Patent ID: 8839498

Claim:
A machine tool for machining a workpiece having a first end, an opposing second end, and a central axis, wherein a face of the workpiece at said first end is transverse to said central axis, said machine tool comprising: a tool holder for holding a tool; a work table device, the work table device including: a cradle that is pivotably supported, at two opposite ends thereof that are spaced along a cradle pivot axis, for being pivoted about the cradle pivot axis, the cradle having the following mounted thereto to be pivoted about the cradle pivot axis: a work support for engaging and supporting the workpiece on said first end; a work mounting for engaging the workpiece on said second end; and a drive means for rotating the workpiece and work support about a rotational axis of the machine tool that is transverse with respect to the cradle pivot axis; wherein said work support comprises a work rest surface perpendicular to said rotational axis and a central region centered about said rotational axis, which central region is recessed relative to said work rest surface such that said work rest surface surrounds said recessed central region and is configured to support the workpiece on said first end about a marginal region radially spaced from said central axis when said central axis is aligned with said rotational axis; wherein the work support further comprises first means arranged in said recessed central region for aligning the central axis of the workpiece with the rotational axis of the machine tool, which first means engage the first end of the workpiece; and wherein the work mounting further comprises a counter-holder movable in the direction of the rotational axis for applying a contact pressure, acting in the direction of the rotational axis, onto the second end of the workpiece, which counter-holder is mounted to the cradle so as to be pivotable relative to the cradle about an axis that is transverse with respect to the cradle pivot axis between a position wherein the workpiece can be loaded to and unloaded from the work support, and a position wherein the counter-holder applies the contact pressure.