Great Planes PT-60 Kit - GPMA0119 - Manual (Page 5)

Cyanoacrylate or CA glue has changed the way models
are built more than any other advance in modeling
technology. In the good ol' days, model cement like
Ambroid, Duco, Comet, and Sigment were the glues of
choice. They all had a strong odor that could cause
dizziness, dried slowly (compared to CA) and became
brittle with age. CA, on the other hand, is stronger, works
almost instantly, and is bottled in three different viscosities
(thicknesses). CA is used for most glue joints, except where
epoxy is specified. CA does emit rather strong fumes (some
say it's like tear gas) as it cures, so rule number one is to
work in a well ventilated area. All CA glues work best if
the joints are smooth and fit well.
Thin CA is also known simply as CA.
This is the instant variety, used for most
initial assembly and tack gluing. Thin CA
is usually "wicked" into a tightly fitting
joint by putting a few drops on the seam,
then holding the parts together while the
CA penetrates and bonds the parts.
When gluing plywood or hardwood, a
mist of accelerator (see next page) will
help the CA work a little better.
Fuse = Fuselage
Stab = Horizontal stabilizer
Fin = Vertical fin
LE = Leading edge (front)
TE = Trailing edge (rear)
LG = Landing gear
Ply = Plywood
" = Inches
Balsa Basswood Plywood
CA+ is also known as medium or gap
filling CA. CA+ is used for surface
gluing, filling small gaps between poorly
matched parts, and for general purpose
applications. It cures slower than thin CA,
allowing you to apply a bead to two or
three parts before assembly. Curing time
without accelerator is 20-30 seconds.
CA- or thick CA is used when extra
positioning time is needed. CA- is a great
gap filler and is also used to make fillets
when a little extra strength is required.
Curing time is about 1-2 minutes.
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