A multispindle lathe is disclosed which has an indexable drum (20) including a plurality of main spindles (26). A secondary spindle (30) opposes the main spindles (26) so that it is coaxial with one of the main spindles (26) at an indexed position. The secondary spindle (30) is rotatable on a fixed axis (32) and can be moved axially towards the main spindle (26). The rotation of the secondary spindle (30) can be synchronized with the rotation of the main spindle (26) so that both spindles (26,30) can hold a workpiece (55). A cut off tool (50) moves transversely to the spindles (26,30) to cut the workpiece (55) from bar stock which has been fed into the main spindle (26). After cut off, the secondary spindle (30) moves away from the main spindle (26) and a secondary tool (44) moves transversely to the secondary spindle (30) to machine the end of the workpiece (55) which has just been cut off. Movement of the secondary tool (44) and secondary spindle (30) can be coordinated to form curves and tapered threads.