A web treating machine and method employing a web-gripping drive surface (12), a primary member (22) that presses the web (20) against the drive surface, and a stationary retarding surface, supported by a sheet form member (24), that retards the web before it leaves the drive surface, has the following of features. The sheet form support member (24) is elastically deflectable. A tip deflector applies deflecting pressure on the downstream end of the support member to deflect the support member toward the drive member. A cavity stabilizer, in the form of a second sheet form member (26), extends in face-to-face reinforcing relationship over the initial portion of the support member in the region immediately downstream of the primary member, the portion of the support member extending between the cavity stabilizer and the tip deflector being relatively unreinforced. The cavity stabilization and tip deflection is obtained by deflection of various spring members, in one instance an advantageous gull-wing form being achieved. Both curved and flat web-driving surfaces are employed. The support member is elastically deflectable about the curved drive surface by applied tip pressure from a relatively straight unstressed shape to a bowed, elastically deformed shape that generally conforms to the curvature of the drive surface. Retarding surfaces shown include sets of ridges and grooves angled to the direction of web drive. Special formations of the retarding surfaces achieve special effects such as a tree bark appearance.
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