Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece at a plurality of working positions, employing a pulsed laser under external control, comprises effecting continuous relative movement of the workpiece and the laser the rate of movement being synchronized with the laser firing so that on successive laser pulses the laser beam is aligned with different work positions on the workpiece. Apparatus for machining a workpiece according to this method comprises a mechanism for effecting continuous relative movement of the workpiece and a pulsed laser operable under external control, a position transducer to determine the relative positioning of the workpiece and the laser, and a closed feedback control loop to ensure that each time the laser is pulsed it is aligned with a predetermined work position on the workpiece, the rate of movement being similar to the rated pulse repetition rate where possible.