Thanks all for the tips, building my stand in the next couple weeks and you guys had some great suggestions. Mav post back if you learn any tricks along the way.

Also, how much stain is expected to be used? HOw much are you using for your 45?

Will do. Ive bought a 940 something ml container. Ive done several test pieces and have hardly used any of it. I cant see it using much more than this if any but thats just a guess :)

well im still having trouble with the clear coat. Ive conditioned the wood first, then added the minwax 2 in 1. I still notice bubbles in the polyurethane so i wiped off the first coat with a rag. It looked great but didnt have to much of a shine (defiantly noticed how much easier it was to keep even after conditioning the wood) Tried to apply a second coat after sanding with fine steel wool and still, the clear keeps bubbling... I cant figure it out and its getting frustrating. Im going to try a different method of applying it tomorrow, either a sponge or finer brush...

Are you shaking the polyurethane before you use it? This will introduce small bubbles into it. Let the can sit and stir it with a stick to prevent air bubbles.

I found mine had little bubbles to when applied but they disappeared as it dried.

stain
 

do not use a brush or sponge-a brush will leave air bubbles and a sponge will leave sponge behind-use a staining pad for finishing-lightly sand in between coats

I used a 2" wide brush for stain with no issues, finished coat was smooth.

NEVER shake stain or polyurethane, only stir as shaking really doesn't do anything because all the good stuff sits at the bottom of the gallon, shaking will also cause air bubbles.

I'm on my phone so I don't have time to read the whole thread till I get home. But I've been dealing with painting/stain products for about 10 yrs now. So I hope I can help out in the thread!

awesome thatd be great thanks! Im obviously missing something here. Im not shaking the stain/poly, im stirring it before use with a wooden stick. Im only noticing the bubbles as i start spreading the stain/poly on the wood. I cant see air bubbles in the can or while stirring. Its as if the brush is the cause. Thats weird Grizz, because the bubbles on mine dry as they sit and give the finish a rough texture.

Well I tried various methods with no success. I got ****ed off and left it for a week. Friday i went back to rona and bought stain and polyurethane containers separately along with minwax brushes specifically for stain and poly. I conditioned the wood once again before adding the stain which (you guys were right) is a must. Then i applied two coats of stain using the method listed on the can. It worked GREAT. I then applied a coat of poly this morning, once again air bubbles appeared just as bad as the 2and1 i used previously. I thought for F sakes in my head, but as it dried the bubbles did get smaller. The poly is now dry and looks alot better than it did with the two in one. The finish is still alittle rough but with a quick sand and one more coat of poly im hoping it will lay even flatter. Ill try to get a pic and update after im finished, perhaps monday. So in my experience i wouldnt use the 2 in 1 again. Im not sure what i was doing wrong but i just couldnt get it together. I should say I am doing this inside (windows open) and my current tank is in the vicinity. I read air bubbles in poly could be caused by high humidity in the area of painting. This could be a factor..