Abstract: An NC machine tool control method and apparatus controls an NC machine tool by a pulse synchronized with a revolution of a main spindle in a machining mode where a normal machining is performed in which a manually operated handle is rotated to generate a pulse of a selective speed in a test machining mode where a test machining is performed, in place of the pulse synchronized with a revolution of the main spindle, whereby the NC machine tool is controlled by the pulse generated by the manually operated handle. A test machining can be performed at a machining speed selectively controlled by changing a rotational speed of the manually operated handle. A sequence of machining steps can be selectively reversed by changing a rotational direction of the manually operated handle. Thus the NC machine tool is allowed to perform a test machining at a machining speed and in a sequence of machining steps freely selected by changing a rotational speed and a rotational direction of the manually operated handle.