Order of doing things assemble then Stain or Stain first

[code4pay]

Newbie question, I have partly made a new 4 legged bar stool, with slats for the the seat. I am at the point where I need to assemble it. I would like to stain it a teak colour (it is radiata pine). going from what I have read on here I will, sand the peices, then wet then dry then sand again then apply the stain (thinned black japan).
Two questions.
1. Should I assemble it all before doing the sanding and staining?
2. What finish would I put over the black japan stain, shellac?

Regards
Mike.

[Arron]

Generally, assemble then stain. The exception would be things which you cant really reach after assembly.
If you stain before assembly then any rework, glue spills or sanding/blending will marr the stain.
Dont forget, if staining pine you will likely get a blotchy result unless you use a Pine Sealer first. Feast and Watson make one, available at Bunnings.
Cheers
Arron