I had some good suggestion for how to smooth the cutting board. I had it well along with a belt sander and so I finished it that way. I've since assembled three more using a different method with better results. What was suggested by the author was not the best method for me. He suggested three groups of eight sections on the table and clamped. I did all 24 pieces with them on the Bessey clamps and got better alignment. Just had to work a bit faster to beat the recommended open time.
I also adjusted my digital glue spreader to put less on the wood. Less squeeze out, less labor.