Apparatus and methods for directing and feeding wire

Apparatus for directing wire having a diametric extent comprising, in combination:

• first and second guide plates, with the guide plates each including a linear portion, a first surface and a second surface, with the guide plates being removably held with their first surfaces of the linear portions abutting together, with the wire being received between the first and second guide plates, with the guide plates being positionable on the wire with the first surfaces of the linear portions abutting, wherein each of the guide plates includes an opening, with the guide plates being held relative to a driven roll;
• and a pressure roll moveable relative to the driven roll between a drive position and a disengaged position, with the wire being captured between the driven roll and the pressure roll in the drive position, with the driven roll extending through the opening of the first guide plate in the drive position and the pressure roll extending through the opening of the second guide plate in the drive position.

Apparatus for directing wire having a diametric extent comprising, in combination:

• a guide for receipt of the wire, with the guide including a first opening through which a driven roll extends to engage the wire received in the guide;
• a second opening in the guide opposite to the first opening;
• and a pressure roll moveable relative to the driven roll between a drive position and a disengaged position, with the pressure roll extending through the second opening in the guide and engaging with the wire in the drive position, with the wire being captured between the driven roll and the pressure roll in the drive position, with the guide being removably slideably received relative to the driven roll and the pressure roll when the pressure roll is in the disengaged position and held from sliding by the receipt of the driven roll in the first opening and of the pressure roll in the second opening when the pressure roll is in the drive position.