Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Paint stuck in wood

I recently started stripping a diningroom table. It was painted white several years ago by the prevous owner. We found red oak under what seems like one layer of paint. My question is this... It appears as though the wood acually soaked up the paint, making the wood it self look speckled. I have applied stripper on more then one application. I have tried the steel wool and wire brush techniques. I have even tried sanding. I didn't know if there was a product or technique that could help me out. Thank you in advance for any advice. delmar.

For the bigger pcs, sharpen a 1//4" wood dowel with your pencil sharpener.