Abstract: A machine for cutting slices from a cylinder of material. The machine has a machine frame with a holding assembly thereon for holding a cylinder of material for cutting and rotating the material cylinder about a central longitudinal axis. A disc shaped rotatable cutting blade is carried by the carriage assembly and drive means rotates the cutting blade. A carriage assembly is mounted on the frame for movement to present the rotating cutting blade to the rotating material cylinder for cutting the cylinder transversely into material slices. A brake mechanism is actuable to positively brake gripping chuck rotation upon cessation of the gripping chuck drive means operation. Moreover, a separate brake mechanism is operable to positively brake cutting blade rotation upon cessation of the cutting blade drive means operation. This braking prevents free running of the gripping chuck, material cylinder and cutting blade.