that the fiber lap 18 is resolved essentially into individual fibers or fiber groups and at the same time by virtue of the guide member 17 the fiber lap 18 undergoes a sharp change in direction before it enters the effective zone of the second licker in 3a in this manner the fiber lap 18 is very thoroughly pulled apart resolved so that waste material and dust still remaining in the fiber lap 18 can be removed to a high percentage the shape and size of the guide member 17 may be adapted to the specific functional and constructional requirements its surface may be planar and smooth while its portion contacting the fiber lap is preferably rounded the rounded surface too may be provided with grooves knurls or the like as noted earlier in operation the appropriately positioned guide member 17 functions as a backup support for resolving the fiber lap 18 by the licker in 3a the guide member 17 is adjusted to assume its most advantageous position for the staple length of the fibers to be processed deflecting plates 19 and 20 form an outlet through which the waste and very short fibers may drop out after the fiber lap 18 is pulled apart by the licker ins the distance between the guide member 17 and the deflecting plate 19 is adjustable such that the size of an air inlet opening between the two components may be adjusted the air passing between the guide member 17 and the deflecting plate 19 by virtue of the rotation of the licker ins draws off for recovery all long fibers advanced.