Sanding recommendation for minimalist

[pannierpacker]

I am a minimalist but have taken on the project of modifying a table and am currently attempting to strip off stain/varnish.  I already own a finishing sander that was given to me as a gift.  I've used this sander on some of the table support beams and am now working on the table face.  I am at a point where I'm noticing this is a lot of work an am wondering if upgrading to an orbital sander will make that big of a difference?  If so, does a regular orbital or random orbital make more sense?

[MichaelMouse]

I am a minimalist but have taken on the project of modifying a table and am currently attempting to strip off stain/varnish.  I already own a finishing sander that was given to me as a gift.  I've used this sander on some of the table support beams and am now working on the table face.  I am at a point where I'm noticing this is a lot of work an am wondering if upgrading to an orbital sander will make that big of a difference?  If so, does a regular orbital or random orbital make more sense?

Random orbit is one step more aggressive than a vibrating. Orbitals even more aggressive than that.  You won't regret a RO purchase, but use of a scraper in refinishing as the first step is what I prefer.  Fancy gets wire-brushed.

[rschissler]

I am a minimalist but have taken on the project of modifying a table and am currently attempting to strip off stain/varnish.  I already own a finishing sander that was given to me as a gift.  I've used this sander on some of the table support beams and am now working on the table face.  I am at a point where I'm noticing this is a lot of work an am wondering if upgrading to an orbital sander will make that big of a difference?  If so, does a regular orbital or random orbital make more sense?

How about starting with a chemical stripper first?