Done a few tables in my time, but learnt with the finishing of timber kitchens, mainly raw timber in my younger days, Belt sanders are good to start with if you want to remove a certain amount but watch your grit size. Always go with the grain. Then finish off with a orbital sander with a very fine grit. A good finish for a table is Danish Oil, a very hard wearing product but very easy to apply. 4 to 6 coats depending on depth you want but allow a day between coats and a very fine sand between coats with emery paper. Also to get a good finish requires a good brush, not one that has been used with various paints as minute particles will come out of the brush and stand out on a large flat surface.
