Abstract: An automatic program controlled profile lathe for turning cylindrical workpieces with rough and finished cuts is described. The lathe has a cross feed on which a post is slidably located. A tool is held on the post in opposition to the workpiece and hydraulic means are provided for reciprocally moving the post in the infeed direction toward the workpiece. The hydraulic means comprises a source of fluid, a valve for regulating the flow of fluid to determine the direction of movement of the post and a tracing lever articulatingly mounted on the post for actuating the valve in the infeed direction. The tracer lever is provided with first and second arms. A fixed template is located to engage the first arm for determining the operation of the valve for finish cutting. Stop means is arranged in the plane of the infeed movement of the second arm for engagement therewith to operate the valve and limit the movement of the post in the infeed direction during rough cutting.