Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis.