Abstract: Rods or tubes are arranged in a first plurality of layers in which their number increases by one from layer to layer, and in a succeeding plurality of layers wherein they similarly decrease in number. A stack support can be lowered from an uppermost elevation in increments equal to the layer heights. A lateral backing stop comprising two superposed rollers is connected to the stack support and lateral backing arms are spaced from the stop and move relative to the stack support so that the extent of the arms above the support increases as it is lowered. The stop, stack support and arms define four successive sides of a regular hexagonal prism. A plurality of carrying arms are closely spaced above the uppermost elevation of the stack support to receive each layer and support it, the carrying arms being operable to move therewith to a position over a portion of the support between the stop and backing arms, and then to a position beyond the stop.