Abstract: In an automatic lathe, a rotatable turret head is supported on a cross slide arrangement for longitudinal and transverse movements with respect to a headstock spindle. At least one counter spindle, associated with the headstock spindle, clamps a workpiece to be severed from the workpiece rod material. The counter spindle and at least one tool holder are arranged on the turret head whereby either the Counter spindle or the tool holder can be moved selectively into alignment with the headstock spindle by the rotation of the turret head. Additional tool holders, disposed spaced and parallel to each other on an additional tool carrier, can be moved selectively into alignment with the counter spindle. At least one turret head tool holder is a multiple tool holder with a plurality of tool clamping devices arranged spaced and parallel to each other. In one turret head position, one tool clamping device is opposite the headstock spindle and the counter spindle is opposite one of the additional tool holders.