The machine tool 1 for machining a hole 3a of a desired size in a workpiece 3, includes: a main shaft 30 holding a tool 2; a spindle unit 40 including a spindle 41 which holds the shaft 30 rotatably on the axis r of rotation, and a housing 42 which covers the periphery of the spindle 41; a drive unit 50 for holding the unit 40 tiltably with respect to the workpiece 3 held by a holder 20, and for moving the unit 40 relative to the workpiece 3; a mount 70 extending from the housing 42 toward the periphery of the shaft 30; and a control section 90 which, based on the results of measurement by distance measurement sensors 82 held by the mount 70, controls the unit 50 so as to correct the inclination of the shaft 30 with respect to the workpiece 3.

A fabrication apparatus and system for facilitating three dimensional motion of an object within the system. The apparatus and system utilizing a delta style manipulation system having a plurality of guide rails and corresponding gliders. The guide rails having an extended axial body having rigid side wall with a hollow interior cavity. The guide rail further including a key or slot extending through the side wall, the key or slot being parallel to a main central axis of each guide rail. A corresponding glider is provided for each guide rail, each glider having an exterior portion and an interior portion, wherein the exterior portion substantially encompasses the guide rail about an outer surface, and the interior portion being coupled to a driving mechanism which facilitates axial motion of the glider about the guide rail.

A method for performing operations on a structure. A moveable platform may be positioned in an area relative to the structure to define a working envelope. The moveable platform may be connected to a tool that may be moved around a plurality of axes within the working envelope using the moveable platform. The tool may be moved to a plurality of locations within the working envelope using the moveable platform. An operation may be performed with the tool through the working envelope at each of the plurality of locations using the moveable platform.