Drive device for machine tools

A drive device for a machine tool, the device comprising in a structure:

• a line of inlet shafts;
• first and second angle takeoffs each having a respective outlet shaft perpendicular to the line of inlet shafts;
• and
• each outlet shaft being coupled to the inlet of a reversible gearbox whose outlet shaft carries a pinion, the two pinions being for meshing with a rack,
• wherein the line of inlet shafts comprises two shafts in alignment that are coupled together end to end by a torque transmission member that is elastically deformable in torsion, said line of input shafts possessing declutchable means for connection in rotation to at least one of the shafts, and
• wherein the other end of said shaft is provided with releasable engagement means enabling it to be turned.