An automated edge band application machine has a board drive assembly and an opposed caster wheel that together capture and move a work piece edge into engagement with a rotating roller banding guide with edge banding captured between. An adhesive affixes the edge banding to the work piece responsive thereto. An edging detector is located along the path of the work piece edge, in a position in advance of the board drive assembly, and is configured to detect a presence of edge band on the edge of the work piece. When the edging detector detects edging, or at a precise distance along the edge band thereafter, a cutting die assembly severs the edge band. The board drive assembly automatically adjusts to varying thickness work pieces, engages with a work piece major surface, and rotates in synchrony with a drive spindle assembly and the rotating roller banding guide.