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After using the nail press idea for my first two, on my next two tops I came up with this simple clamping set up using wedges. Not an original idea by any means, but very simple to set up, and can work with any shape or size top plates.
Notice the arbor press for my weight on top. I do not use it for fretting.........I like the hammer method!!

How are you guys joining your tops? Show us.

Kevin

Thats the same way I do it these days, though your method looks a little neater. I usually have crap all over the place, trying to cram as much into the little time I have instead of being neat and organized.

Used the nail press for #1, the next 2 have been tape method. Not sure if I have some pics or not...

I'm a complete newbie and I joined my first top and back with the help of another guy who at that point had only built one guitar but the two of us referred to Johnathan Kinkead's method which was very similar. For downward pressure we relied of heavy objects and/or clamps and nails to maintain constant pressure on the outside edges:





Unfortunately, my top (Western Red Cedar) had a flaw so it split cleanly and my friend had to go and rejoin it using more traditional tools:

Here's the KMG production method for using wedges for clamping pressure. Building the complete, very simple set-up will save much time and add to the accuracy of the operation. Several advantages -- different size plate blanks are not a problem since the stops are adjustable. Cover the center of the base with plastic packaging tape to prevent the joint from sticking to the base. Shave a slight contour on the joint caul so pressure is applied in the center when the end clamps are tightened. Also cut a channel down the center of caul to allow clearance for a trim strip that is not exactly the same thickness as the plates. The caul should be covered with plastic tape as well.

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/Jo ... alves.html
The link shows the entire joining process which takes about 10 minutes to complete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD1Jm___ ... 4&index=36\

here is another method , see there is more than one way to do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3asM32m0S1U

Using CA is fine but not all woods do well with it . for Rosewood it is great

John -- that is a pretty neat way to do the hardwoods -- as you mention, with Spruce, Cedar, Redwood the CA could cause staining. I have a couple of three piece backs coming up I just might give the CA a whirl.