re: First butcher block

Tony,
Looks like OK work to me!
Have a look at my post “End grain chopping block” is shows end grain from start to finish. Lots of little pieces just the same as you are doing. There are gaps in it filled with CA glue.

The work you are doing requires heaps of specalised clamping techniques, mainly to ensure everything remains parallel and the joints are almost invisible, butt joints are a real problem as a clamp needs to be applied there too. As Brian said dont spare the glue and dont be shy malleting it if its not where you want it to be.
End Grain:
A dart board may be a good example.
If you play darts you will know the board is end grain, the darts go in and open the grain then come out again and the grain closes.
Keep up the good work.!!