a machine for manufacturing a cushioning product starting from a multi - ply stock material or the like includes a frame having a housing with an exit opening , a stock supply supported by the frame , a forming assembly causing the lateral edges of the stock material to roll inwardly to form a continuous strip having lateral pillow - like portions and a central band , a gear assembly for feeding the stock material through the forming assembly and out the exit opening , a cutting assembly intermediate the gear assembly and the exit opening for cutting a determined length of the continuous strip to produce a cushioning product and , an access assembly for permitting the cushioning product to be fed therethrough and inhibiting access to the cutting assembly from outside the housing .