Davy, thanks - its the thread control I am after. Just wanted to know the correct direction or whatever brand is suitable. There are too many choices out there. thanks for the info on the varnishes - I've been using hard head, and its not cutting it. I too do two whips, usually three and then two, no head cement. I use wax, or nose grease for silk. Don't know why, perhaps too much self-instruction creating "abortions." Thanks for the advice, small stuff, but in flies, the devil is in the wee details.