Machine tool machining method

A machining method for a complex machine tool having a frame, first and second spindle stocks provided on said frame so as to face each other, first and second workpiece spindles rotatably supported by respective said spindle stocks, and workpiece holding means on each said workpiece spindle, said method comprising:

• providing said first and second spindle stocks on said frame such that at least one of said spindle stocks is drivable and movable relative to the other only in the direction of a central axis of said workpiece spindles;
• providing first and second tool rests on said frame on one side of said central axis such that each said tool rest corresponds to a respective workpiece spindle, and such that each said tool rest is free to be driven and moved in at least a direction perpendicular to said direction of said central axis of said first and second workpiece spindles;
• providing tool holding means on each of said first and said second tool rests free to be driven and rotated on an axis parallel to said direction of said central axis of said first and second workpieces;
• providing a plurality of tool on each of said tool holding means, whereby said tools are free to be selectively positioned facing their respective corresponding workpiece spindle;
• holding a workpiece with a said workpiece holding means;
• performing a first machining on said workpiece with one of said plurality of tools on one of said tool holding means;
• moving said second spindle stock relative to said first spindle stock a predetermined distance and holding said workpiece between said first and second workpiece spindles;
• releasing the holding relation between said first workpiece spindle and said workpiece such that said workpiece is held by said second workpiece spindle;
• pulling said workpiece a predetermined length out of said first workpiece spindle by relative movement of said second workpiece spindle away from said first workpiece spindle a distance equal to said predetermined length, and holding said workpiece with and between said first and second workpiece spindles after said workpiece has been pulled out;
• rotating said first and second workpiece spindles at the same rotational speed and cutting off a portion of said workpiece held by said second workpiece spindle from the remainder of said workpiece;
• relatively moving said second spindle stock, together with said portion of said workpiece, to a position a predetermined distance away from said first spindle stock;
• and
• performing said first machining on said remainder of said workpiece held by said first workpiece spindle and performing a second machining on said portion held by said second workpiece spindle.