In a machine for packaging stacks of multiply articles of paper into wrapping sheets, a first line conveys stacks of multiply articles of paper to a a wrapping station while a second feeds wrapping sheets to the wrapping station. Each sheet is kept vertically in a waiting position in the wrapping station until one stack is moved towards the sheet, so that the sheet gradually folds around the stack with overlapping parallel edges to be heat-welded. In the said second line there are first endless belts and second endless belts for a wrapping sheet received from conveying means situated upstream. The sheet is pulled up to the wrapping station and is clamped in the wait position by suction.
An overwrapping machine for packets of cigarettes, wherein a first feed line feeds the packets of cigarettes successively along a first path, and a second feed line feeds sheets of transparent packing material successively along a second path intersecting the first path at a cross station to pair each packet with a respective sheet of packing material; and wherein a guide for the packets is located upstream from the cross station, and has an output end, for the packets, facing the cross station; the guide is movable to and from a forward operating position, in which the guide forms part of the first path, and the output end of the guide is positioned substantially contacting the second path.