Abstract: A papermaking process dry end slabbing method using high pressure fluid cutting moves generally parallel to a spool at the end of the papermaking process. The process removes multiple layers of unwanted paper which may be of the wrong grade, poor quality, mis-spooled or otherwise damaged from the spool. A first method uses a carriage mounting an articulated cutter. Vertically extensible pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders and anti-oscillation and thrust support telescopic stanchions displace the cutter in response to input from a set of sensors used to detect a surface of the paper. A track embedded in the floor guides the carriage generally parallel to the spool. The track can be a geared rack, a rail, a channel defined in the floor or a wire embedded in the floor. A driven pinion gear or wheel, undriven foot or wheel, or sensing equipment disposed within the carriage interacts with the track to guide the carriage.