Numerically controlled machine tool

Claim 1

A numerically controlled lathe comprising a control means including an operation panel having key switch means arranged thereon, said key switch means inputting data on the finished shape and finished dimensions of a workpiece and on the machining conditions thereof including spindle rpm and feed rate, said control means, on receiving said input data, automatically preparing a machining program; a tool rest means, movable longitudinally and transversely in the lathe with respect to a reference point in the lathe, tool rest arrival detecting means for turning on when said tool rest arrives at predetermined positions located longitudinally and transversely in the lathe and at the same time emitting signals indicating the arrival, and tool rest position detecting means for emitting a series of equispaced signals in accordance with the longitudinal or transverse movement of said tool rest, wherein said machining reference point corresponds to the position of said tool rest when said tool rest position detecting means emits a signal for the first time after said tool rest arrival detecting means has been turned on, said control means controlling the amount and direction of movement of said tool rest means, thereby controlling the lathe to automatically process a workpiece to a desired shape, wherein said control means includes indicating means for indicating in conversational language, the kinds and sequence of numerical values to be inputted into and control means, and said key switch means includes function keys for designating a shape to be machined, and numerical keys for inputting specific numerical values in accordance with the output of said indicating means.