Abstract: A numerically controlled, dual-turret lathe includes a pair of indexing turrets mounted on respective cross slides which in turn are slidably mounted on respective saddles for movement in the transverse direction of the lathe, the saddles themselves being mounted on a lathe bed for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction of the lathe. The turrets have mounted thereon a cooperative pair of gripper pawls capable of releasably holding work therebetween. As dictated by a prescribed program a numerical control system controls the movements of the cross slides and the saddles so as to cause the gripper pawls to carry the work from a preassigned standby position on the lathe bed into the chuck on the work spindle of the lathe, preparatory to the machining of the work by tools carried by the turrets.