Thanks chaps for your comments.
Yes, I knew better than to change horses but I have found that the new lacquer is better, dries faster and harder.
Bought some replacement Pup mounts in metal but managed to bugger up the retaining screws.
The ones for my pups are 2.5mm x 30mm, all the others I have are 3mm - sighs.
The other thing I want a steer on is how to fill the small gap between the heel and body.
My idea was to use a mix of mahogany dust, some lightweight filler and mix it with stain and maybe a dibble of PVA.
Anyone any other ideas ?
Cheers and thanks for your help and encouragement.