RacHunter, it is very difficult to put a helical on a vane. A straight vane has some memory and will want to be straight. I would recommend only fletching feathers with the appropriate helical. But you can put an offset on a vane (but you will need a straight clamp). That is what is usually done. In order to do this put your arrow in the Bitz, then turn the top screw in the direction you want the offset (I set the top to the left), then turn the bottom screw to the right. There is a pretty narrow range that you will be able to use dpending on your shaft size.

In order to clean the shaft and vane I usually use 91% alcohol. The shaft you can aways clean with this. But, make sure you read the manufacturers instruction before you use anything on the vane. Some vanes are already treated and will not need any preping.