"Owen Lawrence" wrote:

I do alternate my clamps. I've just never had them do a perfect
job of
keeping the joints perfectly aligned.

Why bother?

I don't have a biscuit machine, but I wouldn't expect
it to work perfectly either.

You could always use a router and a wing cutter.

Do you hear how often I use the word
"perfect"? I'm just hoping to do the best I can.

Then don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff.

This thread is all part
of preparing the wood.

Why?

Isn't the objective to end up with a flat panel?

There is more than one way to get there.

This wood was mostly rough cut when I got it. After removing nails
it has
been planed once, on a planer whose blades needed sharpening. A
couple of
the boards still have a little extra thickness, so I'll plane them
again.

Why?

You are trying to do the job the hard way.

I
do expect to do some sanding, but I'm trying to minimize that step.

Why?

A drum sander makes your life much easier.

Have fun.

Lew