MICROFINISHING MACHINE

A sizing and finishing machine includes a mechanism for rotating an associat ed workpiece (50) and a first microfinishing belt (16) for selectively contacti ng the associated workpiece (50). The belt (16) has a maximum grit size of 60 microns. A structure is provided for rotatably holding the first microfinishing belt (16) and a housing (42) is provided on which the structu re is mounted. A mechanism moves the first housing (42) and hence the first microfinishing belt (16) toward and away from the associated workpiece (50). The mechanism is timed to the rotation of the associated workpiece (50) to maintain a substantially constant pressure of the first microfinishing belt (16) on the associated workpiece (50). If desired, a second microfinishing belt (16) can be provided with the two housings (42) and their respective belts (16) being separately controlled. The force exerted by the microfinishing belt (16) on the associated workpiece (50) is limited to a pressure of less than approximately 25 psi.