Abstract: Apparatus for removing chips from the machining chamber of a machine tool comprising primary and secondary chip removal ports with the primary chip port being positioned in the stream of chips emanating from the workpiece being cut and the secondary chip port being located in a trough at or near the bottom of the machining chamber for collecting chips not entering the primary chip port. A source of vacuum is applied to both ports either simultaneously or, preferably, in an alternating manner and chips are conveyed through respective conduits to a chip collection container.