how can I refinish hardwood stairs?

Question

The stairs have been heavily varnished and the stain has penetrated deep. The size of the steps and the proximity of the risers and the side molding make it difficult to use a power tool to sand the whole surface of the stair tread.

Answer 1

Man, that sounds like a rough job!

Is it possible to take the stair treads apart, and get them planed down some? That would remove the stain/varnish...

Otherwise, use a little bitty sander like a "Mouse" (sears) to get in those corners.