Abstract: The invention comprises an automatic lathe apparatus adapted to be programmed for automatically cutting work pieces into contours with a pair of radial saw blades. The apparatus has an elongated frame with a center drive mechanism movably mounted on the frame intermediate the ends of the frame to accommodate variable length work pieces. The center drive mechanism provides opposing drive spindles independently driven to engage a pair of work pieces at one of their ends and drive them thereby. A pair of tail stock spindles are movably mounted and adjustable at the ends of the frame and have air operated cylinders to drive the spindles into engagement with the other ends of the work pieces. A screw operated platform is power driven by a screw to drive longitudinally along the length of the frame.