Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding dynamoelectric machine field windings including a winding tool supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to a stator supported by a stator nest assembly. Upper and lower wire holders are supported on the winding, tool and are slidably movable relative to the winding tool. The upper and lower wire holders are located on opposite sides of a stator to be wound and are biased by compression springs in a direction toward a respective end of the stator. As the winding tool reciprocates in a longitudinal direction, the upper and lower wire holders alternately engage the upper and lower ends of the stator to alternately clamp upper and lower end loops of field windings being formed by the apparatus.