Hey Tex, glad you like the goodies. I use minwax stain and water base poly. The bohning cresting paint will work. I apply over the second coat of poly and then seal it with a third. As for the flame cresting, I use a propane torch. You should keep a wet rag handy to cool the template, or it will get too hot and scorch the shaft, especially when burning some of the larger patterns. Do a little at a time. And do the flame cresting before you stain or apply the finish.
Hope you enjoy,
Lance