A feed-shaft moving method and an apparatus therefor capable of reducing time necessary for non-cutting motions. In a section (2) and a section (5), a immediately preceding path is connected with a rapid traverse by a rapid traverse motion path having a curve continuous with the immediately preceding path. At that time the movement is accelerated up to a rapid traverse speed while passing the curve. In the section (2), the path is connected with the next path by a rapid traverse path having a curve continuous with the next movement. At that time the movement is decelerated down to the next moving speed while passing the curve. As a result, the rapid traverse motion of the feed shaft can be completed in a minimum time with unnecessary interruption and giving no impact to the machine.