Folder for adjustably tensioning a web and method of adjusting web tension as a web is cut

A method of varying tension in a web in a printing press folder:

• providing a first acceleration cylinder including a first contacting segment and a first relieved portion circumferentially adjacent to the first contacting segment, the first contacting segment radially protruding from the first acceleration cylinder with respect to the first relieved portion, and a second acceleration cylinder including a second contacting segment and a second relieved portion circumferentially adjacent to the second contacting segment, the second contacting segment radially protruding from the second acceleration cylinder with respect to the second relieved portion;
• cutting a moving web with a cutting apparatus to form successive signatures;
• gripping the web with the first acceleration cylinder and the second acceleration cylinder at a gripping location with the first contacting segment and the second contacting segment as the web is cut by the cutting apparatus;
• varying a tension in the web as the web is cut by adjusting the phase of the first and second acceleration cylinder with respect to the cutting apparatus;
• wherein the first contacting segment and the second contacting segment form a nip at the gripping location to grip the web and the step of varying the tension in the web includes controlling when the first contacting segment and the second contacting segment form the nip, such that during a first cutting operation the first contacting segment and the second contacting segment begin to grip the web at or close to the time that the web is cut by the cutting apparatus to create a smaller tension in the web, and during a second cutting operation the first contacting segment and the second contacting segment grip the web well before the web is cut by the cutting apparatus to create a larger tension in the web.