the bottom portion is in communication with an external drain 20 the top portion has one or more interior walls dividing the top portion into consecutive chambers 70 corresponding in number and location to mating chambers in the bottom portion at least one of the chambers in the top portion is in communication with an external source of finish liquid 10 the dimensions of the chambers in the top and bottom portions are chosen by compromise between desire for compactness and flexibility of operation greater chamber length in the direction of yarn travel accommodates higher levels of finish application or higher yarn speeds but less compactness it is preferred that the length of the chambers in the direction of yarn travel is between about 1 cm to about 10 cm and more preferably is between about 1 25 cm and 7 cm the width of the chambers is preferred to be between about 0 2 cm and 2 cm the depth of the chambers is preferred to be between about 1 cm and about 7 cm it is preferred that finish liquid is fed to two or more sequential chambers and that excess finish liquid is disengaged from the yarn in two or more subsequent chambers there are also means not shown to hold the bottom surface of the top portion and said top surface of the bottom portion together in mated and sealed position preferably the top portion and the bottom portion are connected at one of their side surfaces by hinge means preferably the top portion and the bottom portion are connected at the other of their side surfaces by quick opening clamps.