On the subject of priming, a major help is to preheat the wood prior to application of epoxy - it does a number of benificial things - it immediately lowers the viscosity of the epoxy so it soaks in deeper, then the cool down actually sucks the epoxy in deeper (because you expanded the air inside during heating), and finally, it pre-kicks the epoxy so it cures faster, thus also not prone to "drain" or starvation of the joint.
Nice progress Malcolm! I think you officially own more clamps than I do.
john.blazy_dichrolam_llc
Delta Unisaw, Rabbit QX-80-1290 80W Laser, 5 x 12 ft laminating ovens, Powermax 22/44, Accuspray guns, Covington diamond lap and the usual assortment of cool toys / tools.