Machine tool for machining panels or similar pieces, comprising: a working plane for providing rest, in use, to at least one panel or one similar piece, said working plane extending according to a second axis (Y, Y') and a first axis (X, X') perpendicular to said second axis (Y, Y'), at least one first outer edge being defined in said working plane ; a gantry placed above the working plane and movable at least according to said first axis (X, X') on said working plane ; operating means mounted on said gantry and configured for coupling in use, in a movable manner, to at least one tool for performing at least one machining on said at least one panel or similar piece; at least one apparatus for housing tools for housing said at least one tool, at least a first substantially straight side and at least a second substantially straight side being defined in said at least one apparatus for housing tools , a plurality of housing members for housing, in use, at least one tool being provided in said at least one first side and said at least one second side , characterized in that said at least one second side is oriented substantially according to said second axis (Y, Y') inside the borders of said working plane and facing towards the gantry ; and moving means for moving at least one housing member between a first position on the at least one first side facing said at least one first outer edge such that said at least one housing member is reachable, in use, by an operator for loading or unloading at least one tool, and a second position facing said operating means for allowing said operating means to take and/or release said at least one tool, wherein said at least one second side is substantially orthogonal to said at least one first side . a working plane for providing rest, in use, to at least one panel or one similar piece, said working plane extending according to a second axis (Y, Y') and a first axis (X, X') perpendicular to said second axis (Y, Y'), at least one first outer edge being defined in said working plane ; a gantry placed above the working plane and movable at least according to said first axis (X, X') on said working plane ; operating means mounted on said gantry and configured for coupling in use, in a movable manner, to at least one tool for performing at least one machining on said at least one panel or similar piece; at least one apparatus for housing tools for housing said at least one tool, at least a first substantially straight side and at least a second substantially straight side being defined in said at least one apparatus for housing tools , a plurality of housing members for housing, in use, at least one tool being provided in said at least one first side and said at least one second side , characterized in that said at least one second side is oriented substantially according to said second axis (Y, Y') inside the borders of said working plane and facing towards the gantry ; and moving means for moving at least one housing member between a first position on the at least one first side facing said at least one first outer edge such that said at least one housing member is reachable, in use, by an operator for loading or unloading at least one tool, and a second position facing said operating means for allowing said operating means to take and/or release said at least one tool, wherein said at least one second side is substantially orthogonal to said at least one first side . <EOS>