Abstract: A wire cooling system for use in a wire drawing machine includes a capstan around the periphery of which is wound the wire to be drawn, thereby forming a jacket. A plurality of ports are formed in the capstan and open onto the periphery thereof. Cooling liquid is supplied to a first port and thereby passes through a space of the periphery of the capstan and the turns of the wire forming the jacket, thus cooling the wire. Compressed gas is supplied to a second port, thereby draining and recovering the cooling liquid. Compressed gas is supplied to a third port spaced axially of the first port, thereby controlling the circulation of the cooling liquid through the space.