Current project: QSWO dining table.

I just finished the initial sanding. I had thought you usually grain filled any kind of oak, but now I'm wondering about that because after reading quite about finishing for figure no mention of filling grain at all.

I am still experimenting, but I am thinking about a dye followed by a sealer (and maybe a stain) and top coat of Arm R Seal. On a couple past projects I have used Medium Walnut Danish oil followed by a clear coat and actually gotten pretty decent results.

1) How do I determine if the grain needs filling?

2) Do you do it before or after dyeing or staining? Is it best to use a clear filler?

Thx.