RE: New to scratch building!
I use the 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol( not rubbing its to expensive) for bending balsa works great drys fast, Med.CA for tacking down sheeting.
I wouldn't use vinegar your putting acid on the wood which breaks it down, some like the amonia and water but I prefer the denatured it will evaporate so fast that there is less chance of warping the structure.