I used it to remove previous varnish from a table, I didn't want to use a sander because the veneer was thin. This tool was exactly what I needed.. the blade scraped the surface well, with relatively little pressure, ergonomic design the handles were just right. The blade is removable and can be sharpened again with a sharpening stone. If you don't want to use a sander or chemicals for paint or varnish removal, I definitely recommend it. Just keep in mind that it involves more manual work than other methods.