Removing old furniture veneer

[canetoad]

I'm restoring a small console table from the 40s or 50s. Most of the veneer has cracked and peeled off, some parts are quite stubborn to shift.

What's the best approach - heat gun, some kind of solvent, patience and determination?

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

1. It's just glued on.

you got the right idea add in a scraper -beveled putty knife ,try a little heat some solvent -,a palm sander,that's it.Patience is the key,you pretty much got it.

[canetoad]

2. Thanks

I was hoping for a magical solution. Seems it's just time and effort.

[pipoman]

3. I have had luck with

a damp towel and an iron..steaming it, especially if you have an exposed edge..the glue at that time was water soluble.

[Paper Roses]

4. If it is not too big, a good soak in the bathtub(hot water) will loosten the glue.

It should be easier to remove with a scraper after the soak.
My husband used to remove great old veneers from stuff that was no good otherwise. Always worked.
If you use a heat gun, be careful, you could burn the wood if you get too close.

Never did this but I am told that you can, with a damp cloth between, iron the wood to soften the glue.
Remember that there will always be a residue of glue to remove before you start the refinishing job.