Abstract: A twin wire forming apparatus for forming a web from stock having an ash content above 20% has upstream end disposed closely adjacent to a headbox. A curved shoe cooperates with a second wire and is immediately downstream relative to the upstream end of the forming section. The second wire is between a first wire and the shoe, so that a first portion of water is removed through the first wire when the wires and the stock move over the shoe. A dewatering device is between the shoe and the downstream end of the forming section and cooperates with the first wire and is on the opposite side of the wires relative to the shoe. The dewatering device has a curvature which is less than, and opposite to that of the curved shoe. A second portion of water is removed from the stock through the second wire during movement of the stock and the wires over the dewatering device.