Pines tricky to stain … maybe a dye stain would be the best choice. Ive used General Finishes dye stain with good reults onsoft woods like pine. Finish, id go with wipe on poly, miniwax is fine. If you want to go full strength brush on, a foam brush will do. No need to sand after stain unless it has raised the grain and feels rough. 240 should be ok after the first coat of poly … 320 may even be better, less chance of sanding through.
Good luck and remember, around here, no pics and it didnt happen ;)
Welcome to the gang.
-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty
