Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cutting segments from a continuously moving stock piece are disclosed wherein a cut-off press is accelerated to exceed the speed of the stock piece and to substantially eliminate a pushing force by the stock against a positive engagement means. The force of acceleration is reduced and controlled to maintain a minimum bias in the direction of the stock movement by the positive engagement means when the cut-off press attains a velocity equivalent to the moving stock piece. The stock piece is severed into accurate length segments during reciprocal movement cycles of the cut-off press. Back pressure on the stock piece is substantially eliminated by establishing a positive pulling engagement between the cut-off press and the stock piece when moving in the same direction during the reciprocal movement cycles.