Hi,
I'm just returning to this hobby after 25 years (college, raising kids, federal prison, etc) and have questions regarding adhesives. Back in my youth, there were three basic choices: Elmer's Glue, Ambroid, and Devcon epoxy. Now, there's CA, CA-, and CA+, Titebond, Weldwood, Goo, Shoe Glue, etc. And epoxy comes in 5, 15, 30 and 45 minute formulas. Is there a book that explains when to use what?

And yes, I was kidding about the federal prison thing. It was marriage. (But, really, it wasn't much different :-)

I don't know of any book.
Basically your wood glues can be used for general assembly where you are willing to have a little "set" time. They are easy to sand and usually water soluable for easy cleanup. I use Titebond II myself but have heard that Elmers makes a good wood glue also.
CA's are used if you are in a bit more of a hurry and are fine in their own way. They can glue your hands to the project if not careful and the fumes can be very irritating to some and some develope severe alergies to it. Thin CA is used for general assy with tight fitting parts. CA+ or thick is used if you have small gaps between materials or desire a slower setting time. CA can be very hard to sand. An accelerator can be used to speed up the setting time.
Of the epoxies, I would recommend the 30 minute type usually. It give you time to mix properly and apply carefully before it starts to set up. It can be thinned slightly by adding a couple of drops of alcohol (denatured is preferred). Heat from something like a Monokote heat gun will also cause it to thin and be easier to spread when used to fuelproof wood. I tend to buy my epoxy at the LHS in the hope that it is more resistant to fuel than typical hardware store stuff but I may be just fooling myself.
Most assembly instructions will recommend the correct glue for a particular application. Unless your experience/knowledge exceeds the maunfacturer it would be wise to follow them.

Ditto to all Bruce said. I'll just expand a little on CA use.

I love using CA. It's one of those things that some people love, some hate, and some don't care either way.

Personally, I use Medium CA for almost everything. I use thin very rarely. I probably wouldn't even buy it anymore except for the fact that it is the ONLY glue to use for CA Hinges (Another big innovation since you left - For more info on that [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=55]CLICK HERE[/link]

CA is basically what the layman calls "Crazy Glue". It makes building time next to nothing (You don't have to stop and wait overnight while the glue dries) but you don't get too much of a chance to change things if you make a mistake.

I forgot to mention that the epoxy is used for things like mounting firewalls and other structures that take a lot of abuse. Avoid it's use in the tail or as a general adhesive as it adds weight. 30 minute version is also reputed to end up stronger than the quicker drying versions.

What bruce88123 said! I have Duco glue, which is similar to Ambroids and Ambroids is still available if you need it. I don't use it much, but do have it on hand, for some applications. I still do use Alphatic Resin or what is mostly known as carpenter's (Titebond, Elmers, etc.) glue in my neck of the woods. I find it works very nice for sheeting leading edges or other places, where you want a slow setting, strong bond. It allows you to get glue on all the mateing surfaces, before they are joined. I have 5 minute and 30 minute epoxys. I also have RC Z 56, a great glue for gluing canopies to fuselages or other plastic parts to the airplane. I have on hand Gorila Glue, which is great for gluing anything to anything else.

I don't know of a glue book either. I have found quite a few of the instruction manuals do mention which adhesive to use where a specific type is the better choice.

Since I have become allergic to CA, I primarily use "Titebond". I still use CA, although sparingly, usually outdoors or with big time ventialtion. It does have advantages for hinges and its fast reaction time and I can't resist using it once in a while. I use epoxy quite frequently, 6 and/or 30 minute; it has strength and if need be, can be loosened with a heat gun if necessary.

For what it's worth, watch out for that CA; if you find you have an adverse reaction when using; please quit. IMO it can be very hazardous to one's health.

DaveB

Speaking of hinges, are "pinned" hinges out? I know Dubro (and others) still make them but CA hinges seem to have taken over.

Pinned hinges are still very common. I now use Robart pined hinges exclusively, but I have used my share of CA hinges. Most kits/ARFs come with CA hinges I believe mainly because they cost less (lowers kit/ARF cost) and they are easier to install. There is nothing wrong with CA hinges, but I believe the Robart hinges are superior, but they do take longer to set and cost more than CA hinges.

I prefer Robart hinge pins but in applications with very thin trailing edges I will use flat pinned hinges like these:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXD941&P=ML
Personally not a fan of CA hinges but OK for those who do like them, many do.