a papermaking apparatus such as a fourdrinier table which includes a long blade and a trail blade . in the first aspect of the invention , the long blade includes an upper undulated surface with vents passing from the upper undulated surface to the lower surface of the long blade which is at substantially atmospheric pressure . in the second aspect of the invention , the trail blade includes an elevator - type device for adjusting the vertical position of the trail blade . in a third aspect of the invention , a single elevator is used to adjust the angle of the blade , the blade is provided as a modular or multiple - piece design , mounting buttons are used to engage slots of t - shaped cross section in the blade and / or ceramic inserts are included at wear points .