Abstract: Apparatus for supporting strip material includes a discontinuous conveyor for discontinuously conveying a strip material and a continuous conveyor for continuously conveying the strip material. The strip material passes in a loop between the discontinuous conveyor and the continuous conveyor with the strip material loop varying in size as the discontinuous conveyor discontinuously conveys the strip material and the continuous conveyor continuously conveys the strip material. A conveyor belt mechanism disposed between the discontinuous conveyor and the continuous conveyor is operable to dispose a conveyor belt in a loop underlying the strip material loop.