An apparatus for severing a workpiece having a cutting mechanism operable to cut the workpiece substantially along a selected course; drive mechanism operable to drive the cutting mechanism to cut the workpiece; a transport assembly operable to guide the workpiece in movement relative to a predetermined severing position and with respect to the cutting mechanism; and a frame mounting the cutting mechanism and transport assembly in predetermined relation to each other and relative to the severing position so that the drive mechanism is operable to drive the cutting mechanism to cut the workpiece in the severing position.