Abstract: An improved drive and support for a machine tool by which a part thereof can be supported and driven along a linear path for machining. The drive and support includes a linear slideway having a magnetic track along which a housing will move when a moving magnetic field is generated in an electromagnetic assembly mounted in the housing. The direction the housing moves depends upon the direction of movement of the generated magnetic field, and first hydrostatic bearing pads acting between the housing and the slideway, or between the electromagnetic assembly and the track or any combination thereof, to counteract the attractive force between the electromagnet and the track.