A machine tool for machining a workpiece with a tool moved relative to the workpiece is provided with a bed (13) providing a base, a column (15) vertically mounted on the bed (13), and a carriage (27) having supporting columns (27a and 27b), disposed on either side thereof, for oscillatably supporting a table (35), the carriage being oriented so that one (27b) of the supporting columns (27a and 27b) is positioned adjacent the column (15) and the other (27a) of the supporting columns is positioned away from the column (15).