A machine tool for metal cutting having a collecting system for chips and liquids. Disposed below the work area is a pan having a transverse groove, a chip conveyor disposed in the transverse groove, a spiral-shaped conveyor element, a liquid collector on one side wall of the pan and a chip outlet disposed on the other side wall of the pan on the outlet end of the chip conveyor. To enhance the separation of liquids even when a large amount of chips is produced, an elongated screen element is disposed in the inner cavity of the spiral-shaped conveyor element, the screen element extending over at least part of the length of the conveyor element and terminating at the liquid collector.