a core supply apparatus for a web slitting machine which includes a receiver arranged above support rolls of the slitting machine , said receiver adapted for holding a set of winding tubes which are dimensioned in length to correspond to the width of the sub - webs resulting from the slitting operation . the winding tubes are inserted into the receiver as a complete set for all sub - webs , and are arranged coaxially end - to - end in the receiver . upon activation of the core loading process , the winding tubes fall from the receiver into transfer elements which engage alternate tubes from alternate sides of the receiver , and separate the winding tubes toward opposite sides . the transfer elements pivot downwardly and discharge the winding tubes onto a support roll of the slitting machines or alternatively onto a guide device including angular surfaces directing the tubes onto separate winding support drums .