The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a machine tool, in particular a gear cutting machine, with at least two machine tables, with at least one common counter-support and with at least two counter-bracket arms, wherein the clamping forces are controlled and/or regulated at the respective position in dependence on the current process and in dependence on the process forces necessary according to the current process. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a machine tool, in particular a gear cutting machine.