Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically loading empty cassettes, each containing a leader, with magnetic tape. The machine is similar in principle to the machine disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. B535,448 wherein sequentially each leader is cut into two sections, one section is sliced to the leading end of a supply tape, a selected length of the supply tape is wound onto the cassette, the supply tape is severed, the trailing end of the supply tape is spliced to the other leader section, and the trailing end of the severed length of supply tape and the other leader section are wound onto the cassette. This invention provides novel means for assuring that the leader is cut into two sections of substantially equal length.