Abstract: An endless belt for a belt type polishing machine comprises a support fabric and a polymer layer of relatively low hardness. The polymer layer is formed with drainage grooves. The support fabric may comprise a non woven or woven material, or a membrane with oriented reinforcing yarns. A further version comprises a spiral-link fabric supporting a woven or non woven layer carrying the polymer layer. The polymer layer may be a double layer, the upper of which is either harder or softer than the lower layer.