A machining unit for a machine tool includes a carrier head base, which on its rear side includes a carriage. The carriage can be coupled to axis guides and is longitudinally displaceable. The machining unit further includes a spindle carrier head held pivotably on the carrier head base. The spindle carrier head has a spindle with a tool holder. The carrier head base is provided with a damping unit. The disclosed machining unit provides increased precision of a machine tool. The machining unit may be incorporated in a machine tool.