A method and apparatus (8) for forming filter tubes (36) is disclosed. A filter element (10) is delivered to a flute (13) on a feed drum (12) having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers (30,32) axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A tipping drum (20) accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces (22), and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.
