Abstract:
A machine tool comprising a machine element including a feed screw, means for displacing the machine element including a first stepping motor including a drive shaft, a second stepping motor including a drive shaft, means for interconnecting the drive shafts and the feed screw having means for rotating the feed screw in a first direction at a rate directly related to the combined rates of rotation of the drive shafts when the drive shafts rotate in a first direction, and means for rotating the feed screw in the first direction at a rate directly related to the difference between the rates of rotation of the drive shafts when one of the drive shafts is rotated in the first direction at a first rate and the second of the drive shafts is rotated in a second reverse direction at a second rate less than the first rate, means for selectively rotating the first and second stepping motors in the first direction to advance the machine element at a first rate, and means for selectively rotating the first stepping motor in the first direction at the first rate and for selectively rotating the second stepping motor in the second direction at the second rate to advance the machine element at a second slower feed rate.