Glueup sequence question

[smorris]

I've never run across this particular problem before so I need the wisdom of the group to direct me. I'm building a dining room table for LOML out of $mahogany$ (the one from Wood magazine 2004). As part of building the pedestal I have to glue the legs to an intermediate platform and the feet to other side of the same platform, no big problem. I'm also using Behlens' water based grain filler on everything and here is my question. Can I do the grain fill and appropriate sanding before the glueup or should I do it after. Logistically it is much easier to do it before, I'm just not sure if it will effect the strength of the joint. Of course since the plans call for lag bolts into the legs maybe it doesn't matter, but I like nice strong glue joints, go figure.

It doesn't seem like it should matter but I've thought that about things before and regretted my choice.

[pelligrini]

You could tape off the areas to be glued.

[cabinetman]

I would do the glue up first.
.

[drumpriest]

I tend to do all of the pre-finishing that I can without affecting the glue joints. So if you can tape off, and just not do those areas, that's probably what I'd do, not to say that it's the best option, just how I work.

[herb fellows]

Kind of a belt and suspenders deal if you're using lag bolts also, I would do whatever is easier regarding the glue up.

[smorris]

Thanks for the help folks. I think I'll try taping off the area.