Question about what to use as pre-stain conditioner

[mp]

I went and bought some of the Minwax stuff. It works well enough but it's somewhat pricey and my local store doesn't carry it. Can anyone suggest any alternatives? Thanks.

[JGS]

[D. Martin]

I have tried a water based stain that does not require a conditioner. It works well for me and doesn't have that chemical smell like Minwax.

Here is the l>I went and bought some of the Minwax stuff. It works well enough but it's

[mp]