So it sounds like people have different ways of doing things..
I don't have the glass/epoxy yet and I"m pretty sure I'd fling a lot of cuss words if I really messed it up.
Although I'm pretty sure my patience aren't going to let it just sit there until I can get more wood...
maybe I'll just rough sand and not totally finish it off... That will at least keep me going in a forward direction :)
Thanks for the input fellas, much appreciated!

And John, good idea with the little bolt/wing nut clamps.
Have been struggling a little to keep strips in line at tight spots where regular clamps can't go. That looks like just the solution.