Abstract: A turret type yarn winder comprising a first detecting means (32) for detecting the arrival of an empty bobbin at a yarn-transfer position (F) and outputting a signal, a second detecting means (46) for detecting the arrival of a traverse guide (5) at one turning point and outputting a signal, a third detecting means (47) for detecting the arrival of the traverse guide (5) at another turning point and outputting a signal and a pneumatic cylinder mechanism (42-45) for axially shifting a yarn traverse cam (4a) momentarily by a predetermined distance, whereby the traverse guide can be traversed while exceeding a yarn holding device (38) on the base end of a bobbin. The respective bobbin chucks (1a, 1b) are driven by a common motor via a respective clutch mechanism (50, 167); the clutch mechanism (50, 167) being selectively maintained at one phase of either a full engagement, half engagement, or disengagement during the path of an orbital motion.