Abstract: A tail gap winder transfers a web from a first core to a second core by, immediately after the web is cut, pivoting the idler roller to lengthen the distance between the idler roller and the rotating drum to create a gap between the cut ends of the web; removing the first core from the rotating drum surface as the gap passes under the first core location; moving the second core into contact with the rotating drum surface; and winding the incoming cut edge around the second core. The idler roller pivots toward the rotating drum to decrease the distance between the idler roller and rotating drum and to take up the extra length of web during the winding portion of the operating cycle.