Machine with independently movable tools

A machine (10) and a method for operating on a workpiece (14). The machine (10) has first and second groups of carriages, each respectively including first and second tools (696, 698) configured and dimensioned for operating on the workpiece (14). One of the carriages (684, 688) in each group is driven along a first circuit (618), and the other (686, 690) in each group is driven along a second circuit (618). The carriages (684, 686) of the first group are driven to a position relative to each other with the first tools (696, 698) in operational association with a first portion of the workpiece (14). The carriages (688, 690) of the second group are driven to a position relative to each other with the second tools (696, 698) in operational association with a second portion of the workpiece (14). The first and second groups of carriages are driven independently from each other along the circuits (618).