Numerically controlled automatic lathe

A numerically controlled automatic lathe comprising, in combination:

• a headstock having a rotatable spindle to support a workpiece;
• a plurality of tool holding means movable toward and away from said workpiece;
• numerically controlled first and second drive means;
• a first main cam shaft drivably connected to said first drive means;
• a second main cam shaft drivably connected to said second drive means;
• at least one auxiliary cam shaft drivably connectable to one of said first and second main cam shafts;
• a plurality of master cams having uniform-motion cam lobes and carried on said first, second and auxiliary cam shafts;
• a plurality of connecting means connected to said plurality of tool holding means, respectively;
• first means for selectively providing drive connections between those of said plurality of master cams carried on said first and second main cam shafts and corresponding ones of said connecting means;
• and second means for selectively drivably connecting said auxiliary cam shaft to said one of first and second main cam shafts;
• said first and second means being operative to drivably connect selected ones of said plurality of master cams to corresponding ones of said plurality of tool holding means whereby selected ones of said plurality of tool holding means may be concurrently fed toward said workpiece at given feed rates.