A machine tool for machining operations, particularly turning operations, is described and comprises a piece-holding apparatus including at least one mandrel (9) for supporting the piece (P) to be machined, the mandrel being driven so as to rotate about its own axis (C), at least one tool-holder slide (2) guided movably relative to the mandrel (9) for the machining of the piece, and at least one manipulator device (10) provided on the slide (2), for moving the pieces to be machined from a loading station to the mandrel (9) and moving the machined pieces from the mandrel to an unloading station. The manipulator device comprises at least a pair of manipulator members (13, 14) provided on a common support (12) which is mounted on the tool-holder slide (2) so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (X1) arranged parallel to the rotation axis (C) of the mandrel.