Hey Spameater, thanks--glad to be a little inspiration. I'm not rushing into this little task--I know it will be a lot of "hand to hand" (though I'm looking into the wire brush option); I want to have the time to do it properly, and not start it without the time to finish it. With three little ones and the semester starting (I'm a professor), time is a little tight. I've gathered more materials and nearly have everything I need, should I begin... but, I think I'll likely have more opportunity to chop, carve, hack, and cut, and slice before I have time to strip, sand, and polish...
Either way more pics will be taken
I am, however, still wanting more info about, and if possible pics of, the stripping/polishing process... so, if you are so inclined, keep'm coming... I'm also guessing I may be the only Prof in LA with a Busse!