Abstract: A mandrel design for use in a machine which forms a toroid of a plastic material such as bagel dough, including a tapered plate having a wide end and a narrow end. The tapered plate is oriented so that the plastic material encounters the wide end of the tapered plate first. The wide end of the tapered plate gradually fairs into the shape of the underside of the mandrel such that the combination of the mandrel and tapered plate presents a smooth surface to the plastic material as it travels beneath the tapered plate and mandrel joint.