In this paper, a constant speed control of slider-crank mechanisms for machine tools is proposed. A joint-task space hybrid controller based on a second-order sliding mode control and time-base generator was used to guarantee a constant speed trajectory tracking and a complete turn of the mechanism crank. A switching criterion was implemented in order to avoid the singularities located at the two extreme positions of the slider stroke. A trapezoidal speed profile with parabolic blends was designed directly over task space slider trajectory considering a constant cutting speed, the workpiece dimensions and the slider stroke length. Stability of the second-order sliding mode control was validated with the Lyapunov stability theory. Simulations were carried out to verify this approach.INDEX TERMS Slider-crank mechanism, singularity points, sliding mode control, time-based generator, constant cutting speed, switching criterion.