What is the best kind of paint stripper for an old table that has many coats of paint that I need to strip?

Look for a medium duty stripper that is specifically meant to remove many coats of paint from wood. There are liquid, gel and spray types to choose from. Generally, professional refinishers prefer to paint on the stripper, rather than dipping pieces of furniture, because it is easier on the wood.

Can you tell me why the price varies so much for different stripper products?

The more expensive products are quicker strippers, which strip the paint faster in just one application.

What is the safest type of stripper for my antique furniture?

The safest strippers are water based products which take up to 24 hours to work. A rule to follow is that the safest strippers are the least powerful and the quickest are the most powerful.