A folding drum and method of operation is disclosed. The folding drum is used for folding material, in particular for a printing press. The folding drum is mounted rotatably on its longitudinal axle. The folding drum has a folding-blade spindle, the longitudinal axle of which is coupled to the longitudinal axle of the folding drum and is spaced apart from the longitudinal axle of the folding drum. Furthermore, the folding drum comprises a force generation means for generating a relief force which is opposed to a centrifugal force which is generated in the case of a rotating folding drum by the co-rotating folding-blade spindle. Thus, the disadvantageous influence of the centrifugal force can be reduced. As a result, in particular, a mounting of the folding-blade spindle can be relieved. The wear of the mounting can be reduced and its service life can be increased.