The separator of the machine is constructed to retain the paper web on the inner (upper) wire upon separation of the two wires. To this end, the separator positions the roll for the outer (lower) wire downstream of the point of separation of the two wires. A suction box can be used in the separator roll to assist in retaining the paper web on the inner wire (FIG. 1). The inner wire extends from the separator along a straight run which defines an angle of less than 90.degree. relative to the straight path traversed by the two wires upstream of the separator.