Stripper will remove all old finish. Unless it is oil soaked there is no need to soak it in anything. Just sand enough to get to clean wood and apply finish. After sanding rub some paint thinner on the new wood and that will show you what the wood will look like without stain, it may not need stain. Don't forget to whisker
(raise the grain) before applying finish. I left out many steps as they were not asked for, just offering some advice.
If it is oil soaked you can soak it in acetone. Acetone will also sometimes dissolve old glue repairs etc etc.
