PURPOSE: To enhance the workpiece feed capacity of a chain-type workpiece conveyor for a lathe or the like, by providing a conveyance chain with means for moving a workpiece station between a moving line and a service position off the line.

CONSTITUTION: A conveyance chain 3 is provided with straight portions 3a at which a circular indexing table 6 is provided rotatably relative to the body of a workpiece conveyor. When a workpiece station 16 in a position X is moved to a loading position Y and engaged with a station support portion 6a of the indexing table 6, the chain 3 is stopped and the indexing table is moved up and receives the work station 16 from the chain 3. The table 6 is then turned by a prescribed angle and moved down to hand the next work station 16 to the chain 3. The preceding workpiece station 16 moved down with the table 6 is sent to a workpiece service position WS. According to this constitution, interference with a robot hand is prevented, and the workpiece feed capacity of the workpiece conveyor is enhanced.