Abstract: A work support and drive chuck for slender, elongate work parts which are to be moved in a transfer line in a direction transverse to their axis in a lift and carry motion, for example, from one work station to the next for various machining or grinding operations. The chuck and center are retractable to a work clearance position and them movable to engage the center and to swallow a good portion of the part in a chuck support which grips the part at or near the center to support the part in areas where machining pressure will be applied. The chucks can be positioned at the part locating stations so that each end of a part can be properly machined but at different stations along the transfer line.