Abstract: A web winding apparatus including a main winding drum and a web separator roll which are operatively interconnected to rotate in synchronism. The drum has a channel in the surface thereof. The roll has a cutter blade projecting from the surface thereof. At selected times during synchronous rotation of the drum and the roll the cutter blade is forced into the channel to move the web into the channel and tear the web in the channel. A hook blade having a large number of hooks is mounted at the fore side of the channel. Edges of the hooks are arranged side by side in a rearward looking pattern in the direction of rotation of the drum. Therefore, when the cutter blade plunges into the channel and the web is torn in the channel, the tail edge of the separated web is caught by the hook and held against the surface of the drum.