t shellac. You’re most likely stuck either using a chemical stripper or sandpaper. I can’t tell from the photos how thick of a finish it is. If it is a thin finish, you could probably get away with some finer sandpaper (100+ grit). If it clogs up 100 grit paper fast, then you probably are completely stuck with chemicals.
Try Restor-a-finish! I used it on all my stuff…it makes old furniture that’s been stored in barns look new again
http://oldhouse.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/chair-restoration.html