A bar stock feeder and support mechanism for an automated machining center having a control system and a method for operation thereof. A work positioning structure is removably mounted to a work support and positioning table of an automated machining center and has a bar feeder top plate. Mechanized machine controlled pneumatic bar stock chucks on the bar feeder top plate have bar stock gripping collets which are closed and opened by the control system of the automated machining center for selectively gripping the bar stock during machining and selectively releasing the bar stock to permit its movement by a bar puller which raises the bar stock to a programmed height. A control umbilical cable is connected with the control system of the automated machining center and has controlling connection with each of the bar stock chucks. During operation of the machining center machining is performed serially on each bar stock, thus enhancing the productivity of the machining center.