Abstract: In a machine for manufacturing wire coils, wire is fed by a feeder and is shaped in a winding station to form a continuous helix the convolutions of which may adjoin each other or may be spaced predetermined distances apart. This continuous helix is cut by cutting means into wire coils having a predetermined length or number of convolutions. These coils may constitute springs or may preferably constitute electric resistance heating coils. To control the length of the wire coils, a sensing wheel is associated with the winding station and is driven by the wire and operates control means for controlling the cutting means in such a manner that the length of each severed coil is determined by the preset, measured wire length.