Abstract: A workpiece positioning assembly for a machine tool has first and second traverses mounted perpendicular to one another. The second traverse is unsupported at its ends and mounted intermediate its ends upon the first traverse for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the second traverse. The second traverse has a carriage movable therealong for supporting a workpiece and effecting movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the second traverse. The workpiece positioning assembly is preferably applied to a punch press.