What exactly is CA?
 

I realize it's a glue, but is it a super-glue, epoxy, or something else? I'm wondering what alternatives I can find at my "alternative" hobby store - Wal-Mart. Thanks.

RE: What exactly is CA?
 

CA is short for cyanoacrylate. There are different types of CA, one of them being the name brand SuperGlue. I have found that CA is offered in larger bottles than is available at Walmart and in most cases it is cheaper per ounce. I don't normally use CA for model building but when I have an application for it, I buy it in small quantities from Walmart for the simple reason that it hardens in the container, bottle or tube, before I use it all.

RE: What exactly is CA?
 

Here is a website which will just about tell you everything you want to know about this glue. http://www.cyanoacrylate.org/

Although there are several other glues you can use to build r/c model airplanes, I can't think of anything that can surpass it's cure time and eaze of use. There are about 3 different thicknesses to cover just about whatever need you may have.

I use CA on just about everything except when epoxy or foam friendly glues are necessary.

RE: What exactly is CA?
 

CA is usually the glue of choice for most modellers. And it'll find a use with other things around the house!

Rumor has it, that it was originally developed for use 'in the feild' as 'liquid stitches' for the army guys if they cut themselves. hence why it's soo good at sticking fingures together!!

It is better to buy it in bulk (by the once) and it is better (my opinion) to get the 'medium' as it's better at filling small gaps, and dosen't run! Keep it in teh fridge when not in use, as the cold prolongs its life.

But it does dry (cure) very hard. Sanding it weill always be a pain, and never a nicve job. Most modelers use Aliphatic resin (carpenter's wood glue, the yellow stuff) for butt glueing sheets, and parts taht are expected to sanded later. it sand soooooo much easier! but takes a little longer to cure..

RE: What exactly is CA?
 

well as was already stated CA is superglue but i think you will find that wal-mart and most other retail stores to be much more expensive hobby store glue is around five bucks for a couple of ounces wal-mart glue is what like five bucks for a tenth of an ounce however epoxy is cheaper at wal-mart i have found so tower gets my glue money and wally world gets my epoxy money :D

RE: What exactly is CA?
 

One thing about CA from a hobby store vs Walmart or a hardware store is the forumla of the glue.

CA comes in many forumlas for various uses, thin for tight fitting wood joints and CA Hinges, medium and thick for gap filling (and other uses), some companies sell specifc forumlas for plastics. There are CAs that are good for people who are alergic to the fumes and that work on styrofoam with out melting it. (most CAs eat foam).