Well if it helps,  I don't even try staining by hand any more unless it's a small item. 
It's just easier for me to put the stain in a cup gun and spray it on,  then wipe it down. (sections going from end to end)

Then after everything is stained I turn down the material volume, and turn up the air pressure, then lightly go over it to even out the color wherever I think it needs a squirt.

Figuring out how to do something you have never done is what makes a good challenge.