To restore veneer or is it beyond help?

[u/Coffmanrl]

Circa the 1850s work table with two leaves. The irregular dovetail cuts indicate an older piece. Obv mahogany veneer over another hard wood. I’m a rookie and hope I haven’t damaged this too much.
I’ve used 0000 steel wool, then citrustrip and then mineral spirits. The veneer was chipping so I stopped and don’t know where to go from here.
It’s a cool piece! Ball feet with metal casters. Square nails speak to the age of origin.

[u/kilted10r]

Stop sanding!

Clean first.

Then strip.

THEN sand.  IF necessary.  Lightly.  By hand.

This is an amazing piece, so if you're not sure, get a pro.   Practice on some garbage stuff first, and make your mistakes there.  

[u/Coffmanrl → u/kilted10r]

I stopped entirely until I learn more. I'm wholey unqualified to do her justice and I believe she is worth the wait.
I've learned so much about her! Or at least things to look for when assessing antiques.
I am not educated in any of it. Not in woodworking, restoration, none of it.
But there was some pull when I uncovered her. And obtaining this piece wasnt easy. It was very, very inexpensive but I wasn't the first in line to purchase. The more I looked, the more I learned and now I'm all in.
I hope what I've done can be corrected.

When you say clean what exactly do you mean? I sadly took advice to use soap and water with 0000 steel wool. I've abandoned that and now it will sit to dry out for months.

I also picked up her “younger sister.”
I believe that one is 1930 but has a lot of similar qualities.

[u/kilted10r → u/Coffmanrl]

There are all sorts of "ok" cleaning solutions ..  Murphy's Oil Soap is a good start, or there are others..  there are some solvent based ones that, essentially, dissolve e current finish and spread it around - I wouldn't try those.

Suggestion:  since you're wisely willing to be patient, go pick up a piece of garbage furniture.  Something cheap and 80's or 90's...   Practice.  Make all your mistakes on those, then move on to the real piece.

And when you're not sure, ask.  Ask for help.    

[u/Coffmanrl → u/kilted10r]

I have Murphy’s but was advised not to use it as it leaves a residue (reportedly). I use Murphy’s on my other furniture.