You are good on track

Superb, thanks Clinton.

It was making sense to me, but then read something about sanding sealer and want sure whether that should be part of the schedule.

@dhawkes1gmail-com You could (should?) always test different methods and stain on the offcut pieces. Especially when trying new products. Can save a lot of frustration later...

@swepri completely agree. I'd planned to use some of the mahogany off cuts from the build, but like to have a plan and thought it was worth me checking that my thinking wasn't off. 

I guess I should have just asked 'is sanding sealer necessary in this application' as it's the sanding sealer that I don't understand in this scenario.

Appreciate you taking the time to reply

Cheers

Dan

@dhawkes1gmail-com I have not used a sanding sealer yet. Just some stain, oil and wax. I kind of like the structure of the wood remaining under the oil. Someday I will try to spray a guitar and will probably have to use a sealer then.

A common reason to use a sealer with stain is to prevent too much soak in to the end grain risking an uneven tint colour. So it's personal preference I guess.

Appreciate that, thanks mate. Sounds like you've done the kinda thing I'm planning to do.

I'd read that oil based stain can bleed into an oil finish, that's why is owned to use water based and let it dry fully first. But what you've described makes sense.

Thanks again!

The sanding sealer would help to prevent blotchy spots in the staining. It might be a good idea on the endgrain  of a guitarbody and if applied correctly, gives you a more even result. But If you overuse the sanding sealer, I find, it does accentuate the grain structure a lot less, and that defeats the purpose of a stain a bit imho.
Try and find out how much you need, if at all.
I usually don't use it on the front and back and just a little bit on the sides.

Appreciate the advice! Thank you. I'll get some and experiment with the application and order.

I've got a plan now, thanks folks!