rods each of predetermined length preferably the subdividing means is controlled relative to the rate of movement of the continuous rod such that a plurality of rods each of a discrete predetermined length are provided suitable subdividing means 20 are commercially available as components within the previously described cigarette rod making machines sensing means 25 is capable of sensing metal particulates within the moving continuous rod 10 a conveniently useful sensing means includes a magnetic field variance device 30 having a ring like shape such that the continuous rod 10 can pass therethrough while moving from the rod forming unit 15 to the subdividing means 20 the ring like machine field variance device 30 is connected to a detection means 35 such as an amplifier the sensing means is operated in a manner such that a magnetic field is set up within the magnetic field variance device and a metal particulate within the continuous rod moving through the hollow ring portion of the magnetic field variance device acts to provide a variance in the magnetic field the variance in the magnetic field is provided by a metal particulate within the rod as sensed by the detection means 35 a suitable magnetic field variance device is a commercially available keyence ta 310 sensor ring by keyence corporation a suitable detection means is a commercially available keyence ma 340 amplifier by keyence.