During start-up, I get as many as 10 to 15 short sheets until the line speed steadies. Once I reach this point, my sheet length control is maintained. What is causing this variation?

If your sheet length monitor reads out the proper sheet length, then the variation is caused by web slippage at the point of nip (between the squeeze roll and the draw drum).

Check your roll stand for proper brake pressure. As a rule of thumb, the initial brake setting should be set so that a full roll can be turned by one man.

Another area of adjustment would be the squeeze roll pressure. By increasing the nip pressure, you should realize better sheet length control on start-up.