Anyone know the best way to remove an old veneer from a cedar chest? I've been chipping away at it but have gouged the cedar underneath a few times and don't want to do it again.
Thanks.

Try sanding off the old finish. If it's a clear varnish you could just sand it a little to roughen it up then apply a second coat of varnish right over it to smooth it out without taking off the first

You are asking about removing the wood veneer and not the actual finish, correct?

If you are trying to remove veneer, then I would suggest a rag that has been soaked in water, squeezing off the dripping water from it, and then applying the wet rag and a hot iron on the wet rag in order to loosen the glue of the veneer. You could then work quickly (before the glue sets again) with a large putty knife or chisel in order to remove the veneer.