A vacuum timing device for applying a vacuum on a roll includes a roll with an axis of rotation, a surface, and a surface longitudinal axis oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The device also includes at least one vacuum line running along at least a portion of the length of the roll. The device also includes a plurality of apertures defined in a surface of the roll and in fluid communication with the vacuum line. In order to alleviate angular delay of vacuum propagation, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a line that is skewed with respect to the surface longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a line that is skewed away from the direction of rotation of the roll, thereby substantially eliminating the angular propagation delay as the vacuum roll operates.