I've done a number of baskets but w/o the pins (just base and the wobbly rings). I usually start with the bottom and line up ring by ring, mark lightly with a pencil where the two layers touch, go back and add a drop of glue between the marks. Using PVA wood glue like Titebond or Gorilla Wood Glue, you need to apply pressure to force the glue to seep into the pores of the wood. I use a bowl clamp ((2) 12x12 pieces of plywood with (4) 3/8 carriage bolts & wing nuts in the corners to clamp tight). Clamp for 5 minutes then carefully remove the basket from the clamp and clean off the squeeze-out. I usually use a pocket knife or flat blade screw driver to scrape the skinned-over glue off. Re-clamp and leave for an hour or two for the glue to set.
Anyway, that's how I do them. I don't know how you'd get the pins perfect. W/o pins, there is no special alignment needed. I always thought that if I did a pins basket that I'd add the pins afterward and have the rings spring into contact with them.
