a machine tool for cutting workpieces , the machine tool having a tool slide shiftable on or along a machine tool table as support of a machining unit . the machining unit has at least one work spindle and a workpiece support for receiving the workpieces to be machined . for enabling fast machining including an accurate and rapid positioning of the machining unit with as few linear guidances as possible , the tool slide has a transverse support shiftably guided on or along the machine tool table and also has two cross slides shiftable in its longitudinal direction . the machining unit is jointedly arranged between the cross slides via a coupling mechanism having at least two dimensionally stable swivel arms for axially moving the work spindle .