Abstract: A device is provide for operating a machine tool. The machine tool includes a rotation unit designed to rotate a workpiece about an axis of rotation with an adjustable rotational speed progression, and an ultra-short pulse laser for generating laser pulses, the laser being arranged such that material of the workpiece is removed by means of the laser pulses. The device is configured to adjust the rotational speed progression based on geometry data of a specified geometry and/or a specified surface quality characteristic value representative of a corresponding surface quality.