Nice start! I'm starting mine in a day or two. I've been woodworking for some time now but I don't have many bigger power tools. Just my drill, jigsaw, circular saw, dremel, router, and other small stuff among MANY hand tools. No bandsaw, electric sander, or anything like that. This will be FUUNNNNN........
I did my first couple longer too but it just didn't feel right. Yours is looking good.
I'll be at my shop later. I'll snap a pic of which stain I used last time. It worked really well in my opinion. It was a gel based stain so it added a nice weathered feel with multiple layers. I think I was just a standard walnut but I'll check. (Not that you have to use the same as me of course but just a frame of reference).
Minwax 260104444 Interior Wood Gel Stain, 1/2 pint, Chestnut https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C029KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2nIMzb5W8R8DD that is the one I used. I remember I went with Chestnut over walnut. I think the middle version of mine was walnut and it was pretty cool looking too. But I think I like the Chestnut better.
