Abstract: An apparatus for notching the back of a book. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the book along a conveyor path with the back of the book exposed. A cutter is provided for forming notches in the back of the book. A cutter support disc supports the cutter adjacent the conveyor path and supports the cutter for movement along a path extending transverse to the conveyor path. A first drive is connected with the cutter support dics for moving the cutter along a path extending transverse to the conveyor path. The first drive is operable in a timed relationship with the conveyor to form notches in the back of the book. A second drive is connected with the cutter for moving the cutter relative to the cutter support disc to form notches in the back of the book. The second drive is operable independent of the first drive to maintain the cutter at a speed sufficient to form notches in the back of the book regardless of the speed of movement of the cutter support disc.