If at all possible I prefer not to stain at all, as I'm always thinking into the future, and if the stock may need a repair or refinish sometime. The old stain always creates problems matching when repairing or refinishing.
Likewise for the finish I choose. I always want one that can be easily repaired, so as not to create more problems for myself later.
Unfortunately, some wood just doesn't "pop" unless it's got the right stain to bring out the figure, and in that situation I apply the stain as close to the end as possible. Before the finsh is applied, and after all sanding is done, other sanding needed between coats of finish.
