Interesting. Does the center part of the table look the same as the rest of the wood underneath? Have you tried sanding the finish off the center part instead of the CitriStrip?

I started and noticed the rough spots and quit. I think it’s ruined

The darker orange spots look posssibly rotten. Scrape it with your fingernail: Is it soft?

Frankly, I’d try masking up and using a random orbital sander, maybe 80 grit, in smooth, even strokes (don’t make patchy waves).

Worst case, pop out the center, take it to a lumber yard, and have them help you find a replacement.

Yes the spots are soft… I started with the orbital since the rest looked amazing and then saw that. Thank you so much for your help. Will try a little more sanding and then decide.

This is what it looks like now that the mineral spirits have dried

Can you find a tile that would work inside? I've seen table like this that look great. Just different from what everyone is used to. Marble maybe?

Did you sand through the veneer? (Next question: is that panel veneered?)

Sadly that table has been redone twice in all the year’s I’ve had it prior to my husbands grandmother. Yes, we’ve finally took a further look and that is definitely NOT the original wood. ( plyboard) We are going to do what the above person suggested. Cut it out take it to a lumber yard and replace it. It will be gorgeous after that with many more years of memories.

I guess you could paint the middle but I like your plan better. Good luck!