Many people seem to think that rolls can be prevented from tearing by
rewinding slowly.  I find the opposite to be the case.  Slow rewinding
puts more force on the paper edges as they are pulled tightly to the
flanges.

As long as the spoolbox is aligned well and the takeup spool rotates
freely, fast rewinding is safer.  The paper floats on a cushion of air
and will bounce off the flanges instead of smashing into them.  If the
takeup spool is binding even the slightest amount then the above does
not apply.

Spencer Chase
http://www.SpencersErolls.com/

 [ When the music paper is completely wound off of the take-up spool,
 [ a pawl in the Wurlitzer Long Roll spool frame drops into a notch
 [ in the take-up spool, which instantly stops the take-up spool with
 [ a heart-stopping "Bang!"  However, the axle of the supply spool,
 [ and the slug of paper wound on it, keeps turning while air trapped
 [ between the layers of paper is expelled.  I think this is why the
 [ paper doesn't (usually!) rip.  -- Robbie