Profiled workpieces are produced in a machine tool having a toolholder for at least one tool and work carrier for the workpieces, there being means for relative reciprocation of said toolholder and carrier. In the course of the reciprocatory movement the tool produces a profile on the workpiece in the direction of movement of the toolholder. The length of the profile in the stroke direction is greater than the length of the stroke movement. To produce the desired tool length, this is divided, in the direction of the relative movement between tool and workpiece, into at least two portions which are produced separately from one another.