Abstract: A multi-axis machine tool or the like employing controls for an open loop stepping motor system of two or more axes in which variable frequency feedrate clock pulses are generated to ultimately control the speed of the various stepping motors. The frequency of the feedrate clock pulses is modified in accordance with programmed information; additional information defines the tool path which can either be straight line or circular arc segments and characteristically the feedrate clock pulse generation means increases pulse frequency at the beginning of a segment in such manner as to increase motor speed in accordance with system inertial limitations from a speed below to a speed above the slewing rate of the stepping motors. Thereafter upon sensing a predetermined distance from the end of the segment, pulse frequency is reduced to reduce the stepping motor speed below the slewing rate.