The invention describes an automatic stop device (1), that can be positioned by means of a control and regulating device of a bending press, in particular an edging press, for positioning a workpiece (6) to be shaped by bending deformation between bending tools (4, 5) arranged opposite one another in a table bar (2) and a bending bar (3) adjustable in relation to the latter. It comprises a stop support slide (13) and a stop support (14) on the latter projecting substantially in perpendicular direction to a bending plane (8) formed by the bending tools (4, 5) and a stop element (15) which forms a finger section and is adjustable in a guiding arrangement (16) running perpendicular to the bending plane (8) relative to the stop support (14) between a position of rest facing the bending plane (8) and a stop position spaced apart from the latter against the effect of a spring arrangement (21). A controllable, switchable retaining device (31) is provided in order to oppose an increased adjusting resistance in the case of a stop movement of the stop element (15).