Disclosed herein is mechanism for lubricating the traverse portion of winding apparatus. The lubricating mechanism includes an atomizing system for introducing an oil mist into a housing which generally encloses a traverse cam mounted for rotation on suitable bearings within the housing. The oil mist is effective to lubricate the various parts of the traverse system notwithstanding that the traverse cam may be rotating at speeds of 7,000 r.p.m. and higher. The housing enclosing the traverse cam is provided with a slot through which a strand guide, attached to a cam follower, projects. The cam follower is engaged in an endless groove in the traverse cam and as the traverse cam is rotated the guide is reciprocated from end to end of the traverse cam groove and is thus operable to distribute an advancing strand with which it is engaged onto a rotating package. The oil mist is precluded from escaping through the slot in the housing by means of an impeller which operates to create a zone of negative pressure within the traverse cam housing. By such construction the oil mist is drawn to a sump area within the housing and directionally away from the traverse slot. Thus, effective lubrication of the traverse mechanism and associated parts is achieved while any substantial escape of the oil mist through the traverse slot is precluded.