Abstract: A machine for incorporating filament(s) into a fiber optic cable, e.g. a fly-off type strander (20). Strander (20) includes a frame (22) and a carriage (30) rotatably mounted to the frame. Carriage (30) includes filament packages (50) respectively mounted on fixed arbors (38) in protective barrels (33). For the prevention of snagging of the filaments on the packages, each barrel includes a respective filament guard (35) adjacent to or against which respective packages (50) are disposed. Each package (50) includes a respective filament tensioner (40) mounted to carriage (30) for tensioning a respective filament (52). As tensioners (40) are generally parallel to the axis of rotation of carriage (30), loosening or tightening of tensioner (40) during rotation of carriage (30) is avoided, whereby filaments (52) are firmly wrapped about a cable component at a controlled tension and an optimal speed.