Abstract: The invention concerns a machine tool which, in spite of the possibility of being simple and inexpensive to produce, permits a highly variable design configuration and fitment of the machine tool with machine modules and moreover in spite of good chip removal permits a simple energy supply with little susceptibility to trouble, in particular for the lower machine modules. A machine tool according to the invention comprising a bed on which are arranged guides for carrying machine modules is characterized in that the bed is a portal bed which is stood up on at least one bed foot.

Abstract: A gearing system for a lathe is shiftable from a first position, in which conical gear wheels (16, 25, 26, 36) engage each other with play, to a second position, in which the wheels engage each other without play. Reduced wear is achieved in the first position. High precision is achieved in the second position. Preferably, the system also has parallel-toothed gear wheels (15, 24, 35) which are engaged when the conical gear wheels are disengaged.