Abstract: A grinding apparatus comprises a table having a first bearing surface; a chuck mounted on the table for rotation about a chuck axis and provided with means for holding a workpiece, the chuck having on its underside a second bearing surface, such that when the chuck is stationary, the second bearing surface rests on the first bearing surface; a grinding head having a least one grinding surface capable of grinding a workpiece mounted on the table, the grinding head being mounted for rotation about a head axis substantially parallel to the chuck axis; and transport means for moving the chuck relative to the grinding head in both directions along a transport axis substantially perpendicular to both the chuck axis and the head axis.