Abstract: A multi-spindle machine tool comprises a frame mounting an indexable work spindle carrier which carries a plurality of rotatably mounted work spindles, and a workpiece gripper mounted on each spindle and including an actuating element movable axially of the associated spindle to open and close the workpiece gripper. A ring surrounds all of the spindles and is angularly movable about an axis coincident with the axis of the carrier, and a cam surface on said ring co-acts with said actuating elements whereby the grippers can be opened and closed by a sequence of operations including angular movement of the ring and indexing of the spindle carrier.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machine tool has a frame, a work spindle carrier and its rotatable work spindles indexably mounted on the frame, and a main drive shaft provided with a main brake and a main clutch. A plurality of clutches and selectively actuable to place the work spindles respectively into and out of driving engagement with the main drive shaft, and a plurality of selectively actuable brake devices are provided for the respective spindles. The arrangement is such that one or more of the work spindles can be arrested at a stage in a machining cycle by first disengaging the main clutch and applying the main brake so as to arrest all of the work spindles, and then actuating the appropriate ones of the clutches and brake devices so as to hold the appropriate work spindle or work spindles while the remaining work spindles are re-started.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool slide having a body with a generally cylindrical external surface and a plurality of external grooves therein. Each adjacent pair of grooves defines therebetween a respective dovetail-section rail on which a tool holder can be mounted in use. In practice, the tool slide may be combined with at least one tool holder mounted on one of the rails and having a part-cylindrical locating surface which is complementary to the external surface of the tool slide.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machine tool has a frame mounting a workpiece holder which carries a plurality of rotatable spindles, a tool slide mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from the workpiece holder and adapted to mount at least one tool when in use, and a drive for the tool. The drive includes a main drive shaft, a mounting block on the frame having a plurality of mounting surfaces parallel to and disposed around the main drive shaft, and a respective auxiliary drive shaft for the tool. The auxiliary drive shaft is driven by the main drive shaft and rotatably supported by a respective block which is removably secured to a respective one of said mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machine tool has a frame, a work spindle carrier and its rotatable work spindles indexably mounted on the frame, and a main drive shaft arranged to drive the work spindles. A tool slide is mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from the spindle carrier, and movement of the slide and indexing of the carrier are controlled by a cam shaft. A drive input shaft transmits drive through a gear train from the drive input shaft to the main drive shaft and the or each cam shaft, the gear train being mounted in a readily accessible position on the frame so that gears thereof can be readily changed, and the or each cam shaft being arranged at a side of the frame so that said cams are readily accessible for changing.