Abstract: A machine tool comprises a base, a spindle operably associated with the base, a work holder operably associated with the spindle for securing a workpiece to the spindle, and a tailstock operably secured to the base. The tailstock includes a slideway and a tailstock body slidably secured to the slideway. The tailstock body is movable on the slideway between a home position away from the workpiece and a work engaging position. A limit switch and trip members associated with the tailstock, and a hydrulic circuit are provided for controlling the movement of the tailstock body from the home position to an intermediate position prior to the work engaging position at an initial feed rate and from the intermediate position to the work engaging position at a subsequent feed rate where the initial feed rate is greater than the subsequent feed rate.