I scored some old science classroom table tops from our high school building today. I was told it's about 6-8 4ft by 2ft tops...about 1in thick...and 2 10ft by 2ft wide countertops...(same material)

If I remember correctly, these all have a black paint over them. I am fairly certain that they are solid wood, but i could be wrong. I know they are on the heavy side.

My plan is to use them for shelving or outfeet/assembly table construction. If i have enough, I may use them for legs of a workbench.

My question is this....if they are hardwood all the way through, I need to get that paint off....

Is sanding my best option?
Should I cut them to 8'' widths and face joint the paint off (since i'll be jointing and biscuiting them anyway for the outfeed/assembly table)

Solvents seem like a pain, but if that's what's needed, what solvents?

Thanks guys.
Matt

ps. if they aren't hardwood throughout, any suggestions?