Abstract: A work rotating apparatus for laser machining has a reduction unit with input and output shafts, and a motor for rotating the input shaft. The output shaft is a hollow shaft having an axial through hole. A work holder, mounted on the output shaft, also has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the output shaft. A long workpiece can be held in the work holder with a part of the workpiece extending through the through hole of the work holder and into or through the through hole of the hollow output shaft. This enables the workpiece to be held more stably and securely, and allows the portion of the workpiece which is being machined to be positioned close to the work holder.In one version, the reduction unit is supported by mounting legs, enabling the work to be positioned close to the laser machine table and farther from the laser head.

Abstract: A work rotating apparatus, for use in conjunction with a laser machine tool, comprises a frame, a rotatable shaft mounted on the frame for rotation on an axis, and a work mounting chuck supported by the shaft. A first disc is fixed to and rotates with the shaft. A second, stationary, disc is mounted on the frame in opposed relation to the rotatable disc. Recesses, formed on one of the discs, are positioned in circumferentially spaced relationship to one another, in a circle centered on the axis of the rotatable shaft. A spring-loaded ball detent is provided on the other disc for engagement with selected ones of the recesses. The work can be easily moved to each of several preset angles of inclination. A lock lever is provided to lock the shaft not only at the preset positions, but at any other desired position, so that any desired angle of inclination of the work can be achieved.