Identifying wood finish

Factual Questions
1

My father wants me to refinish a dining table he bought from someone. Unfortunately, I don’t know what to use to remove the current one or how to identify it. I came across chemical tests, using acetone or denatured alcohol, but I don’t want to spend any extra money if I don’t have to. Also,. I came across a coin test where if the finish flaked it was one type and if there was resistance, it was another type. However, one site says varnish while another site says lacquer

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Very thin veneer?

A search popped up a similar table, different size but same chairs:

http://www.cymax.com/Coaster-Damen-Rectangle-Leg-Dining-Table-in-Warm-Natural-and-White-Wood-Finish-4147.htm?Src=PLA&SrcID=5156276&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=362459&gclid=CM3Bopynm7MCFQuCQgodMWoA6Q

2

Small amounts of acetone can be bought very cheaply as fingernail polish remover. That should be a good diagnostic for you.

3

The coin tests will distinquish between polyurethane and other finishes. Fingernail polish is a good way to find out if it’s a finish that will come off easily, but it’s most urethane, which requires a strong stripper and/or sanding to remove.