Once you have begun gluing, spread it evenly across the joint and don't stop until you are finished. Avoid getting glue on the surface of the table. Put waxed paper on the top and bottom of the table t o make sure the clamps are not glued to your tabletop. Apply clamps for pressure to make the tabletop as flat as possible. Look for a slight squeeze out of glue which indicates adequate pressure.
Clamps can mar the wood.
In addition to using the wax paper, you may want to use scrap wood to protect the finish of your table top by putting the clamp face on the scrap and gently closing the clamp down. Care must be taken when you slowly tighten the clamps, in case you change the alignment of the table top. If the surface isn't smooth use your planer or belt sander. Scrape off any excess glue with a glue scraper being careful not to dig into the top. Click here to receive up to four Free estimates from prescreened and insured contractors.