I have done a bunch and it's not too difficult. Remove the existing finish with heat and scrappers. Apply your finish of choice by hand. If you wish poly use the rub on poly and multiple coats. If using oil, my preference, use TruOil and 0000 wool between coats.. Finish either with wax over a lightly (0000) steel wooled surface to produce the desired sheen.
PS>clean the finish(either poly or oil) off your hands with 'Skin-So-Soft'. Mix it 50/50 with tap water and shake and rub onto hands, then finish wasing using any brand soft soap. The stuff comes off the hands without cracking the skin or cuticles.